Intelligence and education are indispensable components of good leadership. Because of this, Plato, one of the ancient philosophers, believes that a learned leader has a better chance of achieving more than his uneducated peer. Although many African countries are still classified as underdeveloped and (sometimes) have below average levels of overall literacy, many of the world’s best educated leaders come from Africa. A long list of educated African press figures existed on the continent at various times. Here are the current ones.
Here are currently the best educated African presidents
10. Hage Geingob – Namibia
Hage Geingob is the President of Namibia. He assumed power in 2015 after serving in various leadership positions.
Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University, New York.
- Master of Arts in International Relations from the Graduate Faculty of the New School, New York.
9.George Weah – Liberia
History was made in Liberia and across Africa in 2018 when George became the 25th President of Liberia. This is largely due to the fact that before entering politics, George Weah was a footballer known as one of the best African players of all time. He had played in both the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League. He was also the first and only African player to win FIFA World’s Best Player and other notable awards.
Academic Qualifications:
- Muslim Congress and Grammar School at Wells Hairston High School.
- BA in Sports Management from Parkwood University, London (note that this certificate is issued without a course requirement)
- Degree in Business Administration from DeVry Univesity Maimi
- Master’s degree in Management from the Keller Graduate School of Management.
8. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe – Togo
Faure Essozimma Gnassingbeof Togo became President on April 24, 2005 and has remained so ever since. He seized power after the death of his father, Gnassigbe Eyadema, who had ruled the country for 38 years.
Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor in Financial Management from the Sorbonne in Paris.
- Master’s degree in Business Administration from George Washington University in the USA.
7.Ibrahim Boubacar Keita – Mali
Ibrahim Keita was popularly known as IBK has ruled Mali since 2013. His government is focused on one main goal, which is the complete elimination of corruption in the country. Because of this, he vows not to tolerate the slightest dishonesty.
Academic Qualifications:
- Ibrahim studied at the Lycée Janson-de-Sailly in Paris and at the Lycée Askia-Mohamed in Bamako.
- He promoted the Paris I University and Institute of International Relations (IHRIC) at the University of Dakar.
- Ibrahim Keita has three degrees in Political Science, History and Political Science and a degree in Political Science and International Relations.
- He also has a Masters in History
See: Academic Qualifications of Egyptian Presidents: 1953 to the Present
6. Ameenah Gurib – Mauritius
Ameenah Gurib had a smooth path to her election and has ruled Mauritius since 2015. The biodiversity scientist is the third woman to serve as the country’s President but the first woman to be elected as one. She has been recognized internationally for her rapid advances in administration.
Academic Qualifications:
- Graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) from the University of Surrey.
- PhD in organic chemistry from Exeter University, England.
5. Mulatu Teshome – Ethiopia
Mulatu Teshome has been in power since 2013. He held various leadership positions before finally becoming the country’s president by parliamentary vote.
Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy of Political Economy from Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
- PhD in international law from Peking University, Beijing, China.
4. Alassane Ouattara – Ivory Coast
Alassane has been at the helm of Ivory Coast’s leadership since 2010. His academic qualifications and experience in financial institutions appear to have presented him with the best chance of fulfilling his bid for the presidency. Fortunately, The Economist has not disappointed in reviving and maintaining Ivory Coast’s economic situation. Its economic growth is among the highest in Africa.
Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Master’s degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
- PhD in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
3. Peter Mutharika – Malawi
International business law expert, Peter Mutharika has strong academic credentials, some of which earned him a seat in the Malawi Presidency in 2014. The lawyer also held various management positions before his election, including as an advisor to his older brother, ex-President Bingu Wa Mutharika, who died in 2012.
Academic Qualifications:
- Studied law at the University of London.
- Master of Laws Degree (LL.M.) at Yale University .
- Doctor of Laws (JSD) from Yale University .
2. King Mohammed VI – Morocco
King Mohammed VI Has been on the throne of Morocco since 1999 after the death of his father, King Hassan. As the country’s king, he is Morocco’s superpower and responsible for appointing the country’s prime minister.
Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Laws from Mohammed V University in Agdal.
- Doctor of Laws from the French University of Nice, Sophia Antipolis.
In 1987, Mohammed received his first Certificat d’Études Supérieures (CES) in Political Science, and in July 1988 he received a Diplôme d’Études Approfondies (DEA) in Public Law.
See Also: The Last 12 Most Influential African Leaders Who Must Not Be Ignored – #12 will irk you
1. John Magufuli – Tanzania
A former school teacher also known as the “Tanzanian Bulldozer” Dr. John Joseph Magufuli became President of Tanzania in 2015. He is working to transform the energy sector and other sectors in the country.
Academic Qualifications:
- BSC in Chemistry from the University of Dar es Salaam
- Masters in Chemistry from the University of Dar es Salaam
- PhD in chemistry from the University of Dar es Salaam.