African Nations that Changed Their Names at Independence

When African nations gained their independence from colonial rule, the process of nationhood was complex and often involved defining a new national identity. This transition was not merely about governance but also about redefining the very essence of the nations that had been artificially created by European interests. Over the years, many of these nations underwent further changes, reflecting evolving national sentiments and aspirations.

The Artificial Creation of African Nations

Before colonial hegemony, the idea of a nation as we know it was non-existent in many parts of Africa. Colonial powers, driven by their own interests, created nations by drawing borders that often separated families, clans, and tribes. These arbitrary divisions frequently led to conflicts and tensions within the newly established nations. The process of gaining independence was a chance for these regions to redefine themselves and adopt names that would represent their true natures.

Changes at Independence

On a total of 19 African nations, significant name changes occurred at the time of independence. Here are some of the major changes:

1. Ghana

What was once known as the British Gold Coast (1821-1957) became Ghana upon independence in 1957. This change symbolized not only a break from colonial rule but also a reconnection with the rich history of the Gold Coast.

2. Mali

The former French Sudan (1892-1960) became known as Mali in 1960. This name change reflected a desire for a more indigenous and unified identity.

3. Congo Democratic Republic

When the Belgian Congo (1908-1960) gained independence in 1960, it adopted the name Congo Democratic Republic. This change aimed to establish a new, inclusive, and democratic nation.

4. Botswana

The British protectorate of Bechuanaland (1923-1966) became Botswana upon independence in 1966. This moniker celebrated the new nation's aspirations and unity.

5. Republic of Congo [Congo Brazzaville]

The former French territory known as Moyen Congo (1880-1960) became the Republic of Congo [Congo Brazzaville] in 1960, a change reflecting a break from French influence.

6. Angola

Portuguese East Africa [1895-1975] became Angola upon independence in 1975. This name change marked a new era of independence and self-determination.

7. Equatorial Guinea

Portuguese Guinea [1836-1974] became the Republic of Guinea Bissau in 1974. Meanwhile, Spanish Guineas known as Rio Muni [1778-1968] and Fernando Po [1820-1968] united to become Equatorial Guinea in 1968. This change recognized the unification of the Spanish possessions.

8. Namibia

South-West Africa [1904-1990] became Namibia after South Africa relinquished control in 1990, marking a significant milestone in the nation's history.

9. Zambia and Zimbabwe

Rhodesia became Zambia in 1964. Southern Rhodesia, the Southern counterpart, became Zimbabwe in 1980. These name changes symbolized a new era of independence and sovereignty.

10. Lesotho

Basutoland [1840-1966], a British protectorate, became Lesotho upon independence in 1966. This change reflected a desire for a more distinct national identity.

11. Malawi

Nyasaland [1891-1964], a British protectorate, became Malawi in 1964, under the leadership of Hastings Kamuzu Banda. This change marked a new era of nationhood and self-identity.

12. Guinea Bissau

Portuguese Guinea [1836-1974] became the Republic of Guinea Bissau in 1974. This change reflected the desire for independence and a new national identity.

13. French Guinea [Guinea Conakry]

This French territory became the Republic of Guinea [Guinea Conakry] in 1958, marking the end of colonial rule and the beginning of a new nation.

14. Somalia

After Somaliland reunited with the Italian possession in 1960, a United Republic of Somalia was formed, which was later divided into present-day Somalia and Somaliland.

15. Rwanda and Burundi

The Belgian mandate of Ruanda-Urundi [1916-1962] broke up into two separate states in 1962. Ruanda became Rwanda and Urundi went on to become Burundi, both reflecting new national identities.

Further Changes After Independence

Some African nations underwent further name changes after their initial independence, often driven by political or ideological reasons. Here are a few examples:

1. Benin Republic

Formerly called Dahomey, the Republic of Dahomey changed its name to the Republic of Benin in 1975. This change was symbolic of a new nation redefining itself.

2. Burkina Faso

The former Haute Volta [Upper Volta in English] was renamed Burkina Faso in 1984 by the military ruler Thomas Sankara. This name change aimed to reflect a more local and less French-influenced identity.

3. Tanzania

The 1964 union of Tanganyika and the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba became Tanzania. This change aimed to consolidate the newly formed nation under a single banner.

4. eSwatini

The Kingdom of Swaziland was rechristened the Kingdom of eSwatini in 2018, reflecting the more inclusive and indigenous identification of the nation.

These changes in African nations' names reflect a broader narrative of post-colonial identity, sovereignty, and self-redefinition. They mark significant milestones in the journey towards independence and self-determination for these nations.