Top 10 countries with the oldest constitutions in Africa

In Summary

• In 2025, some African countries are still ruled by the constitution adopted decades ago, with the 1968 Constitution remaining the oldest on the continent.
• Nations such as Tanzania and Cameroon have maintained their constitution since the 1970s, even through political instability and social changes, while countries such as Liberia and Sierra Leone retained them through a period of conflict.
• Mauritius tops the list with its 1968 Constitution, showing that constitutional longevity in Africa often reflects the balance between flexibility, stability, and developing the needs of governance.

Deep Dive!

How long can a constitution last in Africa? While constitutional changes are part of the political landscape to be developed, some countries have managed to maintain the same founding documents for decades. These constitutions have directed nations through leadership change, civil war, and social changes, as a quiet witness to history.

In some cases, these constitutions have offered stability for an indefinite time. In others, it has been argued about the balance between relevance, reform, tradition, and progress.

Even if many African nations review or reform their constitution, these 10 countries will continue to work under some of the oldest constitutions, some of which have been in place for more than half a century. Here is a look at the top 10 African countries with the oldest constitutions.

10. South Africa

South Africa has been ruled by the same constitution since 1997, officially introduced to mark the end of apartheid. Although on this list, it is relatively young compared to others, it is one of Africa's most referenced. The document came into force on 4 February 1997 and is known for its progressive bill of rights. This changed to an interim version used after the 1994 democratic elections. By 2025, the 28 -year -old Constitution continues to work as the legal backbone of the country.

9. Uganda

The current Constitution of Uganda was adopted on 8 October 1995 during the early years of Yoweri Museveni's presidency. While the amendments have taken it away from the presidency and the age limit, the main body of the Constitution remains unchanged after 30 years. The document came after years of military rule and civil struggle, and although it has been used to expand the rule of those in power, it remains an official law to guide the governance of Uganda.

8. Malawi

Malawi transformed to a one-party rule in the early 1990s, and its current constitution came into effect on 16 May 1994. The country has experienced peaceful elections and many presidents' handovers under this document, making it one of the most stable in southern Africa. Now, over 30 years of age, the Constitution still reflects the democratic turn of the country after decades of rule under Hastings Banda.

7. Ghana

The fourth republic of Ghana began on 7 January 1993 with its current constitution after military rule. It introduced multi-sided democracy and is credited with maintaining the political stability of the country in the last three decades. Despite the stress related to the election and the timely reform debate, Ghana has not replaced the document, making it one of the longest-running constitutions of West Africa.

6. Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone adopted its constitution on 1 October 1991, just before the outbreak of a cruel civil war. Remarkably, the same document was valid throughout the struggle and still continues, 34 years later. It provided a legal route for disarmament, harmony, and post-war elections, showing its flexibility even in the most difficult period of the region.

5. Zambia

The 1991 Constitution of Zambia indicated the end of Kenneth Kaunda's one-party rule. Adopted on 24 August 1991, it introduced multilateral democracy and has remained the legal foundation of the country to date. Although amendments have been made over time, the original outline has survived for 34 years and is counting through power transitions and presidential changes.

4. Liberia

After military rule led by Samuel Doo, the current constitution of Liberia came into force on 6 January 1986. Despite the experience of two civil wars after its adoption, the constitution was never replaced. It is now about 40 years old, and it will still be in use in 2025. The document was designed to restore civil rule and includes provisions that have shaped the era after the country's struggle.

3. Tanzania

The Constitution of Tanzania, adopted on 16 March 1977, after the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. It has controlled the nation through both the socialist Ujama era and modern multi-party elections. Even though constitutional reform negotiations have come to light, now there is a 48-year-old document - the current President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, is also based on the main legal document.

2. Cameron

Cameron adopted its constitution on 20 May 1972 through a national referendum, which was later officially promulgated on 2 June 1972. It marked a change from a federal to units and remained unchanged in the structure since then. Even though the country has seen increasing calls for change in governance and federalism, especially from Anglophone regions, the constitution has remained in place for 53 years.

1. Mauritius

Mauritius still has the oldest constitution in Africa. It was adopted on 12 March 1968, on the same day the country gained independence from Britain. Now it is 57 years old, it remains the longest-running constitution on the continent. The document has provided a stable framework for one of Africa's most politically stable democracies, and it continues to guide the island nation without a complete replacement.