Africa’s political landscape has witnessed a notable shift in recent years with the emergence of young leaders, exemplified by the emergence of Bassirou Diomaye Faye as Senegalese president-elect.
Traditionally, African presidents have been elder statesmen entrenched in power for extended periods.
However, a new generation of young leaders is challenging the status quo by injecting fresh ideas, energy, and ambition into governance.
Coups in Africa, particularly in West Africa, have also played a role in elevating young leaders to power.
The rise of young leaders in Africa signifies a transformative moment in the continent’s history, ushering in a more dynamic and inclusive political landscape.
Below are some of the youngest presidents and heads of state in Africa, all under the age of 50.
Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso (Age 36)
Traore emerged as the leader of Burkina Faso in September 2022, following a coup that ousted interim president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba.
Mahamat Deby, Chad (Age 39)
Mahamat emerged as Chad’s transitional president in 2021 following the death of his father, former President Idriss Déby.
Colonel Assimi Goïta, Mali (Age 41)
Goita has been the head of state and interim president of Mali since May 2021, when he led the National Committee for the Salvation of the People to take power from former President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in the 2020 Malian coup.
Mamady Doumbouya, Guinea (Age 44)
The military commander has been Guinean interim president since October 2021, after he staged a coup that deposed the former president, Alpha Condé, in September 2021.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal (Age 44)
Faye has been elected as the president of Senegal in the ongoing election. The 44-year-old ex-prisoner hadn’t assumed office at the time of this articleAbiy Ahmed, Ethiopia (Age: 47)
Ahmed emerged as the prime minister of Ethiopia in 2018. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2019 for his efforts toward attaining peace and international cooperation, particularly for his work to end his country’s long-running border dispute with neighbouring Eritrea.
Andry Rajoelina, Madagascar (Age: 49)
Rajoelina has been the president of Madagascar since 2019. He had earlier ruled the country between 2009 and 2014 after coming to power through a coup.
