“Throughout history, many African countries have undergone changes in name, reflecting shifts in colonial power, struggles for independence, and cultural identity. Understanding the old names of these nations provides insight into their historical contexts and the complexities of their past. Below is a curated list of African countries alongside their former names, shedding light on the rich tapestry of African history and its evolution over time.”

1. 🇧🇯 Benin (Dahomey)
2. 🇧🇼 Botswana (Bechuanaland)
3. 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso (Upper Volta)
4. 🇧🇮 Burundi (Rwanda-Urundi)
5. 🇨🇫 Central African Republic (Ubangi-Shari)
6. 🇨🇬 Congo Brazzaville (Middle Congo, French Congo)
7. 🇨🇲 Cameroon (German Cameroon)
8. 🇨🇩 DR Congo (Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Léopoldville)
9. 🇩🇯 Djibouti (French Somaliland, Afars and Issas)
10. 🇸🇿 Eswatini (Swaziland)
11. 🇪🇹 Ethiopia (Damot, Abyssinia)
12. 🇬🇲 The Gambia (Senegambia, Kaabu, British Gambia)
13. 🇬🇭 Ghana (Gold Coast)
14. 🇬🇳 Guinea (Conarky, French Guinea)
15. 🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau (Portuguese Guinea)
16. 🇰🇪 Kenya (British East Africa)
17. 🇱🇸 Lesotho (Basutoland)
18. 🇲🇼 Malawi (Nyasaland)
19. 🇲🇱 Mali (French Sudan)
20. 🇲🇺 Mauritius (Prins Mauritius van Nassaueiland)
21. 🇲🇦 Morocco (Al-Maghrib)
22. 🇳🇦 Namibia (Island Nawodo, Onawero)
23. 🇷🇼 Rwanda (Kinyarwanda)
24. 🇸🇳 Senegal (Senegambia)
25. 🇹🇿 Tanzania (Tanganyika)
26. 🇺🇬 Uganda (Buganda)
27. 🇿🇲 Zambia (Northern Rhodesia)
28. 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe (Rhodesia)