Independence Days of African Countries: A Complete List

Africa is a continent rich in history, resilience, and cultural diversity. One of the most significant aspects of its modern identity is the wave of independence movements that swept across the continent during the mid-20th century, leading to the liberation of most African nations from colonial rule. Today, these Independence Days are celebrated annually as a symbol of freedom, unity, and national pride.

In this article, we present a comprehensive list of all African countries and their Independence Days.

List of African Countries and Their Independence Days

• Algeria – July 5, 1962

• Angola – November 11, 1975

• Benin – August 1, 1960

  
  

• Botswana – September 30, 1966

• Burkina Faso – August 5, 1960

• Burundi – July 1, 1962

• Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) – July 5, 1975

• Cameroon – January 1, 1960

  
  

• Central African Republic – August 13, 1960

• Chad – August 11, 1960

• Comoros – July 6, 1975

• Congo (Republic of the Congo) – August 15, 1960

• Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – June 30, 1960

• Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) – August 7, 1960

• Djibouti – June 27, 1977

• Egypt – June 18, 1953

• Equatorial Guinea – October 12, 1968

• Eritrea – May 24, 1993

• Eswatini (Swaziland) – September 6, 1968

• Ethiopia – May 5, 1941 (from Italian occupation)

• Gabon – August 16, 1960

• Gambia – February 18, 1965

• Ghana – March 6, 1957

• Guinea – October 2, 1958

• Guinea-Bissau – September 24, 1973

• Kenya – December 12, 1963

• Lesotho – October 4, 1966

• Liberia – July 26, 1847

• Libya – December 24, 1951

• Madagascar – June 26, 1960

• Malawi – July 6, 1964

• Mali – September 22, 1960

• Mauritania – November 28, 1960

• Mauritius – March 12, 1968

• Morocco – March 2, 1956

• Mozambique – June 25, 1975

• Namibia – March 21, 1990

• Niger – August 3, 1960

• Nigeria – October 1, 1960

• Rwanda – July 1, 1962

• São Tomé and Príncipe – July 12, 1975

• Senegal – April 4, 1960

• Seychelles – June 29, 1976

• Sierra Leone – April 27, 1961

• Somalia – July 1, 1960

• South Africa – April 27, 1994 (Freedom Day)

• South Sudan – July 9, 2011

• Sudan – January 1, 1956

• Tanzania – December 9, 1961 (Tanganyika)

• Togo – April 27, 1960

• Tunisia – March 20, 1956

• Uganda – October 9, 1962

• Zambia – October 24, 1964

• Zimbabwe – April 18, 1980

Why These Dates Matter

Independence Days across Africa are more than just national holidays—they are reminders of the struggles, sacrifices, and victories that shaped the continent’s destiny. They symbolize:

• The triumph over colonialism and oppression.

• The unity and identity of nations.

• The continued pursuit of freedom, justice, and development.

These commemorations also provide an opportunity for younger generations to learn about their country’s history and to appreciate the value of sovereignty.

Conclusion

Africa’s independence journey is a powerful story of resilience, resistance, and renewal. As each country celebrates its Independence Day, it is not just a remembrance of the past but also a reaffirmation of the vision for a brighter future.

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