At a Glance
- Paul Biya and Obiang rank among the world’s longest-serving presidents with over 40 years in office.
- These octogenarian leaders shape Africa’s politics through varied leadership styles and legacies.
- From economists to revolutionaries, their careers reflect Africa’s diverse paths to power.
Africa is home to a remarkable group of presidents aged 80 and above, whose enduring political ambitions showcase decades of experience, resilience, and strategic leadership across the continent.
From long-serving statesmen like Paul Biya of Cameroon—who has held power since 1982—to newer octogenarian leaders like Joseph Boakai of Liberia, these figures represent a wide spectrum of governance approaches, backgrounds, and legacies.
Their leadership styles range from technocratic and diplomatic to authoritative and populist, shaping both their countries’ domestic policies and international standing.
Leaders such as Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda have wielded significant influence over extended periods, leaving behind complex legacies marked by development strides and governance controversies alike.
These octogenarian presidents also reflect diverse professional roots—spanning economics, law, diplomacy, and political activism. Alassane Ouattara, an economist by training, has steered Ivory Coast’s economy through major reforms.
As Africa navigates 21st-century challenges, Shore Africa outlines these elder statesmen who have remained central to national conversations about leadership, succession, and generational transition.
Let’s take a closer look at the African presidents who continue to lead beyond the age of 80, including exactly how many years, months, and days each has been in power as of July 13, 2025.
1. Paul Biya
Country: Cameroon
Age: 92 years old
Reign as President: 42 years, 8 months, and 7 days
Paul Biya, born on February 13, 1933, has served as President of Cameroon since November 6, 1982, when he succeeded Ahmadou Ahidjo following Ahidjo’s resignation. At 91, Biya is Africa’s second-longest ruling president and holds the record as the world’s longest consecutively serving non-royal head of state. Before assuming the presidency, he was Cameroon’s Prime Minister from 1975 to 1982, playing a central role in the country’s post-independence governance. Over four decades in power, Biya has shaped Cameroon’s political landscape, maintaining a tight grip on leadership while navigating periods of economic change, internal conflict, and evolving international relations.
2. Alassane Ouattara
Country: Ivory Coast
Age: 83 years old
Reign as President: 14 years, 6 months and 30 days ago
Alassane Ouattara, born on January 1, 1942, has served as President of Ivory Coast since December 4, 2010. A former economist and central banker, Ouattara assumed office after a fiercely contested election and a prolonged political crisis. During his tenure, he has steered the country through periods of instability while overseeing significant economic recovery and reform.
3. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
Country: Equatorial Guinea
Age: 83 years old
Reign as President: 45 years, 11 months, and 11 days.
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, born on June 5, 1942, has led Equatorial Guinea since August 3, 1979, when he seized power in a military coup that overthrew his uncle, Francisco Macías Nguema. As Africa’s longest ruling president and head of state—Obiang has presided over the country for more than four decades. His rule has attracted international attention both for its remarkable longevity and widespread criticism regarding governance practices and human rights. Under his leadership, Equatorial Guinea has experienced significant oil-driven economic growth alongside persistent concerns about political repression and corruption.
4. Emmerson Mnangagwa
Country: Zimbabwe
Age: 82 years old
Reign as President: 7 years, 7 months, and 20 days.
Emmerson Mnangagwa, born on September 15, 1942, became the third President of Zimbabwe in 2017 after Robert Mugabe’s resignation. Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was installed on November 24, 2017, after his predecessor, Robert Mugabe, resigned in the aftermath of the 2017 coup d’état.
5. Joseph Boakai
Country: Liberia
Age: 80 years old
Reign as President: 1 year, 5 months and 19 days ago
Joseph Boakai, born on November 30, 1944, is the current President of Liberia, having won the 2023 election against George Weah. Joseph Boakai’s reign as President of Liberia began on January 22, 2024. He was inaugurated on that date after winning the 2023 presidential election. Previously, Boakai served as Vice-President under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from 2006 to 2018, making him a familiar face in Liberian politics. Now at 80, he holds the country’s highest office.
6. Yoweri Museveni
Country: Uganda
Age: 80 years old
Reign as President: 39 years, 5 months, and 14 days
Yoweri Museveni, born on September 15, 1944, has been the President of Uganda since Jan. 29, 1986. At 80, Museveni is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders and has led Uganda through both progress and political challenges. His leadership style has often been described as autocratic, though he remains a dominant figure in Ugandan politics.
7. Abdelmadjid Tebboune
Country: Algeria
Age: 79 years old
Reign as President: 5 years, 6 months, and 26 days
Abdelmadjid Tebboune, born on November 17, 1945, has served as President of Algeria since December 19, 2019. At 79, Tebboune has overseen a period of political transition following the resignation of longtime leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Pledges of reform have marked his tenure, efforts to stabilize Algeria’s economy, and ongoing challenges from social movements demanding deeper democratic change. Despite domestic pressures and complex regional dynamics, he remains a central figure shaping Algeria’s contemporary politics.
