Generally, the languages of Africa break down into 3 large families (phyla) known as Niger-Congo, Nilo-Saharan, and Afroasiatic.

How Many Languages Are in Africa?

There are over 3000 languages in Africa, making it one-third of the world’s languages.

These languages fall under different language classifications, with Niger-Congo being the largest.

Among the many languages in Africa, Nigeria is the country with the most languages on the continent. Nigeria, a West African country has over 500 languages with its three major native languages – Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba being among the most popular languages in Africa.

In Africa, there are indigenous languages and foreign languages which have been adopted due to colonialism.

Many of these foreign languages such as English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French are used in some countries as Lingua Franca while in other countries, there is also the use of native languages in formal settings.

For instance, South Africa has 12 formal languages and Zimbabwe has 16 official languages. In both countries, numerous native languages are used as formal languages rather than other foreign languages.

The 5 Main Languages Spoken in Africa and the Countries They Are Found 

1. Swahili (200 Million)

• Native Speakers: 18 million
• Foreign Speakers: 55 million
• Countries Found: Tanzania, Kenya, Comoros, Mayotte, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Southern Somalia, Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar and Oman
• Language Family: Niger-Congo

Swahili, also known as Kiswahili is a popular African language and is the most spoken on the continent. It is found in East Africa with over 200 million speakers in estimation.

Swahili is an official language in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tanzania has the highest number of Swahili native speakers.

Regardless, the language has speakers in other African countries such as Comoros, Mayotte, Burundi, Somalia, Zambia, Malawi, and Madagascar.

There are also many learners of the language across the world. For instance, Swahili is taught in over 50 universities in the US and several others in Europe and Asia.

2. Arabic (150 Million)

• Speakers: 150 million
• Countries Found: Algeria, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania (Zanzibar), and Tunisia
• Language Family: Afro-Asiatic

According to some estimations about the most popular languages in Africa, Arabic is the most spoken language in Africa. However, the numbers based on estimation show that there are over 150 million native speakers in 13 countries.

Interestingly, Arabic is mutually unintelligible in some cases. This means that the variations of the language are different making some speakers unable to understand other speakers.

Arabic is mainly found in Northern Africa with Egypt, Algeria, Libya, and Sudan having some of the highest speakers. However, the language is also a minority language in northeastern Nigeria.

Apart from Arabic being a native language and having numerous native speakers in Africa, it is widely used in the entire continent for religious purposes in Islamic settings.

3. Hausa (88 million)

• Native Speakers: 54 million
• Foreign Speakers: 34 million
• Countries Found: Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Benin, Togo, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso
• Language Family: Afroasiatic

Hausa is the most spoken language in Nigeria, the most populated country in Africa. However, it is the third most popular language in Africa, coming after Arabic and Swahili.

Hausa is a Chadic language and the speakers who are known as the Hausa people (Hausawa) migrated from Nubia to Niger. Currently, native speakers of the language are found in Northern Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Niger, and Chad among other West African languages.

The language has numerous dialects known as Dauranci in Daura, Kananci in Kano, Sakkwatanci in Sokoto, Kurhwayanci, and Gaananci in Ghana; and Togo to mention a few.

4. Amharic (60 Million)

• Native Speakers: 35 million
• Foreign Speakers: 25 million
• Countries Found: Ethiopia, Eritrea
• Language Family: Afroasiatic (Semitic Group)

Amharic is a Semitic language under the Afro-Asiatic language family. It is the second most spoken language in Ethiopia, the second most spoken Semitic language in the world after Arabic, and the 4th most spoken language in Africa.

In Ethiopia, it is the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

5. Yoruba (47 Million)

• Native Speakers: 45 million
• Foreign Speakers: 2 million
• Countries Found: Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia
• Language Family:  Niger-Congo (Atlantic-Congo)

The Yoruba language is native to Yoruba people who are mainly found in West Africa in southwestern and central Nigeria, Togo, and Benin. It is also found in Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, mostly due to migration.

The language is the second most popular language and one of the three major languages in Nigeria.

The Yoruba language has different dialects such as Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southwest, and Southeast (in Nigeria); and Lucumí language and Oworo dialects among others.

Yoruba is used for religious purposes (Yoruba religion (Ìṣẹ̀ṣe)- Traditional African religions) and is very popular in the US, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, and St. Vincent & The Grenadines.

Other Languages in Africa Based on Their Popularity 

6. Oromo (45.5 million)

• Speakers: 45.5 million
• Countries Found: Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia
• Language Family: Afroasiatic

Oromo is a popular language found mostly in eastern Africa Kenya and Ethiopia. It is also spoken in some parts of Somalia, Libya, Egypt, and Sudan.

In Africa, it is the fourth most spoken language. Regardless, it is the most popular language found in Ethiopia – where it is spoken the most in the world. In the country, it is used officially alongside Amharic.

The language was once banned in Ethiopia. This was under Haile Selassie’s regime in 1940 (until 1991) when it was stopped from being spoken, used administratively, in schools, and in many other ways.

Oromo has different varieties including:

• Western Oromo (Maca)
• Shewa (Tuulama, Arsi)
• Eastern Oromo (Harar)
• Southern Oromo (Ajuran, Borana, Gabra, Munyo, Orma, Sakuye, Waata)

7. Lingala (Ngala)- 40 Million

• Native Speakers: 20 million
• Foreign Speakers: 20 million 
• Countries Found: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Angola, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and South Sudan.
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

Lingala is a Bantu language that is found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Angola, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and South Sudan. It has at least 20 million native speakers and about 20 million second-language speakers.

According to Wikipedia, the number of speakers is approximated between 60 to 65 million.

The language has different regiolects and sociolects. The major varieties are northwestern Lingala, Kinshasa Lingala, and Brazzaville Lingala.

8. Fula – 39.7

• Native Speakers: 37 million
• Foreign Speakers: 2.7 million
• Countries Found: Guinea, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Sudan
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Senegambian branch)

Fula which is also known as Fulani, Fulfulde, Pulaar, or Pular is a Senegambian language of the Atlantic-Congo family of the Niger-Congo language family.

It is the 8th most popular language in Africa and an official language in Burkina Faso.

The language is a major language mainly found in West Africa, Central, and North Africa.

Fula has speakers in Fula speakers can be found in Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Gambia, Chad, Sierra Leone, Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Sudan, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Liberia and Gabon.

9. Igbo – 32.5 Million

• Native Speakers: 31 million
• Foreign Speakers: 1.5 million
• Countries Found: Nigeria
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Atlantic–Congo)

The Igbo language is an old language, one of the three major languages in Nigeria, and the 7th most popular language in Africa. The language is native to the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria.

In Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, the language is recognized as a minority language.

Despite being native to only a part of West Africa, Igbo people are considered the most traveled ethnic group in Nigeria and some of the most traveled ethnic groups in Africa. This means that their language can be found spoken beyond the shores of Nigeria or Africa.

10. Malagasy – 25 million

• Native Speakers: 25 million
• Countries Found: Madagascar and the Comoros
• Language Family: Austronesian (Barito language Branch)

Malagasy is one of the two official languages found in Madagascar. There is a minority of speakers of the language in Comoros. The language is spoken by at least 24 million people and it is considered as one fo the most popular languages in Africa.

The language is the westernmost Malayo-Polynesian language and it is closely related to the Ma’anyan language.

Malagacy has twelve dialects between two main dialect groups; Eastern and Western. Some of the dialects include Northern Betsimisaraka Malagasy, Antankarana Malagasy, Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy, Plateau (Merina) Malagasy, Tsimihety Malagas, and Tandroy-Mahafaly Malaga.

11. Somali – 24 Million

• Native Speakers: 24 million
• Countries Found: Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya
• Language Family: Afro-Asiatic (Cushitic branch)

Somali is the most spoken language in Somalia, with about 89% of the population speakers. It is also the official language of the country as well as one of the 5 official languages in Ethiopia.

Somali is also spoken in Djibouti and Kenya. In total, there are about 24 million speakers of the language, making it the ninth most popular language in Africa.

The language belongs to the Cushite branch in the Afroasiacc language family.

Somali, like many other languages in Africa, has numerous dialects such as Ashraf, Benadiri, Maay, and Northern Somali.

12. Wolof – 23.1 Million

• Native Speakers: 7.1 million
• Foreign Speakers: 16 million
• Countries Found: Senegal, Mauritania, Gambia
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Senegambia Branch)

Wolof is one of the most widely spoken languages in Western Africa and one of the most popular in Africa. It is the most spoken language in Senegal with over 40% of the country’s population speaking it.

The language is also spoken in Gambia and also in Gambia.

Wolof is so popular that the English language borrowed words from the language. Some of the languages include banana and eat (as a root word).

The language has variations. For instance, the Senegalese Wolof is different from the Mauritanian and Gambian Wolof.

13. Xhosa (Xosa or isiXhosa)- 20 Million 

• Native Speakers: 10 million
• Foreign Speakers: 10 million
• Countries Found: South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

Xhosa is an Nguni language and one of the 12 official languages in South Africa. It is also an official language in Zimbabwe. Together with Zulu, Southern Ndebele, and Northern Ndebele, Xhosa is included in the Zunda languages.

The language is so popular that about 18% of South Africa’s population speaks it.

Also, due to its popularity, the language is the official language of Wakanda, a Hollywood film.

14. Afrikaans – 17.5 Million

• Native Speakers: 7.2 million
  
• Foreign Speakers: 10.3 million
• Countries Found: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe
• Language Family: Indo-European (Germanic branch)

Afrikaans is a language that was developed in the 18th century. It started as a vernacular until it later became a language that is native to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The language is believed to be one of the sexiest languages and accents in South Africa.

15. Berber- 16 Million

• Speakers: 16 Million
• Countries Found: Morocco, Algeria
• Language Family: Afro-Asiatic (Semitic Group)

Berber is an ethnic group which is also known as Amazigh. The language has some similarities with some Semitic languages such as Arabic and Hebrew.

The language is mainly native to North Africa, in countries such as Morrocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. It is also spoken in some West African countries such as Mali and Niger.

Among the countries where Berber is spoken, Morocco has the most native speakers, claiming between 15 to 20 million speakers.

16. Chewa (Nyanja) 14 million

• Native Speakers: 14 million
• Countries Found: Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

Chewa is spoken by at least 14 million native speakers and it is also spoken as a second language.

The language is one of the most famous languages found in Africa and the most widely known in Malawi. It is also native to Zambia and Mozambique.

17. Sepedi (Sesotho sa Lebowa; Northern Sotho) – 13.8 Million

• Native Speakers: 4.7 million
• Foreign Speakers: 9.1 million
• Countries Found: South Africa
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

Sepedi is the fifth most-spoken language in South Africa and one of the most popular in Africa. The Bantu language shares similarities with Setswana.

Sepedi has numerous dialects such as Bapedi, Phokwane, Bakone, Chuene, and Batlokwa.

18. Sesotho (Southern Sotho)- 13.5 Million

• Native Speakers: 5.6 million
• Foreign Speakers: 7.9 million
• Countries Found: Lesotho, South Africa, Zimbabwe
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Southern Bantu)

Sesotho is a Bantu language which is also one of the twelve official languages in South Africa, one of the two official languages of Lesotho, and one of the sixteen official languages of Zimbabwe.

The language is closely related to other Bantu languages such as Venda, Tsonga, Tonga, and Lozi.

19. Kirundi (Rundi)- 13 million

• Native Speakers: 13 million
• Countries Found: Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Kenya
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

Kirundi is one of the official languages in Burundi. It is also a widely spoken language in other parts of Africa.

The language is mutually intelligible with Kinyarwanda, another popular language in Africa.

20. Shona – 12 Million

• Native Speakers: 6.5 million
• Foreign Speakers: 5.50 million
• Countries Found: Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

21. Akan – 11,000,000

• Native Speakers: 8.9
• Foreign Speakers: 2: 1 
• Countries Found: Ghana
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Kwa branch)

Akan is one of Africa’s most popular languages. It is also the popular native language in Ghana where about 44% of the population are native speakers but about 80% of the country’s population can speak the language.

Akan language which is the .. most popular language in Africa has different dialects such as Bono (Twi), Asante, Akuapem, Bono (collectively known as Twi), and Fante.

22. Zulu – 10,400,000

• Native Speakers: 13 million
• Foreign Speakers: 16 million
• Countries Found: South Africa, Lesotho
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

Zulu which is also known as isiZulu is an African language and one the 12 official languages in South Africa. The language is the.. most popular language in Africa, the second most spoken Bantu language after Swahili, and the most spoken native language in South Africa.

The language is closely related to the Northern Ndebele in Zimbabwe.

Zulu is one of the most popular ethnic groups in Africa. This is mainly because of Shaka Zulu, one of Africa’s most historic warriors.

The language has four dialects known as central KwaZulu-Natal Zulu, northern Transvaal Zulu, eastern coastal Qwabe, and western coastal Cele.

23. Kinyarwanda – 9,800,000

• Native Speakers: 24 million
• Countries Found: Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya
• Language Family: Afro-Asiatic (Cushitic branch)

Kinyarwanda is one of the main languages spoken in Rwanda alongside English and French. It is spoken by about 93% of the total population of Rwanda.

Also, the language is spoken in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Kinyarwanda which is also known as Ikinyarwanda is a Bantu language. This means that it falls under the same language family as other African languages such as Zulu, Xhosa, Shona, and Kirundi,

There are different dialects of Kinyarwanda known as Bufumbwa, Ikinyabwishya, Igikiga, Ikinyamurenge, Ikirera, Urufumbira, and Urutwatwa.

Other Popular Languages in Africa

24. Tswana (Setswana; Sechuana)- 12.9 Million

• Native Speakers: 12.9 Million
• Countries Found: Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

25. Kongo – 11.5 Million

• Native Speakers:  6.5 million
  
• Foreign Speakers: 5 million
• Countries Found: Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon and Angola
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

26. Luganda (Ganda) – 11 Million

• Native Speakers: 5.6 million
• Foreign Speakers: 5.4 million
• Countries Found: Uganda
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

27. Tigrinya (Tigrigna)- 9.7 million

• Native Speakers: 9.7 million
• Countries Found: Eritrea, Ethiopia
• Language Family: Afro-Asiatic (Semitic)

28. Gikuyu (Kikuyu) – 8.1 Million

• Native Speakers: 8.1 Million
• Countries Found: Kenya
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

29. Tsonga (Xitsonga)- 7.1 Million

• Native Speakers: 3.7 million
• Foreign Speakers: 3.4 million
• Countries Found: Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

30. Umbundu (South Mbundu)- 7 Million

• Native Speakers: 7,000,000
• Countries Found: Angola
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

31. Luhya – 6,800,000

• Native Speakers: 3.3 million
• Countries Found: Kenya
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

32. Kalenjin (Elgeyo language)- 6.6 Million

• Native Speakers: 6,600,000
• Countries Found: Kenya and Uganda
• Language Family: Nilo-Saharan (Nilotic)

33. Mossi (Mooré or More )- 6.5 million

• Native Speakers: 6.5 million
• Countries Found: Burkina Faso, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Benin, Niger, Mali, Togo and Senegal
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language)

34. Tshiluba (Luba-Kasai, Cilubà or Tshilubà, Luba-Lulua)- 6,300,000

• Native Speakers: 6.4 Million
• Countries Found:  Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu Language

35. Kituba – 5,400,000

• Native Speakers: 5.4 million
• Countries Found: the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Language Family: Kongo-based Creole

36. Luo – 5,000,000

• Native Speakers: 5 million
• Countries Found: Kenya and Tanzania
• Language Family: Nilo-Saharan ( Nilotic language)

37. Swazi (siSwati)- 4.7 Million

• Native Speakers: 2.3 million
• Foreign Speakers: 2.4 million
• Countries Found: Eswatini, South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

38. Tshivenda (Venḓa) – 3 Million

• Native Speakers: 1.3 million
• Foreign Speakers: 1.7 million
• Countries Found: South Africa Zimbabwe, and Mozambique
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

39. Sena – 2.8 Million

• Native Speakers: 2.8 million
• Countries Found:  Mozambique, Malawi
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

40. Northern Ndebele (isiNdebele saseNyakatho, Zimbabwean Ndebele or North Ndebele) – 2,600,000

• Native Speakers: 2.6 million
• Countries Found: Zimbabwe
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

41. Afar ( ’Afar Af, Afaraf, Qafar af) – 2,500,000

• Native Speakers: 2.6 million
• Countries Found: Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya
• Language Family: Afro-Asiatic (Cushitic branch)

42. Ndau (chiNdau, Chindau, Ndzawu, Njao, Southeast Shona, Chidanda)- 2,400,000

• Native Speakers: 2.4 million
• Countries Found:  Mozambique, Zimbabwe
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

43. Fon – 2,300,000

• Native Speakers: 2.3 million
• Countries Found: Benin, Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, Gabon
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

44. Kimbundu (Mbundu)- 1,700,000

• Native Speakers: 1.7 million
• Countries Found: Angola
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

45. Tonga (Zambezi)- 1,500,000

• Native Speakers: 1.5 million
• Countries Found: Zambia, Zimbabwe
• Language Family: Niger-Congo (Bantu)

The post 45 Most Popular Languages in Africa appeared first on WeAfrique.

Many women presidents in Africa came into power as acting presidents. Only a few of them were elected. Despite this, all of them have left a mark on the continent through their different works. In this article, we’ll tell you about the female presidents Africa has had, how they came and left power, and their works.

Meet the 10 Women Presidents of Africa

1. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia)

A woman known as Africa’s “Iron Lady”, Ellen Johnson was Africa’s first elected female president and the first woman to head a country for 2 consecutive tenures in Africa.

In 2005, she won Liberia’s presidential elections and in 2006, she was inaugurated as the 24th president of the country.

In January 2012, Ellen started her second tenure as president. Her term ended in 2018 but she is still remembered for her remarkable domestic and foreign policies. She is most famous for making education free and compulsory for all children within the elementary age. She also signed the Freedom of Information Bill.

She ensured that Liberia formed close ties with the US, China, and other countries. She also made it possible for most countries to waive Liberia’s debt.

2. Sylvie Kinigi of Burundi

Sylvie Kinigi was born in 1953 and at the time she was 40 in 1993, she served as the first female president in Burundi and Africa (not elected). She started as a Prime minister on July 10 1993 and lasted until February 4, 1994.

While Sylvie Kinigi was serving as a Prime Minister, she became the acting president of Burundi in November 1993 and served until February 4, 1994.

Her role as Burundi’s acting president started when the then-president of the country Melchoir Ndadaye was killed. She was succeeded by Cyprien Ntaryamira.

3. Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri of South Africa

Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri was one of South Africa’s most influential politicians in the 1990s and the 2000s.

She served as South Africa’s acting President in 2005 when the then-president and vice-president were out of the country. Also, on September 25, 2008, she was made an interim president for 14 hours when Thabo Mbeki resigned as President.

Ivy remains the first and only female president of South Africa. She is also the first woman to become the country’s head of State since 1961 when Queen Elizabeth II last ruled the nation.

She died in 2009 at the age of 71 while she was serving as the Minister of Communication and after holding many offices.

4. Rose Francine Rogombe of Gabon

Upon the death of the long-term former president of Gabon, Omar Bongo, Rose Francine became the acting president of Gabon from June 2009 to October of the same year.

She was succeeded by Omar’s son, Ali Bongo who became the third president of Gabon.

Before and after she was president, she served as the Senate President of the country.

She died on 10 April 2015 in Paris at the age of 72.

5. Joyce Hilda Banda (Malawi)

Another female president in Africa is Joyce Banda. She was the 4th  president of Malawi and the first female president of the country.

She became president in 2012, following the demise of the then-ruler, President Bingu wa Mutharika.

Malawi’s cabinet was heavily against her becoming president, but the country’s constitution clearly states that the vice president should be made the leader upon the death of an existing president. Well, Banda was the vice president when Mutharika died.

With the support of Malawi’s ex-president Bakli Muluzi and the then army commander General Henry Odillo among several others, the constitution of Malawi was put above sentiments and she became president.

Her tenure ended in 2014 when she lost the presidential election to Peter Mutharika.

6. Monique Ohsan Bellepeau of Mauritius

She served as an acting president of Mauritius twice. First, she was an acting president from March 2012 to July 2012 following the resignation of the then-president Sir Anerood Jugnauth.

The second time she became an acting president was in May 2015 when Kailisg Purryag resigned up to the inauguration of Ameenah Gurib.

She served for about a week before the short tenure ended on June 5 after about a week. She became the second woman to head Mauritius after Queen Elizabeth II.

See Also: 12 Most Iconic And Greatest African Presidents Ever

7. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim (Mauritius)

Another significant African politician and female president to know is Ameenah of Mauritius. She is the first woman to be elected as the president of Mauritius and the third woman to serve as the country’s Head of State after Queen Elizabeth II and Monique Ohsab Bellepeau.

She came into power on June 5 2015 and resigned on March 23, 2018. She resigned following the publication of her leaked bank details. Also, there were conflicts of interest over her involvement with a charity organization called Planet Earth Institute (PEI).

She is mostly remembered for her role in promoting girls’ education and investing in science and technology.

8. Catherine Samba-Panza (Central African Republic)

A lawyer cum politician, Catherine Samba Panza was born in 1954 and at the age of 59, she became the 9th president of the Central African Republic in January 2014.

This would make her the first woman in her country to become Head of State and the 8th woman in Africa.

You may want to ask how she became president. Well, the country’s former President Michel Djotodia resigned and faced an internal crisis.

Conseil National de Transition (CNT) then elected Samba-Panza as interim president. She served for 2 years and failed to win the 2015 general elections. Her tenure ended in 2016 when Faustin-Archange Toudera was sworn in.

In 2020, she again contested to be president but lost again to incumbent Toudera.

9. Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia

In 2018, Sahle-Work became the first female president of Ethiopia after she was elected unanimously by members of the Federal Parliamentary Assembly. She is also the second female head of state in Ethiopia after Zewditu who was Empress of the country from 1916 to 1930.

Upon her coming to power, Forbes listed her as one of The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. She was also ranked the most powerful woman in Africa at the time.

10. Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania

She is a well-established politician. Samia Hassan became the 6th president of Tanzania and the first female president of the country on March 19, 2021.

Before she became president, she was the first female vice president of Tanzania under the presidency of John Magufuli. Upon Magufuli’s death, Samia was sworn in as president.

In 2022, she was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people in the world.

The post All Women Presidents Of Africa appeared first on WeAfrique.

In the 1990s, there were no many child actors as there are today. Yet, it didn’t change the fact that they made their marks and have helped in sustaining the industry which has evolved in many ways.

Meet Some of the Popular Nollywood Child Actors of the 1990s

7. Genevieve Nnaji 

Many people got to know about Genevieve Nnaji’s career in Nollywood when she reached adulthood. Well, this great and beautiful actress started her career as a child actor when she was 8 years old when she featured in Ripples.

Also a child, she appeared in several other TV commercials before she took a break and later returned.

She then became famous for her roles in Blood sisters (2003), Power of Love (2002) and 30 Days (2006).

For playing many roles and being one of the most talented Nigerian actors, Genevieve has been nicknamed Nollywood’s Julia Roberts. Currently, the Imo State native has been featured in a Hollywood film called Farming.

She also produces and directs films.

6. Peter Bunor Junior

Peter Bruno Jr, the son of late actor Peter Bruno was born in 1989 and was involved in school stage plays at a young age. By the time he was about the age of 6, he was featured in his first film and quickly became one of the most notable child actors.

He played several roles in Enemies (1998), Narrow Escape (1999), Eye for Eye (1999), Curse from Beyond (1999), and Lost Hope (2000).

He put his acting career the stop after he encountered a lot of people who kept shouting his name. Although it was friendly, it started to make him question if he wanted that life for the rest of his life.

Bruno Jr. had big dreams as a child. He revealed in an interview that he wanted to work with NASA. Well, things didn’t turn out exactly as he wanted when he headed to the University of Abuja to study public administration.

He worked with the government before he became the Co-founder and Growth Lead at Field Intelligence. The company is a pharmaceutical supply chain that is helping the government and businesses gain access to healthcare in numerous places in the world.

5. Williams Uchemba

This actor is one of the few Nollywood actors who started as a kid actor and still has a good place as an actor in the Nigerian movie industry. He was born in 1994 and started acting in 2000 when he was 6.

He played his first role in The Journey of Dead in 2000. In 2002, he won the Best Actor award at the Movie Academy Award for his role in Oh My Son.

He continued with his acting career and featured in films such as Beyond Belief (2003), Egg of Life (2003), and Dorathy My Love (2005). In his earliest acting career, Uchemba shared the same stage with actors such as Omotola Jalade, Emeka Enyiocha, Sam Loco Efe, Eucharia Anunobi, and Funke Akindele.

Although he later took a hiatus, Williams Uchemba made a comeback in the movie industry and appeared in renowned films. Some of them include Merry Men 2 (2019), Sugar Rush (2019), Dear Affy (2020), Quam’s Money (2021), and Merry Men 3: Nemesis (2023).

Apart from acting, he also owns a production company, Prosthesis Entertainment Limited. The company produced the fil1 Mamba’s Diamond in 2021. The film features actors like Gabriel Afolayan, Venita Akpofure, Nse Ikpe-Etim, and Osas Ighodaro.

In his private life, he married Brunella Oscar in November 2020.

4. Samuel Ajibola

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As a boy of 6 in 1995, Ajibola started his acting career at Tears of Love. As an actor, Ajibola featured in films such as Without Love, Eye-Witness, Onome II, and Day of Reckoning while he was a child.

He won the award for Best Kid Actor for three consecutive years, making him the first child actor to achieve this.

After gaining fame, Samuel Ajibola took a hiatus from his acting career to complete his secondary education. In 2009, he attended the University of Lagos where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 2012.

He subsequently obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State.

The Day of Reckoning actor is currently an actor, producer, and youth ambassador. He is famed for featuring in The Last Flight to Abuja, The Johnsons (2012), Shuga (2013), and Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons (2018).

Away from his career, Ajibola is married to Sandra Ajibola, a medical laboratory scientist and entrepreneur. The couple has a son Prince Erza .A.Jidenna Ajibola.

His family has been involved in a controversy over the paternity of his child. After he shared a picture of himself, his wife, their son, and former Nigeria president Olusegun Obasanjo. An Instagram sensation known as Gossip Bobo came out to claim that Sandra was Obasanjo’s secretary and also, and he also insinuated that Ajibola’s son with his wife could have been fathered by Obasanjo.

On November 17, 2023, Ajibola and his wife filed a lawsuit for defamation of character.

3. Samuel Ajirebi Olasehinde

Samuel is the son of actor Ajirebi Kayode Olasehinde, popularly known as Pa James. The younger Ajirebi started as a child actor in the 1990s. He gained fame when he featured in Oshodi Oke.

He appeared in several other films before he took a break from his career. While on break, he attended Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) where he studied Law.

He was later called to the Nigeria bar. Even at that, Samuel does not practice law. Instead, he returned to the Nigerian movie industry and continues as an actor and a writer.

As an actor, Samuel Ajirebi has appeared in Flatus (2022), Ere Oran (2022), Harmony of Dreams (2022), Mokalik (Mechanic), and Abeni (2006).

As a writer, he is credited for writing Different Strokes (2023) and Imelda (2022).

See Also: 10 Longest Marriages in Nollywood

2. Azeez Ijaduade

In 1992, Azeez got his first movie role. His career bloomed in 1994 when he played Ola in the Yoruba film Jensimi alongside his father Waheed Ijaduade (Olaiya Igwe).

The Moshood Abiola Polytechnic graduate has gone on to feature in other films such as Iru Esin, Okanlomo, Ise Onise, The Ghost & I, The Living Ghost, Osan Ja, and Broken.

In his private life, there are reports that he is a father of two girls.

1. Chelsea Chinenye Oguejiofor

After she featured in Nneka the Pretty Serpent and also became famous for playing Omotola Jalade’s daughter in Blood Sisters, Chinenye Oguejiofor’s career as an actress went down.

While on break, she studied Department of Dental Surgery, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

While she keeps a private life at the time of this report, there are reports that she intends to return to the movie industry.

The post 7 Nollywood Child Actors Of The 1990s Where Are They Today? appeared first on WeAfrique.

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Mauritius

1. Black River Gorges National Park 

Here is the good news about visiting Mauritius’ Black River Gorges National Park. It is the largest protected forest in Mauritius and it prides itself on about 300 flowers and plants peculiar to only Mauritius.

It also has about 9 species of birds which are only found in Mauritius.

The famous and beautiful Alexandra Waterfall of Mauritius is found in the Black River Gorges National Park. The good news is that this site is not very difficult to find since signposts are created for ease.

The park also has facilities such as an information center, picnic area, kiosk, and parking space.

In case you want to visit the site, note that it is important to save some money for the tour guide. You may want to bring along hiking shoes, sun cream, mosquito repellent, and other essentials.

2. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

Also known as the SSR Botanic Garden, the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden is one place where you shouldn’t visit Mauritius without letting your eyes feast on its beauty. It is located in Pamplemousses, near Port Louis, and is very notable for having lasted over 300 years.

This site is one of the most visited attractions in Mauritius. When visiting, you will explore and learn about plant species.

You’ll also find about 85 different varieties of palm trees brought from around the world, a giant water lilies pond, and more.

Before you visit this tourist site, you may want to keep in mind to take your sunscreen, mosquito repellent, covered shoes, and other essentials.

Moreso, you may want to keep in mind that tour guides are not free.

3. Chamarel Seven-Colored Earth Geopark

The earth may have given you many sites to behold, but Mauritius tops its own with a unique Charamel 7-colored earth Geopark. This place of wonder has sands of different colors that harmonize into a great beauty to behold.

Interestingly, visitors can take a glance at another splash of nature, the Chamarel Waterfall along the Seven-Colored Earth.

The scenery can also lead you to Tortoise Park where you can behold giant tortoises that have an average lifespan of 150 years.

4. Chamarel Waterfall

How will visiting the highest waterfall in Mauritius make you feel? The fall is between 80 meters to 100.

It is a beauty that has become popular in Mauritius. With its beauty and many other natural things that stand there, there are different activities one can be involved in while visiting Chamarel Waterfall.

Some activities to try are swimming and hiking. Also, the environment is good for picnics.

5. La Vanille Nature Park

It’s not the usual site that only gives beauty to behold. It also leaves you with great knowledge to return home with. This park is packed and filled with endemic plants, Nile Crocodiles, tenrecs, eels, iguanas, and turtles. It is also the home of the oldest and one of the largest tortoises in the world.

The park also has an insectarium with rare species from various parts of the world.

One other interesting thing about visiting this park in Mauritius is the fact that your taste buds can have new things to try. Apart from the regular dish that may be common to many, it offers rare crocodile meat dishes.

La Vanille Nature Park has numerous activities such as an interactive farm, aquarium, children’s play area, pony rides, restaurant, Giant Aldabra Tortoise feeding, and more.

6. Blue Penny Museum

What is a visit to Mauritius without a stop at the Blue Penny Museum? This place in Port Louis showcases the history and cultural heritage of the Island country.

Another section of the museum includes stamps, long-aged statues, coins, and notes that have been used in the country.

While this may be interesting enough, other sections make a visit to the museum worthwhile. One of them is having access to the events and exhibition sections. This part of the museum gives information about hosting events at the museum.

Another section is the shop which offers numerous products, including the world’s famous Post Office Stamps.

7. Grand Bassin 

Also known as Ganga Talao, this is one of the most visited places in Mauritius. It is mostly used as a sacred Hindu place and this makes it a place of prayer and meditation.

On the shoreline, there is a temple and a collection of small shrines dedicated to some Hindu gods, including Lord Shiva.

Also, the Grand Bassin which is a crater lake is rich in local monkeys which visitors get to see and play with.

Concerning location, this beautiful place is found in a secluded mountain. It is located in Savanne, a district of Mauritius which is in the South of the island.

See Also: 10 Best Places To Visit In Rwanda

8. Ile Aux Cerfs Island

The Ile Aux Cerfs is a beautiful island that has received numerous visitors over time. The place is also known as deer land in English even though no deer are currently found there.

Regardless, the place still maintains a position as one of the most beautiful places in Mauritius and Africa. It constituted around 100 hectares of land and it is known for its sandy beaches.

There are many water sports activities visitors can engage in. There are also a hotel, restaurants, and many other things to enjoy while visiting Ile Aux Cerfs Island.

The island is located in the Flaxq district of Mauritius.

9. Le Morne Beach

The Le Morne beach is beautiful and great for lovers of water, sand, and other natural phenomena. The beach is located at the door of the majestic Le Morne Brabant mountain.

The mountain is listed as a World Heritage UNESCO site.

Le Morne Beach is characterized by white sand and clear water. It is also a great place for water activities such as scuba diving,  boating, and swimming.

10. Mauritius Aquarium

The Mauritius Aquarium is another highly visited place in Mauritius. There are many fish and other aquatic animals. These species are over 200 and they include clownfish, sharks, butterfly fish, sea turtles, squirrel fish, and lobsters.

In the aquarium, you can go beyond seeing marine creatures. There are animals you can touch and feed as well.

Mauritius Aquarium can be found in a small in the northwestern part of Mauritius.

The post Mauritius: 10 Best Places To Visit In The Only Developed African Country appeared first on WeAfrique.

From Tiffany Haddish to Daniel Kaluuya, Gugu Mbatha, and Idris Elba, there is more to find out about these people and how they have taken Hollywood by storm with their talents and hard work.

Meet The Hollywood Celebs That are Africans

20. Tiffany Haddish (Eritrea)

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The multi-award-winning comedian and actress, Tiffany Haddish has her roots in Eritrea in Eastern Africa. She was born in America on December 3, 1979, to an Eritrean father named Tsihaye Reda Haddish.

Her father moved to the United States as a refugee and later met the comedian’s mother, an African-American businesswoman.

Tiffany gained Eritrea’s citizenship in 2019. In 2018, she also honored her father and the country with an Eritrean dress to attend the Oscars.

The actress is famous for her roles in Like a Boss (2020), Girls Trip (2017), The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019), and Easter Sunday (2022).

She is the first black African-American woman to win the Grammy Award for Best Comedy after Whoopi Goldberg in 1985.

19. Chiwetel Ejiofor (Nigerian)

Chiwetel is a 46-year-old award-winning British actor and director who was born in London to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent. He has lived most of his life in England but has visited Nigeria and has been involved in several humanitarian projects to help the country.

He is most famous for his roles in British and American films such as the Academy Awards, American Black Film Festival Awards, BET Awards, and London Film Critics’ Circles Awards. Some of his famous movies are 12 Years a Slave (2013), American Gangster (2007), Doctor Strange (2016), and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (2019).

18. Lupita Nyongo (Kenyan)

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Lupita is an actress. She was born on 1 March 1983 in Mexico and holds a Kenyan-Mexican nationality. Her parents are Kenyan politician Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o and a businesswoman woman named Dorothy Ogada Buyu.

She rose to stardom as a Hollywood actress with films such as 12 Years a Slave (2013), Black Panther (2018), The Jungle Book (2016), and Queen of Katwe (2016). The actress became the first Kenyan-Mexican actress to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

17. Idris Elba (Sierra Leone and Ghana)

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Born Idrissa Akuna Elba on September 1972, the actor cum musician’s mother is Ghanaian while his father was a Sierra Leonean. His parents led their lives in Africa before they moved to the United Kingdom after they were married.

There, Elba was born and lived for many years became an actor, and later moved to the United States. His career has landed him fame and he is most remembered for his roles in Avengers, Daddy’s Little Girls, and Thor (2011).

Concerning his Sierra Leonean roots, the multi-award-winning actor was given citizenship on his first visit in 2019 and is committed to boosting the entertainment sector in Africa. He intends to create something similar to Disney in Africa.

16. Akon (Senegal)

He is a Senegalese-American musician. He was born Aliaune Damala Akon Thiam in Missouri and was partly raised in Senegal.

His career kicked off in the United States and he rose to become one of the most famous and successful singers in the country and of African descent. Some of his notable songs are Lonely, Locked Up, Smack That, and Right Now.

Akon is known for his role in helping to develop his hometown, Senegal through the construction of the $6 billion worth of Akon City which is scheduled to start in 2023 and be completed in 2026. The project will lead to a mega city in Senegal and the city will house standard schools, a hospital, a police station, and hotels among others.

The musician is also known for his Akon Lighting Africa which has aided in providing electricity to about 15 countries across Africa.

15. Djimon Hounsou (Benin)

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Djimon is a Beninese-American actor and model with a successful career that has lasted over 3 decades. He was born in Cotonou, Dahomey which is currently Benin Republic.

At the of 12, he moved to France with his brother. There, he dropped out of school and later met fashion designer Thierry Mugler who helped him become a model. He subsequently moved to the United States where he also built a career in acting.

The Gladiator actor identifies with his Beninese and African roots and also launched a program called Run Richmond 16:19 to help African descendants trace their roots.

14. Peter Mensah (Ghana)

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He is famous for his roles in Hidalgo, Spartacus, Avatar, and Tears of the Sun. Peter Mensah was born on August 27 1959 in Chiraa, Ghana, to Ghanaian parents.

He moved to England with his father and started to expose himself to mixed martial arts.

Despite his growth in England and his Hollywood career, Mensah identifies with his Ghanaian roots. He buried his father in the country in 2018.

13. Jidenna (Nigeria)

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He was born Jidenna Theodore Mobisson to a Nigerian Igbo father and a caucasian mother in Wisconsin.

The Classic Man singer grew up partly in Nigeria and the United States. His music career shows his African connection as he is being influenced by the Nigerian highlife genre which has helped in giving him a unique sound.

He is vocal about his being a Nigerian and African. He works with Birthright Africa which is committed to providing a free educational trip to Africa for young people with African ancestry. This is to help people of African ancestry connect with their roots.

12. Boris Kodjoe (Ghana)

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Boris Kodjoe is a German actor, model, and director originally from Ghana. His father was a Ghanaian while his mother is German. The actor was born in Austria and was partly raised in Germany.

His career as a model and actor brought him fame across many countries. He has been featured in many American films such as Love & Basketball (2000), Brown Sugar (2002), and Madea’s Family Reunion (2006).

Boris, like many other actors with African ancestry, identifies with the continent and even reportedly took 40 of his famous friends for Christmas in Ghana in 2019. Some famous people who went with him include Idris Elba, Naomi Campbell, and Ozwald Boateng.

11. Gugu Mbatha (South Africa)

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She was born Gugulethu Sophia Mabatha-Raw to a South African father, Patrick Mbatha, and an English mother Anne Raw. She is an acclaimed actress known majorly for her roles in English and American movies.

Some of her most notable films are Belle (2013), Free State of Jones (2016), Beauty and the Beast (2017), and Concussion (2015).

In November 2022, she revealed a visit to South Africa where she reconnected with family and also visited the grave of her late uncle. Also, she visited the first fully black-owned winery in the country.

10. Danai Gurira (Zimbabwe)

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Danai Gurira is an American actress and playwright with Zimbabwean parents and heritage.

The Black Panther and Avengers actress was born in Iowa in the United States to parents who immigrated to the United States in 1964.

For years, Danai Gurira has been part of many projects in Africa. She taught playwriting and acting in Zimbabwe, Liberia, and South Africa. More so, she speaks 4 languages, including Shona and basic Xhosa.

9. David Oyelowo (Nigeria)

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He is a British actor, director, and producer known for Who Do You Love (2008), Middle of Nowhere (2012), The Butler (2013), Selma (2014), Queen of Katwe (2016), and Gringo (2018).

He was born  David Oyetokunbo Oyelowo in Oxfordshire, England in 1976. His father is a Nigerian Yoruba while his mother is from Edo in southern Nigeria.

The actor is a Yoruba prince called Omoba as his grandfather was a king in Awe, Oyo State. David grew up in Nigeria and the UK.

The actor who also has US citizenship has contributed to different projects in Nigeria and often identifies with the country. He established scholarship funds for Nigerian girls affected by terrorist acts. He also advocates against human trafficking and works toward helping women and children across the country.

More into his contribution to Nigeria and concerning projecting the country and Africa, he is set to work towards telling the Biafra story in BBC series.

8. Rami Malek (Egypt)

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Malek is an Egyptian-American actor who became the first actor of Arab origins to win an Academy Award for Best Actor. He was born to Egyptian parents after they relocated to the US following the birth of his older sister.

The Mr. Robot and Bohemian Rhapsody actor was speaking Arabic at home until he was 4. His parents encouraged him to hold on to his Egyptian roots and despite the fame, he refuses to be identified as a first-generation or second-generation removed. Rather,  he wants to be identified as Egyptian as he grew up knowing the culture, listening to its music, and identifying with the people.

The identical twin also hopes to be in an Egyptian film as he grew up watching and enjoying movies from the country.

7. The Weeknd (Ethiopia)

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The Weeknd is most famous as a Canadian, singer, songwriter, and actor. He was born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye in Canada to Ethiopian parents.

The musician identifies with his Ethiopian heritage and learned his native language Amharic from his grandmother. He also donated 50,000 Canadian dollars to the University of Toronto to fund a new course on the classic language of Ethiopia called Ge’ez.

Again, in 2017, the Blinding Lights singer funded a new Ethiopian studies program at the University of Toronto. His love for his Ethiopian roots has extended to providing relief materials in his native country to people affected by the Tigray War in 2021.

In his career, he is most notable for his Elastic Heart, Die for You, and Save Your Tears songs; and for starring in some notable American films and documentaries, including Michael Jackson’s Journey from Motown to Off the Wall (2016) and Uncut Gems (2019).

6. Alexander Siddig (Sudan)

He is a Sudanese-English actor and director whose birth name is Siddig El Tahir El Fadil El Fadil Siddig Abdurrahman Mohammed Ahmed Abdel Karim El Mahdi. He was born in Sudan in 1965 to a Sudanese father and an English mother.

He hails from a notable Sudanese family. His uncle Sadiq al-Mahdi was a Sudanese Prime Minister while his great-grandfather was Muhammed Ahmad, a Nubian religious leader who was proclaimed the Mahdi by his disciples and a man who contributed to the beginning of modern Sudan.

The Hannibal, Game of Thrones, Star Trek, and A Lost Man actor has not been an ardent visitor to his home country and although he spoke Arabic as a toddler, he does not speak it anymore.

5. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Nigeria)

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He is a British actor, director, producer, writer, and model to Nigerian parents of Yoruba ethnicity in London, England.

He started his early life in England before returning to Nigeria. He then found it difficult to adapt and was later returned to the United Kingdom. He went through a difficult childhood due to racial abuse that led to his hating that he was black.

However, he later came to terms with and accepted his race. He identifies with his roots and even made a movie, Farming about the struggles of black people. The film premiered in Nigeria and cast a Nigerian top actress Genevieve Nnaji among others.

While he is focused on helping Nigeria and Africa in a variety of ways, the Delta of Venus and The Mummy Returns actor works towards infusing the Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood with Hollywood.

See Also: 25 International Celebrities That Were Born In Africa

4. Sofia Boutella (Algeria)

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Sofia Boutella is an actress, dancer, and model from Algeria and also possesses French citizenship. She is mostly known for her roles in The Mummy (2017), Star Trek Beyond (2016), and Prisoners of the Ghostland.

Sofia Boutella was born in Algeria to a jazz musician father, Safy Boutella. The actress grew up in Paris and has worked in movies and with musicians in America among other countries. Some of the most notable artists she has worked with include Madonna and Michael Jackson.

The Star Trek actress has spoken about her being proud to be an Algeria.

3. Rotimi (Nigeria)

He is an American singer and actor born Olurotimi Akinosho. He was born and raised in America and has reached stardom through his roles in Coming to America (2021), Divergent, and Power. Some of his notable songs are In My Bed, Love Somebody, and his Amapiono song Make You Say.

The singer always identifies with his Nigerian ancestry and visits the country. He also believes that Africans in the diaspora should return to the continent because it has a lot to offer.

2. Nana-Kofi Siriboe (Ghana)

He is an American actor and model born in 1994 in California. His parents are Ghanaians and his 2 brothers Kwame Boateng and Kwesi Boakye are also Hollywood actors.

The Jump, Girls Trip, and Queen Sugar actor went to Kumasi in Ghana for the first time in 2017 and has shown much interest in the things that concern his native land.

His exposure to his Ghanaian heritage started early and while he was in elementary school, he could boast that his best food was Ghanaian fufu.

1. Daniel Kaluuya (Uganda)

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Daniel Kaluuya was born in London to Ugandan parents. He was raised in Camden mainly by his mother as his father was in Uganda and couldn’t make it often to Britain due to visa regulations.

Kaluuya has played roles in Black Panther (2018), Queen & Slim (2019), and Fifteen Million Merits (2011). His acting career has led to his becoming the first black British actor to win an Oscar for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ in Judas and the Black Messiah (2021).

The post 20 Hollywood Celebs That are Africans appeared first on WeAfrique.

The beauties of these capital cities are characterized by nature, man-made attraction centers, historical landmarks, and how well they have developed over time. Here are the top 15 most beautiful African capital cities based on popular opinion.

Most Beautiful Capital Cities in Africa

1. Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa

Cape Town and Pretoria are 2 of the 3 capital cities in South Africa and are both known for their captivating scenery.

Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa. It is also often regarded as one of Africa’s most beautiful cities. The capital city is famous for housing some of South Africa’s major landmarks, such as Table Mountain, which is one of the oldest mountains and one of the 12 main energy centers in the world.

Other significant places and things that have contributed to Cape Town’s beauty include Boulder’s Beach, Clifton and Camps Bay Beaches, Kirstenbosch National Park, and Castle of Good Hope.

On the aspect of the other beautiful capital of South Africa, Pretoria houses all foreign embassies in the country. It is a place where Freedom Park, the National Library of South Africa, the Pioneer Museum, and the granite-structured Voortrekker Monument sit.

The town is also famous for its well-planned buildings as well as streets lined with Jacaranda trees. Little wonder it is one of the most visited African cities by tourists.

2. Cairo, Egypt 

It is the capital of Egypt and the largest urban agglomeration in Africa, the Arab world, and the Middle East. For centuries, Cairo is also regarded as one of Africa’s most notable and beautiful cities.

In ancient times, Cairo was known for harboring Heliopolis’s great city and being at the Nile Valley’s junction. Modern Cairo is home to historic sites such as the Mosques of Ibn Tulun and al-Hakim, the 12th century built Citadel of Saladin, and ancient madrassahs and mausoleums.

It has other major landmarks such as Al-Azhar Park, Khan el-Khalil, and Cairo Tower, and the longest bridge in Africa, known as the 6th October Bridge.

The beauty of Cairo and its place in preserving some of Africa’s ancient major tourist attractions have contributed to Egypt’s place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Kigali, Rwanda

This African city is Africa’s cleanest and safest capital and the 3rd greenest in the world. It is a land of valleys and hills, historical sites, and modern architecture.

One of the major historical sites in Kigali is the Genocide Memorial which honors Rwandan genocide victims. Others are Camp Kigali Memorial and Belgian Peacemakers Memorial.

Other major things that have contributed to Kigali’s beauty include attractive cultural centers, art galleries, road networks, attractive vegetation, and hotels.

4. Abuja, Nigeria

It is located in the center of Nigeria, and it is widely known for being the capital city of the popular African country. Abuja is also recorded as the fastest-growing city in Africa.

The city is renowned for having great town planning that was created based on a master plan by the International Planning Association (IPA), a consortium of 3 American planning and architecture firms.

Also, the well-crafted road network of Abuja has contributed to its beauty. Other major landmarks are Zuma Rock, Central Bank of Nigeria Headquarters, Thought Pyramid Art Center, Jabi Boat Club, and Millenium Park.

5. Rabat, Morocco

Rabat was founded in the 12th Century and has since been a major city in Morocco, a northern African country. Morocco’s capital has stood its ground for years as a beautiful city in Africa.

The beauty of Rabat has made it one of the most visited places in Africa, with a reported yearly visit of over 8 million tourists.

Some of the major attractions in Rabat include the ancient unfinished tower of a mosque called Hassan Tower. Others are the Kasbah of the Udayas garden and museums, the National Zoo Rabat Morocco, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V.

6. Tunis, Tunisia

This beautiful African capital of Tunisia is known for its beaches, modern sites, and historical landmarks. These, among several other things, have landed Tunisia a spot among Africa’s most visited tourist countries.

Among the buildings include the Museum of Tunisian heritage and Carthage called Bardo National Museum, which houses the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world and marble statues representing the deities of the Roman emperors.

More on its fascinating architecture, Tunis houses one of Africa’s tallest buildings, EY Towers, which is 46.5 meters. It is also the home of a central thoroughfare called Avenue Habib, Tunis City Hall, and Dar El Jeld’s oasis of luxury.

7. Port Louis, Mauritius

Port Louis is Mauritius’s capital, Africa’s most developed country, with a 0.802 HDI in 2022.

The beautiful city is Mauritius’ economic, cultural, and political center. The city is known for harboring many monuments from the colonial era, some dating as far back as the 18th century.

Major landmarks that have contributed to Port Louis’ beauty are the eleventh five-tier colonial Port Louis Theater, a Chinatown, a historic landmark with hilltop vistas called Citadelle, a shopping center with handicrafts, and Champ de Mars Racecourse thoroughbred horse race track.

8. Victoria, Seychelles

The smallest capital city in the world, Victoria is also the largest city in Seychelles and one of the most attractive in Africa.

The city is famous for having beauty that cuts across natural and manmade things. Nature boasts of being surrounded by some of the most beautiful African islands.

Its beauty can also be linked to its Clock Tower, one of the few clock towers in Africa; Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, which is considered one of the most beautiful and colorful African markets.

Other places that contribute to the beauty of this capital city are the Victoria Botanical Gardens, Aruk Miu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, the National Museum of History, and the Bicentenary Monument.

9. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, remains one of the most beautiful cities in Africa. It is also regarded as one of the most developed cities in Africa.

It is the home of one of the tallest buildings in Africa, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Headquarters and NIB Bank Headquarters. It is also notable for its arts scene and great fashion scene.

Apart from its renowned road networks, among other beautiful things, it also has one of the most beautiful airports in Africa, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

It also has some notable beautiful places such as the National Museum, Red Terror Martyr Memorial Museum, Meskel Square, Ethnological Museum, and Unity Park.

10. Algiers, Algeria

It is the largest and capital city of Algeria. The city’s beauty, uniqueness, and historical preservation made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Much of the beauty of Algiers lies in its natural and historical markings. Its old town is often regarded as the most beautiful site in the Mediterranean. Algier’s Arabic city, Medina, is famed for ancient buildings such as Mosques and palaces.

11. Nairobi, Kenya 

The city was founded in 1899 and became Kenya’s capital in 1902. It is known for its cool weather and harboring several international organizations’ African headquarters.

The capital city of Kenya is also known for having some of Africa’s major national parks, including the Nairobi National Park, Kenya’s first game reserve, and the only protected area in the world that sits close to a nation’s capital.

Nairobi boasts natural tourist attractions such as Karura Forest and Mount Suwa Conservative. Some manmade attractions in the city are 7 August Memorial Park, Uhuru Park, and some of Africa’s tallest buildings, such as Britam Tower and Nairobi Global Trade Centres Office Towers.

12. Windhoek, Namibia

Namibia’s capital and largest city, Windhoek, is a social, economic, and political center. It is a culturally inclined city, and this has contributed to its beauty through the National Art Gallery, museum, and national theater.

Its architecture is famous for being a significant attraction in Namibia. Among the many include the neo-classist building called Turnhalle. Others are the national war and heroes memorial, Heroes’ Acre, and Namibia Craft Centre.

See Also: 10 Mineral Resources Mainly Found In Africa

13. Accra, Ghana

Accra is Ghana’s capital and the largest city in the country. It houses a wide range of exotic hotels, malls, bars, natural reserves, and home of factories and many beauty to behold.

The city is also the site of the famous Kotoko International Airport, Shai Hills, mountains, Sakumo Lagoon, Densu Delta, and the Muni Pomadze.

14. Abidjan, Ivory Coast

It is the economic capital of Ivory Coast and the 6th most populous African country. The city is known for being industrialized and urbanized, with its beauty found majorly in its Plateau and Cocody districts. It is characterized by construction compared to the 1970s and 1980s European buildings.

Abidjan, which is also known as Manhattan of the tropics, Small Manhattan, or Pearl of the Lagoons, is credited with beautifying itself with major landmarks such as Banco National Park, which has ancient sacred wood, Bassam Beach, and Zoo d’Abidjan.

15. Dodoma, Tanzania

It is a major social and economic city in Tanzania and the country’s capital city. Focusing on its beauty, Dodoma, a city founded by German colonists, can boast natural reserves such as open woodlands.

Other famous places for sights and landmarks are the Gaddafi Mosque, Bunge Tanzania Parliament Buildings, Kondoa Rock-Art Sites, and J-Jamhuri Stadium.

The post African Capital Cities: 15 Most Beautiful appeared first on WeAfrique.

Is Nigeria Still the Giant of Africa?

Nigeria is still considered the giant of Africa. With over 225.2 million people, the country has the largest population and the largest economy in Africa.

More into its population, Nigeria is the seventh most populous nation in the world and the most populated Black country in the world.

There is more to why the country is called the Giant of Africa. It is known for its high-ranking state in entertainment and sports.

Here are some Fascinating Facts About Nigeria

1. There is a Conspiracy Theory that Nigeria’s 15th President may be a Body Double

In 2017, Nigeria’s 15th President, Muhammadu Buhari suffered health challenges and stayed away from the nation for months. While there were questions that kept coming up concerning his health, and whether he was alive, a major conspiracy theory struck the country and its leader.

In 2018, an activist, Nnamdi Kanu claimed that the country’s President had died and was replaced with a body double from Sudan known as Jibril el-Sudan.

Although this theory has been debunked over and time again, some world and organizational leaders sent their condolences to Nigeria.

2. Nigeria is the First Country to Ban Foreign Models and Voice-Over Artists

In 2022, Nigeria banned foreign models and voice-over artists. At the time the ban was announced, it was revealed that it would take effect on October 1, 2022.

The move would disallow foreign accents in adverts. The ban was praised by others while it was frowned upon by others. For those against the ban, they claim that there are Nigerian citizens who have lived abroad and have foreign accents.

Also, it is not uncommon that some On Air personalities have foreign accents and the ban may affect them.

3. The Country Has Produced the Smartest Family in Britain

It is a common fact that Nigerians are some of the most intelligent people in the world. Well, this common knowledge has proven itself in the fact that a Nigerian family based in Britain became famous as the smartest family in the country.

Their fame started with Professor Chris Imafidon, the chair and founder of the Education program, at Oxford, UK.

How did the family become so smart? Prof. Chris Imafidon grew up autistic but he later became an educationist and raised his children to become geniuses through a special teaching method.

His twin children, Peter and Paula Imafidon are nicknamed “The Wonder Twins”. They became the youngest children in British history to attend high school at the age of 9. They also set world records when they passed the A/AS-level math papers as well as became the youngest to ever pass the University of Cambridge’s advanced mathematics exam.

The other member of the family, Anne-Marie also became the youngest person to pass the A-level computing exam. She has contributed immensely to education and for her contribution to education, she was recognized as BBC’s 100 Women in 2017.

At 11 years old, another child of the family, Christina Imafidon was the youngest student in history to attend British University.

4. Nigeria has Africa’s Oldest Dye Pit

Kofar Mata Dye Pit was founded in 1498 in Kano State, Nigeria. It remains the oldest dye pit in Africa and it’s known for the production of ancient fabric.

In ancient times, people traveled from different parts of the world to buy dyed fabric. One of the most interesting things about the over 500-year-old pit is its ability to stick to the ancient method of tye and dye. The methods have been passed to several generations and the same ingredients used for the process are still used.

Nonetheless, the dye pit has been losing its glory in recent times and many works have been done to bring back what it has lost and even make it greater.

5. It has the Highest Rate of Twins in the World

Igbo-Ora, a town in Oyo State in Nigeria has recorded the highest incidence of multiple births.

Based on reports, about 45 to 50 sets of twins per 1000 live births have been recorded in this town.

You may want to ask why the rate of twin births is high in Nigeria. Well, the major factor given is nutrition. Igbo-Ora is known for having a particular species of yam which is mostly turned into flour and made with a special type of soup.

While this report may not have scientific backing, people around the area widely believe that the delicacy increases fertility and it is why they have several multiple births.

6. Nigeria has the Biggest Film and Music Industries in Africa

From music to movies and entertainment in general, Nigeria is known for taking center stage in Africa. The annual growth of the Nigerian music industry has been massive and has enjoyed a growth rate of about 7.20% since 2022.

Some of the biggest musicians in Africa are Nigerians. They include Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido.

Moreso, the Nigerian movie industry is the third-largest in the world in terms of the number of annual film productions. This places it ahead of the United States and a step below India.

The film industry makes up about 5% of Nigeria’s national GDP.

7. The People of the Country are Some of the most Optimistic People in the World

Despite the daggers that come shooting through different angles in Nigeria, CNN has credited the country’s people as highly optimistic people. Also, Nigerians have made it to the list of some of the happiest people on earth.

Their optimistic nature is often associated with their religious lives and believe that no matter how things are bad, a supreme being can make things better.

8. It Has 7% of the Total Languages Spoken on Earth 

Nigeria is a country with more than 250 languages and is one of the most culturally diversified countries in the world.

Currently, the country makes up about 7% of the world’s total ethnic groups. Only Taraba state in northern Nigeria has more languages than 30 African countries.

The major languages in the country are Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.

9. Nigeria’s Niger Delta is One of the Largest Deltas in the World

The Niger Delta runs about 150 miles and covers about 36,000 square kilometers and it is also one of the world’s largest deltas in the world.

The delta is also one of the most revenue-generating rivers in Nigeria.

It is home to some endangered species in the world. More to this, the Niger Delta has the highest concentration of monotypic fish families in the world.

10. The Walls of Benin were the Largest Earthworks in the World

The walls of Benin were one the greatest in the world and stood for 400 years from the first millennium CE to 1897 when it was destroyed by the British.

The wall is evidence of the earliest civilization in Africa. The city was a series of earthworks made of banks and ditches and has been described as the largest earthworks before the mechanical era.

According to some historians, the walls were about four times longer than the Great Wall of China. Also, there are recordings that it took an estimated 150 million hours of digging to construct and may also be the largest single archeological phenomenon on the planet.

The post Is Nigeria Still the Giant of Africa? 10 Facts You Should Know About the West African Country appeared first on WeAfrique.

Here are 10 other great facts to know about the country.

10 Facts About Libya

1. The Country has been Inhabited Since 1200 BC

Several recordings have shown that the Berbers, also known as Amazigh, inhabited Libya since 1200 BC. These people live in the country and make up about 5% of the population.

With this, Libya is one of the oldest countries in Africa.

2. Libya was Once a Center of Christianity

It is a common fact that Libya is more than 90% Sunni Muslims. However, this has not always been the case in the country. In ancient times, Libya was a center of Christianity.

In fact, St. Mark who wrote the Gospel of Mark in the Christian Bible had ties with the country. He was born in Cyrene, Libya.

Moreso, Simon of Cyrene who helped Jesus to carry his cross was from Cyrene, an archeological town in Libya.

So, how did the story change? In 700 AD, the Arabs invaded the country and spread Islam. Currently, there are only a few Christians in Libya.

3. It has the Largest Man-Made River and Water Transportation Project

The Great Man-Made River is the largest irrigation projection in the world and it was created by the Libyan Government during the Gaddafi Administration.

The water covers a distance of up to 1,600 kilometers and provides about 70% of all freshwater that the country uses.

4. Libya has the Second Strongest Currency in Africa

After the Tunisian Dinar, the Libyan Dinar is the strongest currency in Africa. A US Dollar is Libya’s currency in 4.79.

The strength of the currency has suffered over time due to the instability of the economy which is mostly related to the crisis that the country faces.

The Libyan Dinar grew as a result of the flood of dollars into Libya. Also, the strict monetary policies in the country may have contributed to making the country’s currency as strong as it is.

5. It Was Once Considered One of the Wealthiest Countries on Earth

Before the presence of wars and political uncertainties that led to the economic breakdown of Libya, the country was once named one of the richest countries in the world.

In the 1980s, Libya’s GDP per capita was even greater than some developed countries today.

Although this GDP may have fallen over time, it still has one of the highest. Yet, it has not surpassed countries such as Mauritius, Seychelles, Gabon, and South Africa.

6. It is Known for its Crisis Problems

Back in 2011, there were Arab Spring protests that started on the low before it became a serious political-military instability in Libya.

It has soon become a civil war, and foreign military intervention and also led to the killing of the country’s leader, Muammar Gaddafi. It has also lasted over a decade and caused the death of thousands of people. It also landed the country on the list of the most dangerous to visit.

Moreso, Libya lost its place as one of Africa’s countries with the highest Human Development Index (HDI).

See Also: First African Country To Gain Independence: How Others Followed

7. It Has the Largest Proven Oil Reserves in Africa

Libya remains one of the largest oil-producing countries in the world. In Africa, it has the largest proven oil reserves with over 48,300 million barrels of petroleum crude oil reserves.

The country also has about 1,505 proven natural gas reserves. This makes Africa’s biggest oil-producing countries such as Nigeria and Algeria come after it.

Other natural resources found in the country are natural gas and gypsum.

8. Libya is one of the Hottest Countries in the World

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With the relative lack of moisture and less evaporation, the deserts that surround Libya contribute to how high the country’s temperature is.

On September 13, 1922, a community known as Aziziya recorded an air temperature of over 50°C. This then turns out to be one of the highest ever recorded in the world.

9. Libya was Once Part of an Ancient Greek Empire

The ancient city of Cyrene in Libya was a part of the ancient Greek Empire. It became one of the oldest and most important of the 5 Greek cities known as the pentapoleis.

The city was later incorporated into the ancient Roman Empire.

Currently, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is found near Shahhat village. To date, it prides itself on the remains of the temple of Apollo, the temple of Demeter, and the partially excavated temple of Zeus.

10. It Had One of the Longest Serving Non-Monarch Leaders

The world still remembers Maumar Gaddafi. He became the de facto head of state in March 1979 at the age of 37 after a coup against a monarchical ruler, Idris I, the King of Libya.

At the time he came to power, Gaddafi became famous for the massive development of different sectors in Libya. However, he remained in power and Libya became one of the countries headed by a non-monarchical ruler for a very long time.

His tenure lasted about 32 years before he was killed on 20 October 2011 at the age of 72.

The post 10 Fascinating Facts About Libya appeared first on WeAfrique.

Here are the greatest and most powerful militaries in ancient Africa, their fighting techniques, the wars they fought, and how long they lasted.

Most Powerful Military In Ancient Times in Africa

1. Aksumite Military

The Aksumite military was one of the most powerful militaries in the ancient world, not only in Africa. It was compared to the Roman soldiers of its time and was also one of the four great powers of the 3rd century, alongside Rome, China, and Persia.

The Aksumite military belonged to the Kingdom of Aksum, also known as the Axum Kingdom, which was located in present-day northern Ethiopia, Eritrea, northern Djibouti, eastern Sudan, and Yemen.

The kingdom’s military was divided into Sarawit groups, each of which was controlled by a general called a Nagast. The lowest army at the time was about 3,000 soldiers.

The Aksumite military fought many battles and made great use of animals such as donkeys to transport items to the battlefields, and camels in desert warfare. They also reportedly used elephants in battle.

One of the major territories that the Aksumite military conquered was the powerful Kingdom of Kush in 350 CE. Despite the victories that the kingdom enjoyed for many years, the military was weakened and the Kingdom of Aksum fell around 960 CE when it was defeated by a Jewish queen named Yodit, also known as Judith.

2. Military of Ancient Nubia

The Nubian military was responsible for the wars of Nubia, a region in southern Egypt, and was the seat of African kingdoms such as Kerma, Kush, Nobatia, Makuria, and Alodia.

It was famous for using anciently sophisticated bronze weapons such as swords, axes, spears, armor, and archery. The army also made extensive use of war elephants and siege engines, which contributed to their conquering nations and kingdoms.

The military had a large cavalry, and archers formed the major part of its army.

In the Nubian Kingdom, the Kerma Kingdom or Kerma culture was so strong that its soldiers were sometimes employed by other kingdoms. The military also became instrumental in making the Egyptian state a military power.

By 1000 BC, about 500 years after the end of Kerma, another kingdom called Kush started in Nubia. The Kushite army was one of the strongest and most tactical. It conquered Egypt and formed the 25th dynasty from 744 to 656 BC.

The army was responsible for fighting some major wars with Rome. Some of its most successful fights included defeating three Roman cohorts. Some of the most notable warriors and leaders of the kingdom are King Taharqa and Queen Amanirenas, who became the first African ruler to defeat the legendary Caesar Augustus.

3. The Carthaginian Military

It was one of the largest militaries in the ancient world, consisting of a strong army and navy. The Carthaginian military was active from 550 BC, when Mago I of Carthage became ruler.

In its earliest days, the army comprised about 24,000 infantry, 4,000 cavalry, and 300 war elephants, which were mostly used alongside siege engines, skirmishers, heavy cavalry, and chariots during wars.

The military, which comprised light and heavy infantry, faced defeats in its earliest days, but it quickly reformed and recruited more mercenaries, including Spartan captain Xanthippus, who helped to introduce new skills and more advanced military techniques.

The Carthaginian army was responsible for destroying a number of great Roman armies, including those of the Romans themselves.

Some of their notable fights include their battles with the Greeks for control of the island of Sicily. One of their major fighting skills, the rectangular mass military formation known as the phalanx, was adopted from the Greeks.

Although many commanders rose through the ranks of the military, Hannibal was its most famous military ruler, in 146 BC, while Hamilcar was another notable commander.

See Also: 7 Female Warriors Who Led African Empires and Armies

4. Songhai Military

Songhai had one of the largest and strongest African soldiers of ancient times. The soldiers were of the Songhai empire which is found in West Africa in present-day Niger, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Nigeria, Guinea, Gambia, southern Algeria, Burkina-Faso, and Ivory Coast.

The Songhai military had 12,500 cavalry of mounted knights and about 30,000 infantry soldiers, which included freemen and captives. It became the largest military in Africa after the fall of the Mali Empire.

The military became the largest in Africa after the fall of the Mali Empire. It was also known for using armor such as chain mail and helmets similar to those of medieval European armies. Other arsenals used by the ancient military include swords, arrows, and copper or leather shields.

The army was responsible for a major war victory over Timbuktu, which later became the second most important city in Songhai. It also defeated the Dogon and Fulani in the hills of Bandiagara.

Songhai’s military prowess began to decline in the late 16th century. By 1583, the empire had split in two, and the military was further weakened when the Moroccan army invaded Songhai with modern weapons, including guns.

5. Mandakalu Military

The military of the great Mali Empire contributed to how vast the Mali Empire gained ground in Africa. Mali was one of the greatest Empires in Africa and it spread across many parts of West Africa in modern-day Mali, Senegal, southern Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Ivory Coast, the Gambia, northern Burkina Faso, and Ghana.

Mali’s military was capable of 100,000 regular armies.

The Mali Empire’s military adopted a great part of the Mandinka culture such as blacksmithing which contributed to their having great iron weapons such as lances, sabers, long chains and swords; and iron helmets. They also adopted the use of poisonous spears against their opponents.

The army which had Farima-Soura and Sankaran-Zouma as leaders and operated from 1230 to 1610 fought opponents such as Songhai, Jolof, Mossi, Tuareg, and Fula.

It is mostly remembered for its role in the Battle of Kirina which is also known as the Battle of Krina or Siege of Karina. The war dates as far back as 1235 and it was between the Sosso Empire king Sumanguru Kante and Mandinka prince Sundiata Keita.

The fight became a national epic for Mali as well as its military. It also marked the beginning of the Mali Empire. At the time of Mansa Abubakari I, conquered the ancient state of Tekrour before it enjoyed great peace and wealth in the next century before it was met by violence that started to reduce the strength of the army.

In its last days, it struggled in the fight against the Portuguese and was later largely defeated. According to a number of accounts, Mali may have had good native weapons but were crumbled for lack of gunpowder.

The military and empire received their last defeat in the 17th century and the empire was destroyed by the Bambara.

6. Dahomey Amazon

Also known as Dahomey Mino, Agojie, Agoji, or Minon, these African warriors were an all-female military regiment of the Dahomey Kingdom in present-day Benin in West Africa.

They existed from the 1600s to the late 1800s and are among the few documented female armies in history.

The women soldiers started their existence when the kingdom suffered several attacks and their male soldiers were highly injured while others were killed.

These women soldiers who called themselves “ahosi” which means the king’s wives had to go through rigorous training and in their early days were between 1,000 and 6,000.

Dahomey Amazon had different regiments ranging from huntresses to riflewomen, reapers, archers, and gunners.

They fought using hand-to-hand technique and conquered several lands until their glory started to diminish after they were heavily defeated by Abeokuta warriors.

Subsequently, they engaged in the First Franco-Dahomean War in the 19th century with France when their territory was invaded by the French. Although it has been recorded that their hand-to-hand fight was remarkable, the French had more weapons and the Amazon faced defeat with many of them killed.

Also in the second Franco-Dahomean War, the Dahomey Amazon faced a more brutal defeat, and by 1894, they disbanded and Dahomey became a French protectorate.

In the present time, the African warriors, Dahomey Amazon have been depicted in many literary works. One of the most popular is a Hollywood film, The Woman King, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and featuring Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and John Boyega.

7. Zulu Military

The Zulu military remains one of the most recorded and great militaries in Africa’s history. They were the soldiers of the Zulu Kingdom in southern Africa and the most popular in the region.

The kingdom started as a very small one until a warrior named Shaka became a ruler. He then led the small kingdom to many fights and mostly came out victorious.

With many of the Zulu military victories, their kingdom expanded and more warriors were recruited. The military was known for its strong fighting spirit and was divided into regiments starting from young boys at the early age of 6 to commanders.

The soldiers were said to have received rigorous training and may be killed whenever they failed at wars, objected to some of Shaka’s rulings, or even lost sound. This contributed to how fierce the Zulu military became.

The military was famous for using heavy-bladed and short-shafted stabbing bears while many tribes at the time used long spindly throwing spears. They also used heavier cowhide shields called isihlangu.

Their most used fighting method was hand-to-hand combat while stabbing their enemies with a stabbing spear called ikiwa. They also attack their enemies using a long spear as well as a hardwood known as iwisa which was used for beating enemies.

The post Africa’s Most Powerful Military In Ancient Times appeared first on WeAfrique.

Now, this is not where the story starts or ends. It is commonly believed that beyond being a reincarnated Sankara, Ibrahim Traoré is Sankara’s ghost who haunts Burkina Faso. How true is this, and why are the men often being compared?

Before giving you the similarities between the two soldiers who became presidents at almost the same age, there is something to keep in mind. The captains became more interested in liberating their people and taking them out of the thorned hands of colonial masters. Of course, this is beyond being rulers. But then, one of the easiest ways to do that was by ruling the country through military regimes.

Their ideologies of who their people are and who they should be seem to be intertwined. In fact, Traore brings back those ideologies and reminds people of the exact words of Sankara, “The slave who is unable to assume his revolt does not deserve to be pitied.”

Most Fascinating 16 Similarities Between Thomas Sankara and Ibrahim Traoré Everyone Should Know

1. They Were Both Excellent Students 

Sankara and Traore were both good students while growing up. They were quiet but talented and quickly became popular among students and teachers.

Traore attended primary school in Bondokuy while Sankara attended his primary school at Bobo-Dioulasso. Sankara was mostly famous for excelling in mathematics and French and was admired for his enthusiasm for education. In fact, his enthusiasm was quickly noticed by priests who encouraged him to go to a seminary. However, he chose a more conventional school.

This same enthusiasm was noticed in Traoré whose teachers still speak highly of him. He also later obtained a degree at the University of Ouagadougou where he graduated as one of the best students.

In case you’re wondering why I brought in this similarity. Here’s the short answer. Being highly intelligent students at early ages could easily sit as a stool that probably inspired their later ideologies and decisions to become revolutionists.

2. Both Men Have Been Linked to Mali War

In 1974, Thomas Sankara fought on the border between Mali and Upper Volta which he later renamed Burkina Faso. His being part of the war fast gave him fame as his strength was noticed. However, he later called the fight useless and unjust.

The interesting part of this is that his said reincarnation, Ibrahim Traoré also became famous for partaking in the Mali War in 2014. This was about 40 years after Sankara joined the fight.

Here is where the story gets even more fascinating.

At the time Sankara fought in the war, he was approaching 26 years of age. In a similar vein, Traoré was also 26 years old when he joined the fight through a United Nations peacekeeping force called MINUSMA.

3. Captian Ibrahim Traoré and Thomas Sankara Seized Power Through Military Coup

Sankara and Traoré are similar in how they assumed office in Burkina Faso. They used a military coup to remove their predecessors and seize power as rulers of the West African country.

Now the question is why did they use military force to seize power?

This is the background.

Before both Sankara and Traoré, the country had already had numerous military coups. Therefore, it became easier for them to follow suit. At the time Sankara became president, there were already 3 separate military coups in the country which was then called Upper Volta.

Then, the country had 6 separate military coups when it was renamed Burkina Faso and before Ibrahim Traore became president. His coming to power through coup makes it the 7th coup d’etat in 38 years.

4. They are the Only Burkina Faso Presidents Whose Predecessors Spent Slightly Over 240 Days in Office

Before Sankara, his predecessor, Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo spent 268 days as president. Now, this was normal until 2022 when Ibrahim Traoré became president after his predecessor Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba spent 249 days in power. Could it be just another coincidence?

Well, on the surface, it may mean nothing but let’s put them side by side with other Burkina Faso presidents. So far, there is no president of the country whose predecessor spent anything from 200 to 299 days in office. The only exception is Sankara and Traore.

Other presidents, military and democratic spent from 1 to 151 days or 303 days to as high as 27 years.

Maybe, just maybe if you are directly before them, 200 is not your lucky number.

5. Sankara and Traore Became Presidents at Almost the Same Age 

In August 1983, Thomas Sankara became the president of the West African country known as Upper Volta. He was just about 4 months away from being 34 years old.

Sankara was at the time the youngest president in Africa.

This also became the fate of Traore when he became the president of Burkina Faso in October 2022 at 34. He automatically became the youngest president in Africa and the world.

At the time Sankara became president, Africa was already used to getting young presidents. Some of them include Yakubu Gowon of Nigeria who was 31 years old, and Valentine Strasser who became military head of state in Sierra Leone 3 days before he turned 25.

Because of these, Sankara’s age and his ability to rule was not questioned that much.

Now, the continent is mostly being ruled by older people in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s. This has led many to question if Traoré’s age would affect him, or if he will give us something else to think about in terms of being young and changing the leadership narrative in Africa like Sankara.

6. They Have Been Linked to Russia and Different Men Named “Vladimir”

Except if you have followed the story of Sankara very closely, it is easy to miss this point about him. Unlike Traore who the world keeps directly linking him to Russia, Sankara had more of an indirect link with the European country.

How is that? In case this question wanders in your mind, stay put to find out.

Now, back to how Sankara is linked to Russia.

In the 1970s, Sankara came across several books, including that of Vladimir Lenin. Now you see how he is linked to a man named Vladimir. Anyway, that is not all and that is definitely not the juicy part of the gist.

Sankara read many books from Vladimir, a revolutionist, lawyer, and writer; and in no time, his political ideologies were formed. It is with these ideologies that he rose to become a revolutionist and a leader who died in the course of serving Burkina Faso, “the land of Upright Men”.

Let’s shift our focus now to the man of the moment, Ibrahim Traore. Following the successful coup that brought him to power, many allegations arose that Russia was at the helm of the coup. Shortly after, he joined 17 other African heads to attend the 2023 Russia-Africa summit headed by Vladimir Putin.

7. Both Men are Nationalists and Pan-Africanists

The love for Africa and the need for the continent to develop is one other interesting thing Sankara and Traore have in common. They believe that Africa has all that it needs to grow and does not have to rely on Western countries to develop.

One common word they use to describe African leaders who give in to the Western world to gain favor is “puppet”.

8. Captian Ibrahim Traore and Thomas Sankara are Religious Men

No, Sankara and Traoré are not of the same religious beliefs. Let’s clarify that before we continue.

Sankara was a Christian and Catholic. In fact, he took work in his church seriously and was easily noticed by church leaders who encouraged him to attend a seminary. His parents also saw his dedication and wanted him to become a priest but the Pan-Africanist chose the military.

Looking at Traore, he is Muslim and takes his faith seriously. Also, he was part of the Association of Muslim Students while at the university.

This is interesting enough but no, it is not all. While Sankara and Traore are similar in taking their religious lives seriously, humanity and fighting for the good of their people seem to be a new religion – if revolution was a religion of course!

9. Their Charisma Makes Them The Most Popular Burkina Faso Leaders in History

Whenever you hear Traoré talk, you would definitely hear eloquence. In case you haven’t heard Sankara speak, you may want to surf the internet. Then you’ll come to terms that the men are eloquent and command respect with their words.

It is no wonder that while Sankara was president, he was one of the most interviewed African leaders and he easily got the media’s attention.

His said reincarnation draws similar concentration. He gets the media’s attention so much so that he is one of the most renowned African leaders.

Before Sankara, there was hardly any attention on Burkina Faso’s leaders, and after him, the attention went down before Traore brought it back.

10. Rather Than Working Closely with France, a Country that colonized them, They Chose Different Countries

If you have been following this video, you will remember that we earlier said that Sankara and Ibrahim Traore don’t want to be “puppets”. So, getting France in the middle of their anti-imperial movement would have been hypocritical if you asked me.

I guess you’re not asking so let me just go straight to the business of the day – That is how Sankara and Traoré want less of French influence.

In the 1980s when Sankara was president, he defined his program as anti-imperial. This means that he distanced his government from colonialism. He reduced French aid by 80% between 1983 and 1985.

Instead, he chose to liaise more with Cuba, a country that was at the time led by another revolutionary, Fidel Castro.

This new friendship saw many Burkinabés move to Cuba to receive professional training in order to help them develop Burkina Faso.

Let us fix our gaze on what Ibrahim Traoré is doing with French influence.

In February 2023, only about 4 months after he became president, Traore’s government expelled the French forces assisting in fighting insurgency in his country. Then, he declared that the country wants a win-win partnership.

Just as the world is trying to digest this, he expelled some French journalists. Of course, this was after he suspended media outlets called France 24 and Radio France International (RFI).

But there is more to this story than just the expulsion. BBC reports that France 24 was suspended due to accusations that the media outlet is “a communications agency of the militants by “broadcasting an interview with the head of al-Qaeda’s North Africa wing, Yezid Mebarek, who is also known as Abu Ubaydah Yusuf al-Anabi”.

France 24 denies the allegation.

Then, the president suspended the RFI on the claim that it broadcast a false report. Like France 24, it denied the allegation.

So, who is Taore getting close to? From indications and media reports, he is strengthening Burkina  Faso’s relationship with Russia and the United States. Also, he is tilting towards forming a good relationship with Mali and Guinea.

11. Both Men are Not Interested in Getting Rich With Burkina Faso’s Wealth 

Many people think this is one of the greatest similarities between Sankara and Traoré. What do you think?

Just before you answer, here is the full story then you make the verdict afterward.

In the 1980s when Sankara became president, he lowered his salary, used only one car, didn’t use an air conditioner, and limited several other luxuries.

Then, just about 2 months after Traoré came into power, he denounced his salary as head of state. Instead, he wanted to receive his salary as a captain.

No, it is not finished. I mean there is more about the two men cutting the cost of governance.

When Sankara came into power, he reduced the salaries of wealthy public servants and forbade the use of well-off government chauffeurs and first-class airline tickets. Also, high-earning civil servants had to pay one month’s salary to public projects.

Now, Traore followed not exactly the same path but it’s similar. In November 2023, under his regime, his ministers cut off 50% of their salaries for the month. This was to help the poor, especially those displaced as a result of insurgency in the country.

Only about a month later, the Burkina Faso government proposed a 1% voluntary deduction from workers’ salaries. Also, there will be deductions on taxes on certain consumer products that are not necessities. Some of the products are tobacco, cosmetics, perfumes, and drinks.

The reason for this is so that the government can pay the 50,000 Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland which is also known as VDP. The VDP will help in fighting against insurgency and each volunteer will receive CFAF 60,000 monthly.

See Also: 10 Safest African Countries In 2023

12. Sankara and Traore Hold the Same Army Ranks

If you have followed this article you will recall that at some point we called both Sankara and Traoré captains. Well, that is one similarity about the soldiers.

This means that both men were junior military officers who passed the ranks of Aspirants, Second Lieutenant, and Lieutenant.

In fact, both men became presidents as captains. Now we ask, will Traoré grow beyond being a captain or he will hold the position for life just as Sankara? Only time shall tell.

13. They Are Interested in Planet Earth

When Sankara was in power, he was very much interested in the environment. He knew that environmental protection was a priority even at a time when ecological awareness was low.

Under his leadership, bush burning was a crime,  cattle roaming was stopped, and also, chaotic cutting of firewood was put in check. He made it paramount for wooded strips to be planted and more food to be cultivated.

By 1987, the country had become food self-sufficient. A year after that, it was revealed that his government planted over 10 million trees.

Before we start to look at how this is similar to Traoré, it may interest you to know that Sankara also studied agriculture.

Now back to Ibrahim Traore. The world’s youngest president studied geology, the field concerned with the solid Earth.

Then in an interview with Voice of Africa in October 2022, he made a revelation about having trees without leaves and linking it to people’s suffering in the country.

Like Sankara, his quest is to protect these trees as much as he intends for food to flow in Burkina Faso, the Land of Upright Men!

14. Sankara and Traore Include Women in the Affairs of the Country

Thomas Sankara once said, “There is no true social revolution without the liberation of women”. With this belief, he improved the status of women in Burkina Faso. It became a crime to force women into marriages and indulge them in female genital mutilation.

Just when you think that is interesting enough, Sankara made it even more gripping when he became the first African leader to appoint women to major cabinet positions and to recruit them actively for the military.

Over 3 decades later, Traore came to power and decided to bring women on board. He had a face-to-face meeting with over 200 women in the 13 regions of Burkina Faso.

Earlier, I mentioned that Sankara had women active in the military. Now, Traore has followed a similar suit when his government had a meeting with women and the outcome was that there would be enlistment of women as Volunteers for the Defence (VDPs).

15. Karl Max was a Major Influence on Both of Them

Before Sankara’s ideologies were fully formed and long before he became the president of his country, he read many of Karl Max’s books which helped in forming his ideologies.

Also, before Traoré’s ideologies were fully formed, he also came across Karl Max’s works. His interest led him to become an activist in the National Association of Burkina Students (ANEB), a Marxist-inspired student organization.

It is possible that we see so much of Sankara in Traore because they exposed their minds to the same person. That person is Karl Max!

16. When You See Either of Them, You’ll Definitely See a Red Beret Hanging On Their Heads

I like to call their berets red but some like to report the color as maroon. Whatever you choose to call the color, there is absolutely no way that you have come across either Sankara or Traoré and you didn’t notice their berets.

As much as this seems to be a good similarity, there is actually a good explanation as to why we know the men with their signature caps.

Burkina Faso follows the French military pattern. French Army paratroopers and special forces wear an amaranth (dark red) beret with three different caps.

This brings us to the end of drawing out similarities between Thomas Sankara and Ibrahim Traoré. But before signing out, note that inasmuch as there are great similarities that we admire about the two men, there may also be disadvantages. For instance, both are said to be impatient. You know what they say about patience and virtue.

In any case, let us see how far the men will continue to be alike. Will fate work in favor of Captain Ibrahim Traoré or will it work against him? Will he fulfill the desires of Sankara by making Burkina Faso great, or will he be betrayed by another Blaise Compaoré?

Many Africans hope Traoré surpasses Sankara. What do you think?

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