Youngest African Presidents Under The Age of 50

African presidents have always been seen as elder statesmen who have held their positions of authority for many years.

Nonetheless, a new generation of young leaders is upending this presumption by bringing new ideas, vigor, and ambitions to the government of the continent. This tendency ushers in a new age in African politics and represents a considerable divergence from the past.

Having a young president ensures that the voices and aspirations of the youth are genuinely heard and understood, and while this has been a slow trend in Africa, it remains a progressive trend no less.

Additionally, the rise of coups in Africa, particularly in West Africa has contributed to this trend of producing young African presidents.

With new insights from younger leaders, governments throughout the continent are more inclined to challenge the existing quo and advocate for progressive policies and changes.

The rise of young leaders in Africa marks a transformative moment in the continent’s history. Below are the youngest presidents in Africa under 50.

Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso (Age 36)

Since the September 30, 2022 coup that deposed interim president Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, Burkina Faso has been headed by military commander Ibrahim Traoré.

Mahamat Deby, Chad (Age 39)

This four star general currently serves as Chad’s transitional president. He assumed his current position back in 2021, after the death of his father, former President Idriss Déby.

Colonel Assimi Goïta, Mali (Age 41)

He is the current head of state in Mali. He has served as the interim President of the country since May 28, 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 d’état.

Mamady Doumbouya, Guinea (Age 44)

Mamady Doumbouya is a Guinean military commander, who has served as the country’s interim president since October 1, 2021. Doumbouya staged a coup on September 5, 2021, that deposed the former president, Alpha Condé.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal (Age 44)

He is the newly elected president of Senegal. The 44-year-old was announced president on March 25th, after his major political rival, Amadou Ba, admitted defeat.

Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia (Age: 47)

The sixth-youngest president of Africa is Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. He was born in Bashasha on August 15, 1976, and took office as prime minister of Ethiopia on April 2, 2018.