Below are five African countries most commonly cited as the continent’s oldest, along with the reasoning behind each claim.
1. Ethiopia
Ethiopia is often ranked at the top due to its long history of continuous civilization and statehood. The Ethiopian Empire dates back to 1270, while earlier kingdoms such as the Aksumite Kingdom (1st century CE) and D’mt (8th century BCE) emerged in the same region.
Today, Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most historically rich nations and holds more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other African country. It is also the birthplace of coffee culture and the site where some of humanity’s oldest fossils, including “Lucy,” were discovered.
- Date of formation: 1270
- Restoration of sovereignty: May 5, 1941
(Patriots’ Victory Day marks the expulsion of Italian forces. Whether this counts as “independence” is debated, but Ethiopia’s longstanding sovereignty is undeniable.)
2. Liberia
Liberia is recognized as Africa’s earliest modern republic, declaring independence on July 26, 1847.
The nation was founded by American-born Black settlers through the American Colonization Society. While Liberia’s independence is historically significant, it also came with deep internal divisions, as indigenous populations were politically marginalized for many years. The country later endured coups and civil wars before stabilizing in the 21st century.
Liberia made history again in 2006 by electing Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female president.
- Date of independence: July 26, 1847
3. South Africa
South Africa’s modern identity was shaped through European colonization, conflict, and eventual political unification. Cape Town was founded by Dutch traders in the 17th century, followed by British expansion.
The Union of South Africa was formed in 1910, marking political unification under British rule. Full republican independence came later in 1961, during the apartheid era—a system of racial segregation that lasted until the 1990s.
Today, South Africa is Africa’s most industrialized economy and one of the continent’s most culturally diverse nations.
- Date of independence: May 31, 1910
4. Egypt
Egypt’s ancient civilization makes it one of the world’s oldest nations, but its modern state emerged much later after centuries under Ottoman and British influence.
Egypt was formally declared independent from Britain on February 28, 1922, though British control continued until the 1952 military revolution, which is now celebrated as Revolution Day.
Today, Egypt is the most populous Arab country and one of Africa’s largest economies, renowned for its ancient monuments and strategic geopolitical importance.
- Date of independence: February 28, 1922
5. Libya
Libya became independent on December 24, 1951, following Italian colonization and a period of British-French administration after World War II.
Historically home to Berber tribes and later ruled by numerous empires, Libya’s modern statehood is relatively recent compared to others on this list. Despite its large oil reserves, Libya has faced prolonged political instability in recent decades.
- Date of independence: December 24, 1951
Final Note
The title of “Africa’s oldest country” depends entirely on the criteria used. If the measure is continuous civilization, Ethiopia is a leading candidate. If it is earliest modern independence, Liberia often takes precedence. And if it is political unification, South Africa can be argued as the oldest.