Top 10 Longest Serving Presidents in Africa and Their Country

Africa is a continent with a unique political history. Since gaining independence in the mid-20th century, many African countries have experienced leadership challenges, including military coups, one-party states, and long-serving presidents. While some leaders are celebrated for stability and progress, others face criticism for clinging to power and limiting democratic growth.

In 2025, Africa still has several presidents who have been in power for decades. These leaders have become global figures, not only because of their longevity but also because of their political influence within their countries and across the continent.

This article provides a comprehensive list of the top 10 longest serving presidents in Africa and their countries. We will examine their years in power, leadership style, political background, and the controversies or achievements linked to their rule.

This guide also explores the broader impact of long presidential tenures on governance, democracy, and development in Africa.

Summary Table: Top 10 Longest Serving African Presidents (2025)

1. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo – Equatorial Guinea

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is the longest serving president in Africa and the world’s longest-serving non-monarch head of state.

• Came to Power: 1979 after overthrowing his uncle, Francisco Macías Nguema.

• Years in Power: 46 years as of 2025.

• Leadership Style: Obiang rules with an authoritarian system where power is centralized.

Achievements:

• Equatorial Guinea became one of Africa’s largest oil producers under his rule.

• Major infrastructure development including roads, airports, and modern buildings.

Criticisms:

• Accusations of corruption, human rights abuses, and limited political freedom.

• Wealth distribution remains unequal despite high oil revenues.

2. Paul Biya – Cameroon

Paul Biya is the second longest-serving African president.

• Came to Power: 1982, after the resignation of Ahmadou Ahidjo.

• Years in Power: 43 years as of 2025.

• Leadership Style: Known as “the absentee president” for spending long periods abroad.

Achievements:

• Maintained relative political stability in Cameroon.

• Improved infrastructure and urban development in major cities.

Criticisms:

• Anglophone crisis in Cameroon worsened under his leadership.

• Critics accuse his government of repression and election manipulation.

3. Yoweri Museveni – Uganda

Yoweri Museveni came to power in 1986 after a guerrilla war.

• Years in Power: 39 years in 2025.

• Leadership Style: Initially hailed as a reformist but later criticized for clinging to power.

Achievements:

• Restored stability after years of dictatorship under Idi Amin.

• Strengthened Uganda’s economy with agricultural modernization.

Criticisms:

• Removal of presidential term limits in 2005 and age limits in 2017 to extend his rule.

• Allegations of human rights violations, especially against opposition groups.

4. Denis Sassou Nguesso – Republic of Congo

Denis Sassou Nguesso has had one of the longest combined presidential terms in Africa.

• First Term: 1979–1992.

• Second Term: 1997–Present.

• Years in Power: 41 years combined.

Achievements:

• Oversaw periods of economic growth through oil exports.

• Promoted infrastructure development.

Criticisms:

• Accusations of corruption and authoritarian governance.

• Limited political freedoms and suppression of opposition.

5. Isaias Afwerki – Eritrea

Isaias Afwerki has been president since Eritrea’s independence.

• Came to Power: 1993.

• Years in Power: 32 years as of 2025.

• Leadership Style: Eritrea is often called the “North Korea of Africa” due to its strict authoritarian rule.

Achievements:

• Maintained Eritrea’s independence and sovereignty.

• Strengthened national identity.

Criticisms:

• No national elections since independence.

• Compulsory indefinite national service widely condemned.

6. Idriss Déby Itno / Mahamat Déby – Chad

Idriss Déby ruled Chad for 30 years until his death in 2021. His son, Mahamat Déby, continues as transitional president.

• Years in Power (Déby Itno): 1990–2021.

• Legacy Continues: Over 30 years of Déby family rule.

Achievements:

• Strengthened Chad’s military presence in the Sahel.

• Contributed to regional security operations against terrorism.

Criticisms:

• Dynastic rule raises concerns about democracy.

• Corruption and poverty remain widespread.

7. King Mswati III – Eswatini

Although a monarch, King Mswati III is among the longest-serving African rulers.

• Came to Power: 1986 at the age of 18.

• Years in Power: 39 years.

• Leadership Style: Absolute monarchy with limited political freedoms.

Achievements:

• Maintained stability in Eswatini.

• Promoted Swazi culture and tradition.

Criticisms:

• Criticized for lavish lifestyle while much of the population lives in poverty.

• Restrictions on political parties and protests.

8. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi – Egypt

Though not yet as long-serving, Sisi is on track due to constitutional reforms.

• Came to Power: 2014.

• Years in Power: 11 years.

• Potential Tenure: Could remain until 2030 under current laws.

Achievements:

• Infrastructure boom including new administrative capital.

• Improved Egypt’s military and international relations.

Criticisms:

• Limited political freedoms and suppression of opposition.

• Accusations of human rights violations.

9. Faure Gnassingbé – Togo

Faure Gnassingbé took over after the death of his father, Gnassingbé Eyadéma.

• Came to Power: 2005.

• Years in Power: 20 years.

• Leadership Style: Dynastic politics dominate Togo.

Achievements:

• Infrastructure modernization.

• Regional diplomatic influence.

Criticisms:

• Opposition groups allege electoral manipulation.

• Lack of democratic reforms.

10. Ismail Omar Guelleh – Djibouti

Ismail Omar Guelleh has led Djibouti since 1999.

• Years in Power: 26 years.

• Leadership Style: Maintains control through a dominant ruling party.

Achievements:

• Transformed Djibouti into a strategic hub for global military bases.

• Improved port infrastructure.

Criticisms:

• Limited political freedoms.

• Allegations of corruption.

Impact of Long-Serving Presidents in Africa

• Positive Impacts:

  • Stability and continuity of policies.

  • Infrastructure and economic growth in some cases.

• Negative Impacts:

  • Weak democratic institutions.

  • Corruption and wealth inequality.

  • Limited political participation.

FAQs

1. Who is the longest-serving president in Africa?
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, in power since 1979.

2. Who is the longest-serving president in the world?
Obiang is also the longest-serving non-monarch head of state globally.

3. How many years has Paul Biya ruled Cameroon?
Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon for 43 years as of 2025.

4. Which African president removed term limits?
Yoweri Museveni of Uganda removed both term and age limits.

5. Which country in Africa has never changed its president since independence?
Eritrea, with Isaias Afwerki as its only president since 1993.

6. Who was Africa’s first president to rule for over 40 years?
Teodoro Obiang reached that milestone in 2019.

7. Which African country has dynastic presidential rule?
Togo (Eyadéma family) and Chad (Déby family).

8. Are there African presidents ruling beyond 80 years of age?
Yes, Paul Biya of Cameroon is in his 90s and still in office.

9. Why do African leaders stay long in power?
Factors include weak democratic institutions, constitutional changes, and control of the military.

10. What are the dangers of long presidential rule?
Authoritarianism, corruption, suppression of opposition, and lack of innovation in governance.

Conclusion

The longest-serving presidents in Africa show how leadership longevity can shape a country’s history. While some leaders brought stability and development, others face accusations of authoritarian rule and corruption.

As Africa continues to push for democracy and accountability, the era of lifelong presidencies may decline. However, these leaders remain important figures in Africa’s political history.