Africa is the second largest continent in the world after Asia with 54 countries. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Red Sea to the east, and the Indian Ocean.
Despite the strides that the continent has made over the years, it still grapples with challenges of bad governance, poverty and political instability – characterized by coups.
Today, countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Burkina Faso are in turmoil.
Africa is also home of strongmen and dictators who rule with an iron fist and cling to power for decades.
For example, the President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang has been in power for 43 years, Paul Biya of Cameroon, 40 years and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda 39.
Nonetheless, Africa has some of the most learned presidents in the world. Apart from the late Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe who had a litany of certificates, the continent currently boasts of five presidents, with PhDs. This article focuses on who they are:
Presidents of Africa with PhDs
William Ruto
President William Ruto was elected in August 2022, succeeding Uhuru Kenyatta whose mandate elapsed after being in power from 2013. Ruto was Kenyatta’s deputy throughout his tenure as the president of the East African powerhouse.
Ruto holds a PhD in Plant Ecology from the University of Nairobi.
Additionally, he has master’s degree in plant ecology and a bachelor’s degree in Botany and Zoology from the University of Nairobi.
Ruto has on several occasions bragged about being a scientist, telling off his opponents.
Alassane Ouattara
He is the President of Ivory Coast since 2011. He is an economist by profession with a PhD in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Further, he has a master’s degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in science from Drexel University, Philadelphia.
Mohammed VI
He is the king of Morocco since 1999. He has a PhD in Law from the French University of Nice Sophia Antipolis.
At the same time, he holds a bachelor’s degree in law from Mohammed V University and a Diploma in public law.
Also Read: Unpacking Ruto’s PhD: What Exactly Did the President Study at UoN?
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
He is the president of Somalia. He has a doctoral degree in Peace, Governance, and development at the University for Peace.
Hassan also holds a master’s degree in technical education from the University of Barkatullah.
Lazarus Chakwera
He is the president of Malawi. Chakwera holds a professorship in Pan-Africa Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Ministry from the International University (USA).
Additionally, he has a master’s degree in theology from the University of South Africa.
Also Read: This Man Obasanjo: From Coup Convict to Africa’s Statesman
Former African Politicians with PhD
Moeketsi Majoro
He served as the sixth prime minister of Lesotho. He holds a PhD in Natural Resource Economics from Washington State University.
Also, he has a master’s in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the National University of Lesotho.
The Late Pombe Magufuli
Before his death in March 2021, John Pombe Magufuli was the president of Tanzania. He had a doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Dar es Salaam.
Moreover, he had a master’s degree in science and a bachelor’s degree in science, majoring in Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of Dar es Salaam.
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