Decades in power: African countries with the oldest presidents
Africa
By
Ronald Kipruto
| Oct 31, 2025
Presidents Paul Biya, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Emmerson Mnangagwa. [Courtesy]
The re-election of 92-year-old Paul Biya this October for an eighth term as Cameroon’s president has reignited debate over presidential age limits in Africa.
Biya, now the world’s oldest sitting president, has led the Central African nation of 30 million people since 1982. His rule has been marked by centralised governance and constitutional changes that extended his stay in power.
Biya previously served as prime minister under President Ahmadou Ahidjo from 1975 until assuming office in 1982.
The Standard revisits profiles of Africa’s oldest serving presidents, some of whom have held power for decades, as concerns grow over entrenched leadership across the continent.
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Jean-Lucien Savi de Tove, Togo (86)
Jean-Lucien Savi de Tove was elected president this year after Togo shifted to a parliamentary system, becoming the country’s fifth president.
The constitutional overhaul allowed former president Faure Gnassingbé to remain head of government, extending a family dynasty that began when his father seized power in a 1967 coup. Savi de Tové was born on May 7, 1939, in Lomé.
Peter Mutharika, Malawi (85)
Peter Mutharika, a lawyer and politician, returned to the presidency on October 4, 2025, at the age of 85.
He previously led Malawi from 2014 to 2020.
Born on July 18, 1940, in Thyolo, Mutharika presides over a country of 22.2 million grappling with climate shocks, deepening poverty, and calls for economic and governance reforms.
Nangolo Mbumba, Namibia (84)
Nangolo Mbumba became president in February 2024 following the death of Hage Geingob, making him Namibia’s fourth Head of State.
Born on August 15, 1941, in Olukonda, Mbumba served as vice president from 2018 until assuming office.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Equatorial Guinea (83)
Teodoro Obiang, in power since 1982, is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.
A former military officer, he chaired the Supreme Military Council from 1979 to 1982 before taking the presidency.
Obiang was born on June 5, 1942, in Acoacán.
Alassane Dramane Ouattara, Côte d’Ivoire (83)
President Alassane Ouattara has led Côte d’Ivoire since 2010.
An economist by training, he was born in January 1942 in Dimbokro.
Emmerson Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe (83)
Emmerson Mnangagwa has ruled Zimbabwe since 2017, succeeding Robert Mugabe.
Born on September 15, 1942, in Zvishavane, Mnangagwa leads a nation of 17 million grappling with hyperinflation and allegations of repression.
Efforts by his allies to push for a third term, beyond constitutional limits, have faced public resistance and sparked protests.
Denis Sassou-Nguesso, Republic of the Congo (81)
Denis Sassou-Nguesso, one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents, returned to power in 1997 after previously ruling from 1979 to 1992.
The former military officer, born on November 23, 1943, in Edou, has led the country through various political eras and continues to dominate Congolese politics.
Yoweri Museveni, Uganda (81)
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has governed Uganda since 1986, making him one of the world’s longest-serving non-royal leaders.
Born on August 15, 1944, in Ntungamo, Museveni, once hailed as a reformer, now faces criticism for authoritarianism and crackdowns on opposition.
Uganda’s population stands at about 51 million.
Joseph Boakai, Liberia (80)
Joseph Boakai became Liberia’s 26th president in 2024 after serving as vice president from 2006 to 2018 under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
He was born on November 30, 1944, in Foya.
Boakai also served as agriculture minister from 1983 to 1985.