TLA Countries

Like Paul Kagame, the current President of Rwanda and the 16th Chairperson of the African Union, African leaders don’t need to gather anywhere outside Africa to address their problems. Instead, they should call themselves together in Africa to address their problems and provide workable solutions. This is exactly what TLA provides – a platform that unites African leaders and equips them to drive transformational leadership at all organisations. Below are brief histories of the African countries whose leaders are TLA participants:

Kenya

Known as the home of a great African statesman and a strong supporter of Pan-Africanism, Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya, is an East African country that gained independence from British colonial rule in 1964. Jomo Kenyatta fought hard with other founding fathers to establish a free Republic for all Kenyans. He became the country’s first Prime Minister and later its President. During Kenyatta’s leadership, Kenya underwent significant modernisation and industrialisation, leading to economic growth. Other notable Kenyans are Tom Mboya, who played a vital role in the independence movement and served as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and James Gichuru, who served as Minister of Finance and Economic Planning. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, who served as the country’s first Vice President, and Daniel arap Moi, who served as President of Kenya from 1978 to 2002.

In addition to its economic development, Kenya is known for its diverse culture and natural beauty. It is home to various wildlife, including the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, and its coast is dotted with beautiful beaches. Kenya’s central role in promoting peace and stability in the region, including its participation in peacekeeping missions,  strongly influences the East African Community.  Like its motto suggests, “Harambee – Let us pull together,” Kenya continues to pull its people and other African nations together towards a brighter future.

Nigeria

As the Giant of Africa and home to good people, Nigeria is a West African country that became free from British rule in 1960. Two important figures in the country’s independence were Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, who served as the country’s first President and Prime Minister, respectively. Both leaders significantly contributed to Nigeria’s development and growth. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the country’s first President, played a key role in leading the country toward economic and social development and promoted national unity and reconciliation. On the other hand, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the country’s first Prime Minister, worked towards improving education and healthcare and strengthening international relations.

Nigeria is known for giving aid and technical assistance to other African countries, primarily through the African Development Bank, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the African Union. It has a diverse population and rich cultural history, with over 250 ethnic groups and languages spoken within its borders. However, the three largest ethnic groups in Nigeria are the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo. Nigeria continues to overcome every obstacle, grow, and thrive.

South Africa

Despite its long, complex history of apartheid, South Africa hasn’t stopped inspiring new ways for the African continent. Located on the southern tip of Africa, it is known for its natural beauty and rich history. In 1994, South Africa underwent a significant political transition with the end of apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela from prison. Mandela, who became South Africa’s first black President, played a pivotal role in the country’s transition to democracy and is widely revered as a global icon for human rights. He worked tirelessly to promote reconciliation and unity within South Africa and other parts of Africa, and his leadership was instrumental in shaping the country’s future.

South Africa is known for its stunning natural beauty, several national parks, and protected areas, including the famous Kruger National Park, home to a diverse array of wildlife, vibrant culture, and diverse population. This diversity is reflected in South Africa’s music, art, and cuisine, which draw influences from worldwide.

Ghana

From Ghana came Africa’s strongest supporter of Pan-Africanism and advocate of Africa’s liberation from Europe, Kwame Nkrumah. This admired leader was instrumental to Ghana’s independence in 1957 and economic and political development. He served as the country’s first President and was a passionate advocate for social justice and equality. Under Nkrumah’s leadership, Ghana underwent significant progress in several areas. The government made substantial investments in education and healthcare to improve the lives of its citizens. Nkrumah also played a crucial role in strengthening Ghana’s international relations, and he worked closely with other African countries to promote regional cooperation and development.

Asides its political and economic achievements, Ghana is also known for its rich cultural heritage of various languages, customs, and traditions. Ghana sustains the legacy of its founding fathers, particularly Kwame Nkrumah, as it plays a crucial role in shaping the continent’s future.

Tanzania

Truly the land of freedom and unity, Tanzania is located in East Africa and bordered by several countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. It was formed in 1964 by merging the mainland territory of Tanganyika and the island nation of Zanzibar, facilitated by the country’s founding father, Julius Nyerere, who served as Tanzania’s first President. Nyerere was a key figure in the country’s independence movement and future. He implemented several social and economic reforms, such as introducing universal education and healthcare, as stated in his political program, the Arusha Declaration.

The country is a popular destination for tourists interested in wildlife and outdoor adventure and is home to several national parks and protected areas, including the famous Serengeti National Park. Tanzania has a diverse population, with over 120 ethnic groups and various languages spoken within its borders. The official languages are Swahili and English, with the major industries including agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and mining.

Liberia

As the oldest modern republic on the continent and the only African country never subjected to colonial rule, Liberia is a West African country founded in 1847 by a group of formerly enslaved Americans on the love of liberty; as its motto rightly says, “The love of liberty brought us here.” The country was named after the Latin word “Liber, ” meaning “free.” These founding fathers, known as the Americo-Liberians, played a crucial role in shaping the country’s history and development.

One of the key figures in Liberia’s history is Joseph Jenkins Roberts, who became the country’s first President. Roberts was a prominent member of the Americo-Liberian community and played a significant role in the country’s progress.  Another important figure is Stephen Allen Benson, who served as the country’s Vice President. Benson. He was a leading member of the Americo-Liberian community and worked closely with President Roberts to promote national unity and reconciliation and shape the country’s future. Sierra Leone borders Liberia to the northwest, Guinea to the north, and Ivory Coast to the east. Liberia’s capital is Monrovia, located on the Atlantic coast. The country’s population is around 5 million, and the official language is English. It is home to the Sapo national park, which has over 500 species of birds and 100 kinds of mammals.

The Gambia

Anchored on progress, peace and prosperity, Gambia is a West African country bordered by Senegal to the north, east, and south and a small coastline on the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country gained independence from British rule in 1965 due to the efforts of its founding fathers like Dawda Jawara, Gambia’s first Prime Minister and later President. Major infrastructure projects, including roads, hospitals, and schools, marked Jawara’s leadership. He also implemented some social programs to improve the lives of ordinary Gambians, including initiatives to increase access to education and healthcare.

The economy is primarily based on agriculture, with peanuts being the main export crop. Other important sectors are tourism, fishing, and manufacturing. Gambia is a predominantly Muslim country with a population of around 2.5 million people, with a diverse culture influenced by its history of British colonial rule and its location in West Africa.

Uganda

Uganda is a landlocked East African country in East Africa, bordered by Kenya to the east, South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Rwanda to the southwest, and Tanzania to the south. It gained independence from British rule in 1962, thanks to the efforts of its founding fathers, like, Milton Obote, who served as Uganda’s first Prime Minister and later President.

Obote played a crucial role in Uganda’s independence and early development. He oversaw the establishment of key institutions, including the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), which became the country’s dominant political party. Under Obote’s leadership, Uganda made significant progress in education and healthcare, and the country’s economy grew drastically. However, President Idi Amin’s brutal rule launched the country into political instability and economic decline, resulting in thousands of Ugandans’ deaths.

After Amin’s fall in 1979, Uganda began to rebuild and recover under President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986. Under Museveni’s leadership, Uganda has made significant progress in economic development, healthcare, and education. Uganda’s economy is primarily agricultural, with coffee being the main export. Other important sectors include manufacturing, tourism, and services. Uganda is a diverse country with a population of around 45 million people, with English as the official language.

Rwanda

A small, landlocked country in Central Africa, Rwanda gained independence from Belgian colonial rule in 1962, after the struggle put up by its founding fathers, such as Grégoire Kayibanda, who served as Rwanda’s first President. Kayibanda played a key role in Rwanda’s early development. He oversaw the establishment of key institutions, including the Party of the Hutu Emancipation Movement (PARMEHUTU), which became the country’s dominant political party. Under his leadership, Rwanda made significant progress in education and healthcare, and the country’s economy experienced strong growth. However, Kayibanda’s rule was also marked by controversy and corruption, and he was eventually overthrown in a military coup in 1973.

The coup brought about a period of political instability and economic decline, culminating in the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, in which an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by the Hutu-dominated government and extremist militia groups. After the genocide, Rwanda began to rebuild and recover under President Paul Kagame, who has been in power since 2000. Under Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has made significant progress in economic development, healthcare, and education, such that it is sometimes referred to as the Singapore of Africa. Rwanda’s economy is primarily agricultural, with coffee and tea being the main export crops. Other important sectors include manufacturing, tourism, and services. Rwanda is a predominantly Christian country with a population of around 12 million people, and the official languages are English and Kinyarwanda.

Cameroon

Located between west and central Africa, in a region referred to as the “Hinge of Africa ”, Cameroon gained its independence on January 1, 1960. One of the prominent founding fathers of the country is Ahmadou Ahldjo, who was instrumental in the country’s independence and worked hard to unite the English and French-speaking parts of Cameroon. On May 5, 1960, Ahldjo became Cameroon’s first President, bringing political stability and economic growth to the country. It was under his administration Cameroon started enjoying infrastructural and agricultural development. In 1977, Cameroon became an oil-producing country. Petroleum has been a primary economic driver, although Cameroon is not oil-dependent like other African oil producers.

Due to its diversity, Cameroon is known as “Africa’s miniature”. It is one of the most diverse cultural places in central Africa, highly regarded for its literature, arts, handicrafts and national football team. As part of its duty to the continent, Cameroon has joined hands with other countries to fight insurgency and terrorism.

Eritrea

As home to an abundant amount of rare species, Eritrea is an East African country which fought for 30 years before gaining independence from the Ethiopian governments. This was made possible with the efforts of the Eritrean Liberation Movement, founded in 1958 as a formidable resistance against the centralising policies of Ethiopia.

One of the key leaders in Eritrea’s fight for independence is Isaias Afwerki, the country’s President since independence. The country enjoyed major economic growth between 2010 and 2020, which is attributed to the operations of the gold and silver mines as well as the production of cement. Eritrea is also known for its significant military, educational and healthcare development and is one of the few countries to meet the target of the Millennium Development Goals in healthcare.  Eritrea is a multilingual country with nine official languages, including Tigrinya, Afar, Beja, Tigre, Kunama, etc., but English and Arabic are considered working languages.

Malawi

One of the best tourist attractions in Africa is Malawi, home to many birds and mammals. Anchored on unity and freedom, Malawi is a landlocked country in Southeastern Africa. It gained independence in 1964 after Hastings Banda, a medical doctor, led a strong opposition against British rule and won the country’s first elections in 1961. Hastings Banda became Malawi’s first President, having declared himself as a President for life. However, under his administration, Malawi’s economy grew dramatically both agriculturally and infrastructurally despite being landlocked and deficient in mineral resources.

Malawi’s economy is based on agriculture, with the main products such as tobacco, tea, sugar, cement and sawmill products. Asides agriculture, Malawi is devoted to research and development. Hence, Malawian scientists publish more in mainstream science journals. Health services are free, while non-government organisations give people free drugs.

Botswana

The Noble Land of Botswana is located in southern Africa, 70% of its territory being the Kalahari desert. It gained independence on the 30th of September 1966, with Seretse Khama elected its first president. Other prominent leaders who fought for its freedom include Quett Masire, Festus Mogae, Ian Khama and Mokqweetsi Eric.

Since independence, Botswana has had one of the fastest growth rates in the world, transforming from one of the poorest to an upper-middle-class income economy. It boasts the largest diamond mining industry in the world, as it contributes over 31.6 million carats of diamonds. Botswana has also blessed wildlife, deltas Savannahs, grasslands and deserts, and houses some of the most endangered species. The Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve are major tourism centres. The official language is English, although Botswana is a multilingual country.

Namibia

Undisputedly known as the driest sub-Saharan African country, Namibia is a southern African country with the Atlantic Ocean on its Western border. It gained independence in 1990, and Sam Nujoma, who led the anti-apartheid forces in Southern Africa, was sworn in as the first president. President Nujoma introduced and maintained multiparty democracy with his vision for a free Namibia and Africa.

Namibia’s economy is based on mining (its largest sector), agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. Its banking sector is highly developed, with modern online and cellphone banking facilities. In 2013, Namibia was the top emerging economy in Africa and the 18th best in the world. The country is the 4th largest exporter of non-fuels in Africa and the world’s largest uranium producer. It is a major tourist attraction and is known for ecotourism.

Namibia launched a National Health Extension Programme in 2012, deploying 1,800 of a total ceiling of 4,800 health extension workers trained for six months in community health activities, including first aid, health promotion for disease prevention, nutritional assessment and counsel in, water sanitation and hygiene practices, HIV testing and community-based antiretroviral treatment.

Lesotho

If you are looking for the highest mountains in southern Africa, the enclaved country of Lesotho has them all. Lesotho became independent on October 4th, 1966 but had a rough strife for administration until 2020, when Moeketsi Majoro was elected President. Lesotho’s economy progressed from a subsistence economy to a lower-middle-class income economy by exporting natural resources and manufacturing goods. The economy is based mainly on agriculture, livestock, manufacturing and mining, with Lesotho being the largest exporter of garments to the US.

There are about 300 known bird species in Lesotho, including several globally threatened species, various reptiles and mammals. Lesotho is also known for its varieties of medicinal plants and cuisines. One of the popular dishes is Motoho, a fermented sorghum porridge. Some staple foods include pap or ‘mealies’, a cornmeal porridge covered with a sauce consisting of vegetables. Tea and locally brewed beer are choices for beverages. Lesotho is known for its fermented ginger beer, which is regularly sold on roadsides.

Sierra Leone

Founded on unity, freedom and peace, Sierra Leone is a  west African country with its current president as Julius Maada Bio. Julius Bio earlier served in the military, during which he organised two coups d’Etat to dislodge the military government and become the country’s President. Its economy degraded in the 90s, and its civil war damaged much of the formal economy.

Sierra Leone is rich in minerals and relies on mining for its economic growth. Rice is the staple food of Sierra Leone and is consumed at virtually every meal daily. The rice is prepared in numerous ways and topped with a variety of sauces made from some of Sierra Leone’s favourite toppings, including potato leaves, cassava leaves, crain crain, okra soup, fried fish and groundnut stew.  It has the largest natural harbour on the African continent, which allows for international shipping. Sierra Leone is a secular state, and the two main religions are Islam and Christianity.

Zambia

Zambia became a republic in 1964 with Kenneth Kaunda as its first president. Kaunda overcame the internal problems of uniting the country and saved it from a tribal war. He also supported other southern African countries in liberation movements. In Zambia, education is well monitored by the government, producing well-rounded citizens.

Zambia is known for starting the walking  Safari, and due to its abundant wildlife,  often regarded as the best-kept secret in Africa. Named after the Zambesi River, the fourth-longest in Africa, Zambia is home to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s biggest waterfalls.  The country also houses the big five animals – rhinoceros, lions, elephants, Cape buffaloes and leopards.  The official language is English, although over 70 languages are spoken in the country.

Swaziland

Known as the smallest country in Africa and one of the world’s absolute monarchical systems, Swaziland is a landlocked southern African country that gained independence in 1968 and has been under various political reforms until 2018, when it was renamed Eswatini. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture, forestry and mining and is closely linked to South Africa.

Eswatini has a spectrum of formal and informal conservation areas that protect the nation’s rich biological diversity, such as the Hlane Royal National Park and the Mlawula Nature Reserve. These areas comprise about 5% of the country’s land area. Eswatini has over 820 species of vertebrates and over 2400 species of plants, with many endemic species, globally important for biodiversity conservation. The country has won medals in boxing and marathon at the Commonwealth Games. Popular sports include football, cricket and rugby union.

Zimbabwe

Highly regarded for its lucrative mining sector and platinum and diamond resources, Zimbabwe is a southeastern landlocked African country that gained Independence in 1980 after the Lancaster House Agreement. The country’s first President was Canaan Banana, who served from 1980 to 1987 and was succeeded by Robert Mugabe. The first five years after independence saw rapid gains in areas such as immunisation coverage, access to health care, and contraceptive prevalence rate. Zimbabwe was thus considered internationally to have achieved a good health development record.

The main economic exports are minerals, gold and agriculture. The country maintained positive economic growth in the ’80s but declined in 2000 due to its involvement in Congo’s democratic war that drained the economy of millions. In 2018, tourism peaked as Zimbabwe has several tourist attractions, including Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe’s education system is well-developed in infrastructure and research. The official language is English, but the most popular local languages are Ndebele, spoken by 20%, and Shona, which is spoken by 70%.   

Burundi

Located in the Great Rift Valley in East Africa, Burundi is a landlocked country that gained independence in July 1962 and became a  constitutional monarchy with Mwani Mwambutsa IV as its first serving king. The country has two capital cities; Bujumbura and Gitega. Burundi’s economy mainly relies on agriculture, exporting tea and coffee, bananas, cotton and milk. It is famed for its high-quality banana beer.

The natural resources include uranium, nickel, cobalt, copper and platinum. Besides agriculture, other industries are public works construction, food processing and light consumer goods such as blankets, shoes and soap. Burundi’s culture is based on local tradition and the influence of neighbouring countries, though cultural prominence has been hindered by civil unrest. The country is home to Lake Tanganyika, the longest freshwater lake in the world.

Ethiopia

As the second most populous country after Nigeria, Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic country located in the “horn of Africa”. It is one of the fastest-growing economies, with nine major rivers and twelve big lakes. The country generates its power from fossil fuels and renewable sources.

Ethiopia is often considered coffee’s birthplace since cultivation began in the 9th century. Exports from Ethiopia in the 2009–2010 financial year totalled US$1.4 billion. Ethiopia produces more coffee than any other nation on the continent. The education system consists of a 4+4+2+2 cycle; elementary education consists of eight years, divided into two cycles of four years, and four years of secondary education, divided into two stages of two years.

Tourism is Ethiopia’s most popular economic sector, accounting for 5.5% of GDP growth in 2006. In 2015, the European Council named Ethiopia “World’s Best Tourism Destination”.

Seychelles

Seychelles became free from British colonial rule in 1976, the same year it became a republic. Albert Rene, the Father of Modern Seychelles, contributed greatly to the country’s economic growth. During the plantation era, cinnamon and vanilla were major exports. The prime agricultural products currently produced in Seychelles include sweet potatoes, vanilla, coconuts and cinnamon, which provide much of the economic support of the locals.

In 1971, with the opening of Seychelles International Airport, tourism became a significant industry, dividing the economy into plantations and tourism. The tourism sector paid better, and the plantation economy could expand only so far. As such, plantations declined, and tourism became the economic mainstay. The currency of Seychelles is the Seychellois rupee. Initially tied to a basket of international currencies, it was unpegged and allowed to be devalued and float freely in 2008 on the presumed hopes of attracting further foreign investment in the Seychelles economy.

South Sudan

South Sudan is a landlocked East African country, often regarded as the world’s newest country with one of the youngest populations across the globe. It became independent in 2011 after the people of southern Sudan voted in a referendum to break away from Sudan. The country has natural resources such as petroleum, iron ore, copper, chromium ore and zinc. The oil deposits have been estimated to be about four times more than in Sudan. Unlike the previous educational system of regional Southern Sudan—modelled after the system used in the Republic of Sudan since 1990—the current educational system of the Republic of South Sudan follows the 8 + 4 + 4 system (similar to Kenya). Primary education consists of eight years, followed by four years of secondary education and four years of university instruction.

Due to the civil war, South Sudan’s culture is heavily influenced by its neighbours. Many South Sudanese fled to Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, where they interacted with the nationals and learned their languages and culture. The official language of South Sudan is English. Interestingly, the River Nile flows through South Sudan; the White Nile flows through Juba, the capital city; and the Blue Nile runs through Khartoum.

Mauritius

In 1968, Mauritius became independent, all thanks to the efforts of its politicians, such as Sir Seewoogsaur Ramgoolam, who became the first prime minister. Since Independence, Mauritius has developed from a low-income, agriculture-based economy to a high-income diversified economy based on tourism, textiles, sugar and financial services. Information and Communication Technology, seafood, hospitality and healthcare have recently become important sectors.

Mauritius has no exploitable fossil fuel reserves and so relies on petroleum products to meet most of its energy requirements. Local and renewable energy sources are biomass, hydro, solar and wind. It has one of the largest exclusive economic zones in the world, and in 2012 the government announced its intention to develop the marine financial sector. The country is a major tourist destination, with tourism being the fourth contributor to the Mauritian economy. The island nation enjoys a tropical climate with clear warm sea waters, beaches, tropical fauna and flora complemented by a multi-ethnic and cultural population.