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. In Cameroon, President Paul Biya, at 92, has been in power since 1982. His 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's President, Jean-Lucien Savi de Tové, took office at 86. 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, with a median age of 19. 9. Malawi's President, Peter Mutharika, returned to power in 2025 at 85. The nation of 22. 2 million, with a median age of 18. 8, faces poverty and climate challenges. Calls for economic revival and governance reforms are growing louder. Ivory Coast's President, Alassane Ouattara, has led since 2010. At 83, his bid for a fourth term has been met with protest bans and arrests of opposition figures. The country's median age is 18. 3, and its population is 33 million. Equatorial Guinea's President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has ruled since 1979. At 83, he is the world's longest-serving president. The nation's oil boom has peaked, and the economy is shrinking. The median age is 22. Zimbabwe's President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, took power in 2017. At 83, he has overseen economic turmoil and hyperinflation. A push for a third term has sparked protests in the nation of 17 million, with a median age of 18. Republic of Congo's President, Denis Sassou Nguesso, has dominated politics since 1979. At 81, his rule has seen constitutional changes and allegations of electoral fraud. The oil-and-gas-producing nation has a population of 6. 5 million, with a median age of 19. 5. Uganda's President, Yoweri Museveni, has ruled since 1986. At 81, he initially brought stability but is now known for authoritarianism. Uganda's population is around 51 million, with a median age of just 17. Liberia's President, Joseph Boakai, took office in 2024 at 80. The nation of 5. 7 million, with a median age of 19. 2, is recovering from civil wars. Algeria's President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has led since 2019. At 79, he focuses on fighting corruption and diversifying the economy. Critics say he has failed to deliver democratic renewal. Algeria's population is 47 million, with a median age of 29. Djibouti's President, Ismail Omar Guelleh, has led since 1999. At 77, he has attracted foreign military bases and investment. Despite economic gains, his government is criticized for lack of political freedom. The median age is 26. Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu, took office in 2023 at 73. He pledges economic reforms and anti-corruption measures. Inflation and insecurity plague Africa's most populous country, where the median age is just 18.