Johann Hunt
History is all around us, sometimes even in the names on a map. The names of African countries today weren’t always the same, and each old name reflects a specific moment in time. In some cases, the new name honored forgotten histories. Let’s reveal 10 old African country names and why they were replaced.
From Bechuanaland To Botswana
British rule had labeled it Bechuanaland since 1885, but 1966 brought a new era. Botswana, meaning “Land of the Tswana,” embraced indigenous heritage while stepping into democracy. Known today for its political stability, the change honored its people rather than its colonial past.
From Rhodesia To Zimbabwe
In 1980, Rhodesia (named after colonizer Cecil Rhodes) was replaced by Zimbabwe. It was inspired by the stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Independence from white minority rule brought a wave of cultural pride. Announced during national celebrations, the new identity embodied the nation’s return to its ancestral heritage.
From South-West Africa To Namibia
After years under South African rule and apartheid laws, 1990 marked the dawn of Namibia. Named after the ancient Namib Desert, it became one of Africa’s final colonies to achieve independence. The title stood as a stark separation from its oppressive past and asserted its place as a sovereign African nation.
From French Sudan To Mali
1960 saw the birth of Mali from the remnants of French Sudan. That honored the powerful medieval Mali Empire, a symbol of learning and trade centered around Timbuktu. Once part of a short-lived federation with Senegal, the new name became a rallying point for national pride and historical continuity.
From Dahomey To Benin
In 1975, Dahomey was renamed Benin for neutrality. Although the name referenced a distant empire, it avoided favoring one group over others. This was part of a Marxist restructuring that reflected a push for unity, with the bustling port city of Cotonou near the Bight of Benin.
From Zaire To Democratic Republic Of The Congo (DRC)
The former President of DRC, Mobutu Sese Seko’s “Authenticity” campaign had once changed the Congo to Zaire, a Portuguese twist on the river’s name. But in 1997, after his fall, the country restored the “Democratic Republic of the Congo.” This returned to pre-Mobutu sovereignty, clearly distinguishing it from its smaller neighbor: the Republic of the Congo.
From Basutoland To Lesotho
In 1966, the highlands of southern Africa saw Basutoland cast off its colonial identity for Lesotho, which means “Land of the Sotho people.” Towering entirely above 1,000 meters, this mountain kingdom embraced unity and cultural pride. Sesotho, its official language, also became both a national emblem and a symbol of enduring heritage.
From Swaziland To Eswatini
Half a century after independence, 2018 brought a royal proclamation from King Mswati III: Swaziland would be called Eswatini. That means “Land of the Swazis,” the name honored local language and history while putting an end to confusion with Switzerland. Today, it remains Africa’s last absolute monarchy.
From Upper Volta To Burkina Faso
A sweeping cultural transformation sought to erase colonial influence from daily life. In 1984, Thomas Sankara renamed Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, meaning “Land of Incorruptible People.” The previous name had simply described a river system, but the new one carried a vision of integrity and renewal.
From Abyssinia To Ethiopia
Long referred to internationally as Abyssinia, the country officially adopted the name Ethiopia in 1931 under Emperor Haile Selassie. The term “Ethiopia” is of ancient Greek origin and carries deep historical and biblical resonance. It had also been used in local tradition for centuries.