23 African Countries that changed their Names after Independence

As some African countries emerged from the shadow of colonial rule, they seized the opportunity to redefine themselves—quite literally.

The act of changing their names were not just symbolic; it was a bold declaration of sovereignty and self-determination.

It was about reclaiming indigenous heritage, honoring long-forgotten heroes, and shedding names that echoed with colonial condescension.

These transformations encapsulate decades of struggle, resilience, and hope. Now let us explore the twenty-three (23) African countries that have proudly changed their names—and in doing so, reshaped their destinies.

23 African Countries that changed their Names after Independence

Below is a list of the African countries that changed their names after getting their independence from the colonial masters.

1. Gold Coast → Ghana (1957)
2. Dahomey Republic → Benin Republic (1975)
3. Southern Rhodesia → Zimbabwe (1980)
4. Portuguese East Africa → Mozambique (1975)
5. British East Africa → Kenya , Uganda
6. Spanish Guinea → Equatorial Guinea (1968)
7. Abyssinia → Ethiopia (1945)
8. French Sudan → Mali (1960)
9. French Togoland → Togo (1960)
10. German East Africa → Rwanda , Burundi and Tanzania
11. Portuguese Guinea → Guinea-Bissau
12. Nyasaland → Malawi (1964)
13. Northern Rhodesia → Zambia (1964)
14. Tanganyika and Zanzibar → Tanzania (1964)
15. Bechuanaland → Botswana (1966)
16. Basutoland → Lesotho (1966)
17. Upper Volta → Burkina Faso (1984)
18. Ivory Coast → Cote d’Ivoire (1986)
19. South West Africa Zaire → Namibia (1990)
20. Zaire → DR Congo (1997)
21. Swaziland → Eswatini (2018)
22. Ruanda-Urundi → Rwanda (1962)
23. Burundi (1962)

Note: This information is only made available here for historical purposes.