10 Best Living Presidents in Africa 

Presidents in Africa have played a crucial role in shaping the future of a continent steeped in history and tradition. 

From fighting for independence to improving infrastructure and promoting education, African presidents have made a significant impact on their nations and the world.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 best presidents in Africa, examining their achievements and contributions to their respective countries and the continent as a whole. Let’s get started:

Joaquim Chissano – Mozambique

Joaquim Chissano, who served as Mozambique’s president from 1986 to 2005, is credited with transforming the war-torn country of Mozambique into a successful African democracy. One unique thing that Chissano did as president was his approach to national reconciliation, which emphasised forgiveness and dialogue between the government and rebel forces.

Chissano recognised that the only way to end the devastating conflict that had plagued Mozambique since its independence from Portugal in 1975 was through negotiation and compromise. He reached out to the leaders of the rebel group Renamo and invited them to participate in the political process. This led to a peace agreement in 1992, which formally ended the war and paved the way for democratic elections.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf – Liberia

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf served as the 24th president of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. She was the first elected female head of state in Africa. Her administration issued an Executive Order making education free and compulsory for all elementary school-aged children. She also signed a Freedom of Information bill into law, the first legislation of its kind in West Africa. From the beginning of her presidency, Sirleaf vowed to make a reduction of the national debt, which stood at approximately $4.9 billion in 2006, a top priority for her administration. True to her promise, The United States became the first country to grant debt relief to Liberia, waiving the full $391 million owed to it by Liberia in early 2007.

Paul Kagame – Rwanda 

Paul Kagame has been president of Rwanda since 2000, and he is widely recognized for his efforts to rebuild and transform the country after the 1994 genocide. He is known to have introduced approaches and frameworks that don’t require individuals to operate. Reports say institutions of Rwanda were built from the ground up, and it took several years for them to fully function. Under his leadership, Rwanda has become a model for other African nations. Kagame has also been a strong advocate for regional integration and African unity.

Prithvirajsing Roopun – Mauritus

As President of Mauritius, Roopun has led the country into outperforming its competitors in every category. Taking over after the catastrophic administration of Ameenah Gurib, President Roopun has rebranded Mauritius and positioned it as the top tourist destination in Africa. The country has been described as the best and most effective African nation in the very moderate category of the Human Development Index. Roopun’s government provides free basic healthcare, free education up to the university level, and free public transportation to students, retirees, and people with disabilities

Nana Akufo-Addo -Ghana 

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was recognised as Africa’s best president by Leaders of Today, a Canadian-based group. Under his administration, the rate of inflation was reduced from 15.4% in 2016 to 104% in 2021. Reports say Ghana’s GIR increased from $6.1 billion in 2016 to $8.6 billion in 2020.

Alassane Ouattara -Cote d’Ivoire

Alassane Ouattara has been president of Cote d’Ivoire since 2010, and he has played a key role in stabilizing the country following a decade of political and social unrest. Under his leadership, Cote d’Ivoire has made significant progress in economic development, and the country has become one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. Ouattara sacked his government in a row over a new marriage law that would make wives joint heads of the household. 

Mokgweetsi Masisi -Botswana

Mokgweetsi is the President of Botswana, a country ranked as the second-least corrupt country in Africa. According to BBC, it is also one of the most stable countries on the continent. Despite criticisms that Masisi’s rule undermines democracy, his country is among the richest countries in Africa, with a GDP of approximately $7,000 per person. 

Samia Suluhu -Tanzania 

Samia Suluhu took over from John Magufuli as Tanzania’s president in 2021. She is celebrated for improving the level of security in her country. According to World Population Review, Tanzania moved up to the seventh-safest country in Africa. Suluhuhas empowered thousands of young girls.

Macky Sall – Senegal

Macky Sall has been president of Senegal since 2012. Assuming office, he prioritised securing peace in the Casamance region. He supported proposed constitutional reforms that would limit any president to two consecutive terms in office, and reduce the term of office from seven years to five, in accordance with his promise at the 2012 election. He was elected as chairperson of the African Union in 2022.

Alpha Conde – Guinea

Alpha Conde, who served as Guinea’s president from 2010 to 2021, is known for his efforts to promote democracy and good governance in the country. He became the first freely elected president in the country’s history. Critics say he is one of the politicians who worked for over 40 years for democracy in Guinea.