Africa's Aging Leadership Crisis: Elderly Presidents Rule the World's Youngest Continent

Cameroonian President Paul Biya, at 92 years old, is pursuing an eighth term in office, exemplifying a significant generational disconnect across the African continent.

The presidents of Cameroon and Ivory Coast, aged 92 and 83 respectively, are each seeking to extend their decades-long rule. This situation reflects a widespread pattern across Africa where some of the world's oldest leaders govern populations with predominantly young demographics, often triggering demands for political change and greater accountability from "Gen Z" youth.

Here are key facts about some of Africa's most senior heads of state:

Paul Biya of Cameroon, at 92, has governed since 1982, making him the longest-serving non-royal head of state globally. His leadership has featured centralized power and constitutional amendments that have extended his tenure. Following the October 12 presidential election, Biya may soon be declared victor, despite opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma's claim of victory and warnings about potential unrest in this nation of 30 million where the median age is just 19.

Jean-Lucien Savi de Tove of Togo, 86, assumed the presidency in May under a constitutional restructuring to a parliamentary system, becoming Togo's oldest president. This restructuring has allowed former president Faure Gnassingbe to maintain governmental leadership, extending a dynastic rule that began when his father seized power in 1967. Togo, a phosphate producer with nearly 10 million citizens, has a median population age of 19.9 years.

Peter Mutharika of Malawi, 85, reclaimed power in October 2025 after a remarkable political resurgence. Malawi's 22.2 million people, with a median age of 18.8 years, face significant poverty and climate challenges, fueling growing calls for economic revitalization and governance reforms.

Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast, 83, has led the country since 2010, guiding post-conflict recovery efforts and economic growth. His controversial pursuit of a fourth term in the October 25 election has been preceded by protest restrictions and opposition suppression. Ivory Coast's population of 33 million has a median age of just 18.3.

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, 83, has ruled since 1979, making him the world's longest-serving president. His tenure has coincided with an oil boom that has now peaked, and he has faced accusations of corruption and human rights violations, which he denies. As petroleum revenues decline, Equatorial Guinea's economy is contracting. The country's nearly 2 million residents have a median age of 22.

Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, 83, assumed power in 2017 following Robert Mugabe's ouster. He has presided over economic instability, hyperinflation, and alleged repression, which he refutes. Efforts by his supporters to secure a constitutionally prohibited third term have ignited protests in this nation of 17 million, where the median age is 18.

Denis Sassou Nguesso of Republic of Congo, 81, has dominated Congolese politics since 1979, except during a 1992-97 civil war period. His leadership has been characterized by constitutional amendments and contested elections, allegations he dismisses. This oil-and-gas-producing country has 6.5 million citizens with a median age of 19.5.

Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, 81, has governed since 1986, initially bringing stability but later becoming associated with authoritarian governance and opposition suppression. Uganda's population approaches 51 million, with an extraordinarily young median age of just 17.

Joseph Boakai of Liberia, 80, became president of this post-civil war nation in January 2024 after defeating former football star and incumbent George Weah. Liberia's 5.7 million people have a median age of 19.2.

Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria, 79, has led the country since 2019, emphasizing anti-corruption initiatives and economic diversification beyond fossil fuels. Critics contend he has failed to deliver promised democratic reforms. Algeria's 47 million citizens have a median age of 29.

Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, 77, has governed the country's 1 million residents since 1999, leveraging its strategic location to attract foreign military installations and investment. Despite economic progress, his administration faces criticism for restricting political freedoms. Djibouti's median age is 26.

Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, 73, became president in May 2023, promising economic reforms and anti-corruption measures. Inflation and security challenges continue to plague Africa's most populous nation, where the median age among the 234 million inhabitants is merely 18.