Across Africa, a notable pattern emerges: some of the continent’s most senior leaders remain in power within nations where the majority of citizens are strikingly young. This contrast often ignites calls from younger demographics, particularly Generation Z, for political change and greater governmental transparency. Among these veteran leaders are the presidents of Cameroon and Ivory Coast, aged 92 and 83 respectively, both seeking to prolong their extensive tenures.
Presented below is a detailed look at some of Africa’s eldest presidents alongside demographic insights that reveal the median ages of their countries’ populations.
Paul Biya – Cameroon (92 years old)
At the helm since 1982, Paul Biya holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest non-royal head of state. His leadership is characterized by a consolidation of authority and constitutional amendments designed to extend his rule. Despite opposition figures like Issa Tchiroma claiming electoral victory and warning of unrest, Biya is expected to secure another term in the October 12 elections. Cameroon’s population of 30 million is predominantly youthful, with a median age of just 19 years.
Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové – Togo (86 years old)
Following a shift to a parliamentary system, Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové became Togo’s oldest president in May. This political change enabled former president Faure Gnassingbe to maintain significant influence, continuing a family legacy initiated by his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who seized power in a 1967 coup. Togo, known for its phosphate resources, has nearly 10 million residents with a median age of 19.9 years.
Peter Mutharika – Malawi (85 years old)
Peter Mutharika made a political comeback in October 2025, reclaiming leadership of Malawi. The country, home to 22.2 million people with a median age of 18.8 years, continues to face challenges such as widespread poverty and the impacts of climate change, fueling demands for economic progress and improved governance.
Alassane Ouattara – Ivory Coast (83 years old)
Since 2010, Alassane Ouattara has guided Ivory Coast through post-conflict recovery and economic expansion. His contentious pursuit of a fourth term in the October 25 elections has been met with bans on protests, arrests, and the marginalization of opposition leaders. The nation’s 33 million inhabitants have a median age of 18.3 years.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo – Equatorial Guinea (83 years old)
Obiang, the world’s longest-serving president since 1979, oversaw an oil boom that has since diminished. His administration faces ongoing accusations of corruption and human rights violations, which he denies. With oil revenues declining, Equatorial Guinea’s economy is contracting. The country’s population of nearly 2 million has a median age of 22 years.
Emmerson Mnangagwa – Zimbabwe (83 years old)
Assuming office in 2017 after Robert Mugabe’s ousting, Mnangagwa’s tenure has been marked by economic instability, hyperinflation, and allegations of political repression, all of which he disputes. Efforts by his supporters to secure a third term beyond constitutional limits have sparked protests in Zimbabwe, a nation of 17 million with a median age of 18 years.
Denis Sassou Nguesso – Republic of Congo (81 years old)
Dominating Congolese politics since 1979, except during the civil war from 1992 to 1997, Sassou Nguesso’s rule includes constitutional changes and disputed elections, which he denies were fraudulent. The oil and gas-rich Republic of Congo has 6.5 million residents with a median age of 19.5 years.
Yoweri Museveni – Uganda (81 years old)
In power since 1986, Museveni initially brought stability to Uganda but has increasingly been linked to authoritarian practices and the suppression of opposition voices. Uganda’s population is approximately 51 million, with a notably young median age of 17 years.
Joseph Boakai – Liberia (80 years old)
Joseph Boakai took office in January 2024 after defeating incumbent George Weah, a former professional footballer. Liberia, still healing from civil conflict, has a population of 5.7 million and a median age of 19.2 years.
Abdelmadjid Tebboune – Algeria (79 years old)
Since 2019, Tebboune has led Algeria with an emphasis on fighting corruption and diversifying the economy beyond oil and gas. Critics argue that democratic reforms remain superficial, with power concentrated among a select elite. Algeria’s 47 million people have a median age of 29 years.
Ismail Omar Guelleh – Djibouti (77 years old)
Guelleh has governed Djibouti since 1999, leveraging the country’s strategic position to attract foreign military bases and investments. Despite economic progress, his administration faces criticism for limiting political freedoms. Djibouti’s population of 1 million has a median age of 26 years.
Bola Tinubu – Nigeria (73 years old)
Assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has pledged to implement economic reforms and combat corruption. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with 234 million people, grapples with inflation and security issues. The median age remains youthful at 18 years.