Countries in Africa with the Longest-standing Legislative Documents

In the vast and diverse landscape of Africa, several countries have been governed by constitutions that have withstood the test of time, providing a stable framework for their governance.

One of the oldest and longest-running constitutions on the continent is Mauritius's 1968 Constitution, which has been in force for over five decades. This Constitution has played a crucial role in shaping Mauritius into one of Africa's most politically stable democracies.

Tanzania's Constitution, adopted in 1977, has governed the country through the socialist Ujama era and modern multi-party elections for 48 years. Despite political instability and social changes, Tanzania's Constitution, along with Cameroon's, which was adopted in 1972, has remained a constant in these nations.

In West Africa, Sierra Leone's Constitution, adopted in 1991, has remained valid throughout the country's civil war and continues to be used, 34 years later. The Constitution of Malawi, which came into effect on 16 May 1994, marked a transition from one-party rule and reflects the democratic turn of the country after decades of rule under Hastings Banda. Malawi's constitution, now over 30 years old, has facilitated peaceful elections and president handovers, making it one of the most stable in southern Africa.

Uganda's current Constitution was adopted on 8 October 1995, during the early years of Yoweri Museveni's presidency. The main body of the Ugandan Constitution remains unchanged after 30 years. In South Africa, the Constitution, introduced in 1997, marked the end of apartheid and remains one of Africa's most referenced. Known for its progressive bill of rights, South Africa will still be governed by this Constitution in 2025.

The Constitution of Zambia, adopted in 1991, marked the end of Kenneth Kaunda's one-party rule and has remained the legal foundation of the country for 34 years. Liberia's current Constitution came into force in 1986 after military rule and has not been replaced despite two civil wars. Cameroon's Constitution, despite increasing calls for change in governance, has remained unchanged in structure since its adoption in 1972.

While the exact African countries governed under constitutions that have been in force for more than a decade in 2025 could not be precisely identified from the available information, it is clear that these enduring constitutions reflect a balance between flexibility, stability, and the developing needs of governance. Constitutional longevity, as demonstrated by Mauritius's 1968 Constitution, is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of these documents in shaping the future of African nations.