Top 10 Longest Serving Presidents in Africa in 2025

We have put together a list of the longest serving presidents in Africa. Africa has seen several leaders hold onto power for decades, often through constitutional amendments, political maneuvering, or strong western backing.

As of 2025, here’s a detailed look at the longest serving African presidents and monarchs and their time in office.

1. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) – 46 Years

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has ruled Equatorial Guinea since 1979, making him the longest-serving African leader. He seized power after overthrowing his uncle in a coup.

2. Paul Biya (Cameroon) – 43 Years

Paul Biya has been president of Cameroon since 1982. He is the oldest president in Africa and the world.

3. Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) – 39 Years

Since taking power in 1986, Yoweri Museveni has led Uganda through economic reforms and stabilization efforts. However, his administration has removed term limits, allowing him to extend his presidency.

4. Isaias Afwerki (Eritrea) – 34 Years

Isaias Afwerki has led Eritrea since its independence from Ethiopia in 1991. Eritrea remains a one-party state with no elections held since its independence.

5. King Mswati III (Kingdom of eSwatini – 39 years

King Mswati III of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) ascended to the throne on April 25, 1986, at the age of 18. He is one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs, co-ruling with his mother, Queen Mother Ntfombi Tfwala.

6. Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of the Congo) – 28 Years

Denis Sassou Nguesso first ruled the Republic of the Congo from 1979 to 1992. He regained power in 1997 after a civil war and has remained in office through constitutional amendments and controversial elections.

7. King Letsie III (Lesotho) – 28 years

King Letsie III of Lesotho became a monarch in October 1997, following the death of his father, Moshoeshoe II. As a constitutional monarch, his role is largely ceremonial, but he remains one of the longest-serving rulers in Africa.

8. Ismail Omar Guelleh (Djibouti) – 26 Years

Ismail Omar Guelleh became Djibouti’s president in 1999. His strategic alliances with global powers like the U.S. and China has helped maintain stability, but his rule has also been criticized for political repression and lack of press freedom.

9. King Mohammed VI (Morocco) – 26 Years

King Mohammed VI of Morocco began his reign on July 23, 1999, following the death of his father, King Hassan II. He is the ninth longest serving leader in Africa.

10. Paul Kagame (Rwanda) – 25 Years

Paul Kagame has been in power since 2000, after leading Rwanda’s recovery from the 1994 genocide. His administration has transformed Rwanda into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies.