Top 10 Oldest Presidents in Africa 2024

Africa is not only a continent rich in culture and resources but also one known for its oldest ruling presidents.

These presidents have not only witnessed but shaped the political evolution of their respective countries over many years. 

Here’s an extended look at the top 10 oldest presidents in Africa:

1. Paul Biya, 91, Cameroon

Paul Biya stands as Africa’s oldest president. Ascending to power in 1982, Biya has maintained his position through successive re-elections. His presidency began when his predecessor, President Ahidjo, resigned unexpectedly in 1982, paving the way for Biya to assume office based on constitutional succession. Over the decades, Biya’s leadership has seen Cameroon navigate both stability and challenges.

2. Alassane Dramane Ouattara, 82, Ivory Coast

Serving as the Ivory Coast’s president for over a decade, Ouattara first took office in 2010. His political journey has been marked by controversies, especially surrounding his third-term candidacy, which was permitted by a constitutional court ruling that his first term didn’t count under the new constitution. 

3. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, 81, Equatorial Guinea

Obiang Nguema has been the president of Equatorial Guinea since 1979, making him one of the longest-serving leaders not just in Africa, but globally. His tenure began after a coup, replacing the then-president, his uncle, and has since been characterised by his tight grip on power in this small, oil-rich nation.

4. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, 81, Zimbabwe

Mnangagwa became the president of Zimbabwe in 2017 following the ousting of Robert Mugabe, under whom he had served as vice president. His rise to power marked a political shift in Zimbabwe, promising a departure from the Mugabe era. 

5. Nana Akufo-Addo, 80, Ghana

Taking office in 2017, Nana Akufo-Addo has had a long-standing involvement in Ghana’s political scene, including roles as attorney general and foreign affairs minister in earlier administrations 

6.Denis Sassou Nguesso, 80, Republic of Congo

Nguesso has been a prominent figure in Congolese politics, serving as president for over three decades across two separate terms.

7. Yoweri Museveni, 79, Uganda

Museveni has been at the forefront of Ugandan politics since 1986, praised for bringing stability but criticized for his lengthy rule.

8. Isaias Afwerki, 78, Eritrea

Afwerki has led Eritrea since its independence in 1993, steering the country through various regional conflicts and internal policies.

9.Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 78, Algeria

Elected amid political protests, Tebboune’s presidency is tasked with steering Algeria through reform and economic challenges.

10.Ismail Omar Guelleh, 77, Djibouti

President since 1999, Guelleh’s leadership has seen Djibouti grow into a strategic hub in the Horn of Africa, enhancing its international trade and security roles. His presidency has focused on economic development and policy reforms aimed at improving the nation’s prosperity and stability.