Africa’s political landscape is shaped by a diverse range of older leaders, many of whom bring decades of experience to the table.
- Business Insider presents Africa’s top 10 oldest senate presidents
- The list is courtesy of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU)
- There are growing debates about whether these senior leaders, who are often well past retirement age, should continue in positions of power.
These older leaders span across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, influencing the governance structures of their respective nations.
While the executive holds significant power, legislatures also play a crucial role in lawmaking and governance.
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They are responsible for creating and passing laws and overseeing the activities of the executive, thus emphasizing the importance of the legislative institution in the political process.
However, age has become a recurring issue in Africa’s political narrative, with analysts raising concerns about the continued leadership of older individuals in sensitive political institutions, including the executive, the Senate, and other key government roles.
There are growing debates about whether these senior leaders, who are often well past retirement age, should continue in positions of power.
The Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) has long tracked the average age of parliamentarians at national, regional, and global levels, becoming a key data source on youth representation in politics.
Several of the world’s oldest lawmakers remain active in their national assemblies. Salah Goudjil (94) leads Algeria’s Council of the Nation, while Augusto Gómez Villanueva (95) represents Mexico City in the Mexican National Assembly.
In Cuba, Guillermo García Frías (97), a veteran of the revolution, still serves in the National Assembly.
These individuals have navigated complex political climates, shaped critical legislative decisions, and played a significant role in the development of their nations.
Their leadership in their respective parliaments highlights both their personal achievements and the value of experienced leadership in the global democratic processes.
Africa’s oldest senate presidents
The top 10 oldest Senate leaders, according to the latest data, are:
| S/N | Country | Chamber | Full name | Sex (male/female) | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cameroon | Senate | Marcel Niat Njifenji | Male | 91 |
| 2 | Gabon | Transitional Senate | Paulette Missambo | Female | 76 |
| 3 | Congo | Senate | Pierre Ngolo | Male | 71 |
| 4 | Equatorial Guinea | Senate | María Teresa Efua Asangono | Female | 68 |
| 5 | Zimbabwe | Senate | Mabel M. Chinomona | Female | 67 |
| 6 | Madagascar | Senate | Richard Ravalomanana | Male | 66 |
| 7 | Côte d’Ivoire | Senate | Kandia Kamissoko Camara | Female | 66 |
| 8 | Rwanda | Senate | François-Xavier Kalinda | Male | 63 |
| 9 | Nigeria | Senate | Godswill Akpabio | Male | 63 |
| 10 | Eswatini | Senate | Lindiwe Dlamini | Female | 60 |
Topping the list is Cameroon’s Marcel Niat Njifenji, aged 91, who remains the oldest active Senate leader in Africa.
He is followed by Paulette Missambo of Gabon’s Transitional Senate, aged 76, and Pierre Ngolo of Congo, aged 71.
The data shows a balance of male and female leadership, with notable female senators like María Teresa Efua Asangono of Equatorial Guinea and Mabel M. Chinomona of Zimbabwe both leading senates in their late sixties.
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These leaders bring extensive political experience to their roles, having served through various stages of their nations’ political evolution.
Despite calls for generational renewal in African politics, many of these Senate presidents continue to play central roles in shaping legislative agendas.
While their leadership underscores the value of institutional memory and continuity, it also raises questions about youth inclusion and political succession planning in African democracies.
