In many African countries, the typical retirement age for workers is 60. However, some African Presidents continue to govern well beyond this age.
As of 2025, there are several long-serving leaders across Africa who have remained in power for over three decades. Their extended rule is often linked to ongoing debates surrounding governance, democracy, and development.
Here are the top five longest serving African leaders in 2025
1. Paul Biya (Cameroon) – 43 years
Paul Biya has been the President of Cameroon since November 6, 1982, making him the second-longest-serving leader in Africa and the world’s oldest sitting non-royal Head of State. His tenure has spanned nearly five decades, solidifying his status as the oldest current national leader.
2. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) – 45 years
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is Africa’s longest-serving president, having been in power since August 3, 1979, following a coup that removed his uncle, Francisco Macías Nguema. Despite Equatorial Guinea’s vast oil wealth, Obiang’s leadership has been marred by significant economic inequality, widespread corruption, and accusations of human rights violations, with little political freedom for the people.
3. Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of Congo) – 39 years
Denis Sassou Nguesso’s presidency of the Republic of Congo has spanned two terms: from 1979 to 1992, and then again from 1997 to the present after he regained power following a civil war. In 2015, he spearheaded a constitutional change to eliminate term limits, enabling him to remain in office. Sassou Nguesso’s rule has been marked by efforts to stabilize the nation, despite allegations of electoral fraud and authoritarian practices.
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4. Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) – 39 Years
Since assuming the presidency on January 29, 1986, after leading a successful guerrilla war, Yoweri Museveni has overseen periods of economic growth and stability in Uganda. However, his long reign has been marred by accusations of democratic erosion, suppression of opposition, and human rights abuses. Constitutional amendments in 2005 and 2017 removed term and age limits, allowing him to extend his presidency indefinitely.
5. Isaias Afwerki (Eritrea) – 32 Years
Isaias Afwerki has been the only president of Eritrea since its independence in 1993, ruling with an iron fist under a single-party system and without any scheduled elections. His regime is widely regarded as one of the most repressive in the world, with mandatory military service, strict media censorship, and severe restrictions on civil liberties.
