Business Insider Africa has published a ranking in which five African leaders stand out due to their advanced age, being in office beyond the age of 76. Cameroonian President Paul Biya, aged 90, tops this ranking and is also the world’s oldest leader.
Indeed, this ranking highlights not only the diversity of political perspectives in Africa but also the persistence of a generation of experienced leaders who continue to play a significant role on the global political stage.
1-Paul Biya, Cameroon, 90 years old: For nearly forty years, the name of Paul Biya has been closely associated with the presidency of Cameroon. He was born on February 13, 1933, and became President on November 6, 1982. He is considered the dean of non-royal national leaders and is currently the oldest head of state in the world due to his exceptional longevity in power.
2-Alassane Ouattara, Côte d’Ivoire, 81 years old: Since 2011, Alassane Ouattara, born on January 1, 1942, has been the President of Côte d’Ivoire. He has gained extensive political and administrative experience as the country’s Prime Minister before becoming President.
3-Teodoro Nguema Mbasogo, Equatorial Guinea, 81 years old: Since August 1979, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, born on June 5, 1942, has been the most influential leader in Equatorial Guinea. He is not only one of Africa’s oldest leaders but also one of the non-royal national Presidents who have held their positions for the longest period in history.
4-Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe, 80 years old: Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is a Zimbabwean politician born on September 15, 1942, who took power on November 24, 2017. He represents a generational transition, taking over from Robert Mugabe after a coup and running for a new presidential term in August 2023.
5-Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana, 79 years old: On December 7, 2017, Nana Akufo-Addo, born on March 29, 1944, assumed office as President of Ghana. His political career has been marked by three terms as a Member of Parliament between 1996 and 2008, as well as his position as Minister of Foreign Affairs during successful peace missions conducted by ECOWAS in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Guinea-Bissau.
