Top 10 youngest presidents in Africa in 2023
With the rise of younger leaders entering crucial positions of power in recent years, Africa’s political landscape has undergone a significant transition. This development carries with it a surge of optimism and the possibility for dramatic change, particularly given Africa’s disproportionately young population, and adequate representation of this group is critical.
Below are 10 of Africa’s youngest presidents. This list is courtesy of TalkAfricana.com, a Pan-African platform that delivers content ranging from culture, people, history, and rankings.
Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso, (Age: 34): Since the coup d’état on September 30, 2022, which removed temporary president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, Burkina Faso has been led by military officer Ibrahim Traoré.
Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia (Age: 46): The second-youngest president of Africa is Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. He was born in Beshasha on August 15, 1976, and took office as prime minister of Ethiopia on April 2, 2018.
Andry Rajoelina, Madagascar (Age: 48): The president of Madagascar since 2019 is the Malagasy politician and businessman Andry Nirina Rajoelina.
Évariste Ndayishimiye, Burundi (Age: 54): The fourth-youngest president of Africa is Évariste Ndayishimiye. On June 28, 2020, Ndayishimiye unveiled his first cabinet and officially began serving a seven-year tenure on June 18.
Mswati III, Swaziland (Age: 54): King of Swaziland since Mswati III took the throne from his father Sobhuza II. The Swazi Royal Family is led by him. At the age of 18, he was crowned on April 25, 1986, after being introduced as the crown prince in 1983.
William Ruto, Kenya (Age: 55): The sixth president of Kenya and the fifth youngest president in Africa is William Samoei Arap Ruto. From 2013 to 2022, he served as Kenya’s 11th vice president before being elected president.
George Weah, Liberia (Age: 55): George Weah is the seventh youngest president in Africa and the first African former professional footballer to become a head of state.
Faure Gnassingbe, Togo (Age: 56): Since May 4th, 2005, Faure Gnassingbe has served as president of Togo. Before he passed away on February 5, 2005, his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, appointed him to the government.
Adama Barrow, Gambia (Age: 57): The third and current president of the Gambia, Adama Barrow is a politician and real estate developer from the country. He is also the ninth-youngest leader in the continent of Africa.
Letsie III of Lesotho (Age: 59): Lesotho’s current monarch is Letsie III. When Moshoeshoe II was forced into exile in 1990, he took over for his father.