Africa's Old Guard vs. Young Dreamers

Across Africa, a striking contrast is unfolding. Some of the world's oldest leaders are at the helm of nations with some of the youngest populations. This age gap has sparked debates and demands for change, especially from the younger generation.

Cameroon

President: Paul Biya (92) In Power Since: 1982 Median Age: 19 President Paul Biya's long rule has seen centralized governance and constitutional tweaks to extend his stay. With a median age of 19, the nation is watching closely as election results are contested.

Togo

President: Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové (86) In Power Since: 2023 Median Age: 19.9 A shift to a parliamentary system allowed former president Faure Gnassingbe to stay in power, extending a family dynasty that started in 1967. Togo's population is nearly 10 million.

Malawi

President: Peter Mutharika (85) In Power Since: 2025 Median Age: 18.8 The nation of 22.2 million faces poverty and climate challenges. Calls for economic revival and governance reforms are growing louder.

Ivory Coast

President: Alassane Ouattara (83) In Power Since: 2010 Median Age: 18.3 President Ouattara's bid for a fourth term has been met with protest bans and arrests of opposition figures. The country's population is 33 million.

Equatorial Guinea

President: Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (83) In Power Since: 1979 Median Age: 22 The world's longest-serving president oversees a nation where the oil boom has peaked, and the economy is shrinking.

Zimbabwe

President: Emmerson Mnangagwa (83) In Power Since: 2017 Median Age: 18 A push for a third term has sparked protests in the nation of 17 million, which faces economic turmoil and hyperinflation.

Republic of Congo

President: Denis Sassou Nguesso (81) In Power Since: 1979 Median Age: 19.5 His rule has seen constitutional changes and allegations of electoral fraud. The oil-and-gas-producing nation has a population of 6.5 million.

Uganda

President: Yoweri Museveni (81) In Power Since: 1986 Median Age: 17 Initially brought stability but is now known for authoritarianism. Uganda's population is around 51 million.

Liberia

President: Joseph Boakai (80) In Power Since: 2024 Median Age: 19.2 The nation of 5.7 million is recovering from civil wars.

Algeria

President: Abdelmadjid Tebboune (79) In Power Since: 2019 Median Age: 29 Focuses on fighting corruption and diversifying the economy. Critics say he has failed to deliver democratic renewal. Algeria's population is 47 million.

Djibouti

President: Ismail Omar Guelleh (77) In Power Since: 1999 Median Age: 26 Has attracted foreign military bases and investment. Despite economic gains, his government is criticized for lack of political freedom.

Nigeria

President: Bola Tinubu (73) In Power Since: 2023 Median Age: 18 Pledges economic reforms and anti-corruption measures. Inflation and insecurity plague Africa's most populous country, with a population of over 200 million.