Top 10 Oldest Senate Presidents in Africa

The International Parliamentary Union (IPU) has shared new information about the oldest Senate presidents in Africa. These senators are very experienced in politics and play important roles in their respective countries.

Senators help keep politics stable in their countries and use their vast experience in guiding political developments across Africa.

Here’s a look at the ten oldest current Senate leaders in Africa:

Marcel Niat Njifenji – Cameroon (91 years old) 

Marcel Niat Njifenji, at 91, is the oldest Senate president in Africa. As the leader of Cameroon’s Senate since 2013, he has been an important figure in the country’s legislative processes.

Paulette Missambo – Gabon (76 years old) 

Paulette Missambo, leading Gabon’s Transitional Senate at 76, has a long history in public administration and political activism. She is also one of the few women leading a parliamentary body in Africa.

Pierre Ngolo – Republic of the Congo (71 years old) 

At 71, Pierre Ngolo, with a history in various governmental roles, continues to be a significant influence in Congo’s legislative affairs.

María Teresa Efua Asangono – Equatorial Guinea (68 years old) 

María Teresa Efua Asangono is the first woman to preside over the Senate in Equatorial Guinea, representing progress in gender representation at 68 years old.

Mabel M. Chinomona – Zimbabwe (67 years old) 

Mabel Chinomona, 67, is the President of Zimbabwe’s Senate, focusing on unity and institutional reform with her background in education and grassroots politics.

Richard Ravalomanana – Madagascar (66 years old) 

Richard Ravalomanana, at 66, plays a key role in promoting democratic governance as the President of Madagascar’s Senate.

Kandia Kamissoko Camara – Côte d’Ivoire (66 years old) 

Kandia Camara, also 66, is the first woman to lead the Ivorian Senate, known for her extensive background in education and diplomacy.

François-Xavier Kalinda – Rwanda (63 years old) 

At 63, François-Xavier Kalinda leads Rwanda’s Senate, focusing on unity, justice, and sustainable development in a post-genocide era.

Godswill Akpabio – Nigeria (63 years old) 

Godswill Akpabio, a former governor and minister, brings extensive political experience to his role as Senate President in Nigeria at 63.

Lindiwe Dlamini – Eswatini (60 years old) 

Lindiwe Dlamini, at 60, heads Eswatini’s Senate, blending modern political systems with the kingdom’s cultural heritage.