The year 1960 marked a significant turning point in the history of Africa, as 17 nations gained independence from their European colonial rulers. This wave of decolonization, often called the “Year of Africa,” marked the beginning of a new era of self-determination and nation-building on the continent. 

1. Cameroon (January 1, 1960) – After decades of French rule, Cameroon became independent under President Ahmadou Ahidjo. Tensions between French and British colonial authorities and internal divisions between Anglophone and Francophone Cameroonians marked the country’s struggle for independence.

2. Senegal (April 4, 1960) – Senegal gained independence from France, with Léopold Sédar Senghor becoming the first president. A renowned poet, Senghor was a key figure in the Negritude movement, which sought to celebrate African culture and challenge European colonialism.

3. Togo (April 27, 1960) – Togo, a small West African nation, gained independence from France. Sylvanus Olympio, a prominent nationalist leader, became the country’s first president but was later assassinated in a military coup.

4. Madagascar (June 26, 1960) – The island nation of Madagascar achieved independence from France, with Philibert Tsiranana as its first president. Madagascar’s struggle for independence was marked by a violent uprising in 1947 that was brutally suppressed by French forces.

5. Congo-Kinshasa (June 30, 1960) – Present-day Democratic Republic of Congo, then known as Congo-Kinshasa or Congo-Leopoldville, gained independence from Belgium. The country’s first prime minister, Patrice Lumumba, was a key figure in the independence movement but was later assassinated in a political crisis that plunged the nation into decades of conflict.

6. Somalia (July 1, 1960) – The former British and Italian colonies of Somaliland and Somalia united to form the independent Somali Republic. Aden Abdullah Osman Daar became the country’s first president.

7. Congo-Brazzaville (August 15, 1960) – Present-day Republic of Congo, then known as Congo-Brazzaville, gained independence from France. Fulbert Youlou, a former Roman Catholic priest, served as the first president.

8. Gabon (August 16, 1960) – This Central African nation gained independence from France under the leadership of Léon M’ba, who became the country’s first president.

9. Nigeria (October 1, 1960) – Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, gained independence from British rule. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became the first prime minister, while Nnamdi Azikiwe served as the first president.

10. Mauritania (November 28, 1960) – Mauritania, a vast desert nation in West Africa, gained independence from France. Moktar Ould Daddah became the country’s first president.

11. Mali (September 22, 1960) – Mali, a landlocked nation in West Africa, gained its independence from France. Modibo Keïta, a key leader in the struggle for independence, became the country’s first president. Keïta pursued socialist policies and established close ties with the Soviet Union and other socialist countries during his time in office.

12. Niger (August 3, 1960) – Niger, another landlocked West African country, achieved independence from France. Hamani Diori, a prominent nationalist leader, became the first president of the newly independent nation. Niger faced numerous challenges in its early years, including political instability, economic hardship, and periodic droughts.

13. Burkina Faso (August 5, 1960) – Known as Upper Volta until 1984, Burkina Faso gained independence from France. Maurice Yaméogo, a key figure in the independence movement, became the country’s first president. However, his rule was marked by corruption and repression, leading to a series of military coups in the following decades.

14. Côte d’Ivoire (August 7, 1960) – Côte d’Ivoire, also known as Ivory Coast, achieved independence from France. Félix Houphouët-Boigny, a key figure in the country’s nationalist movement, served as the first president. Under his leadership, Côte d’Ivoire pursued a policy of close cooperation with France and experienced significant economic growth, earning it the nickname “African Miracle.”

15. Chad (August 11, 1960) – Chad, a landlocked nation in Central Africa, gained independence from France. François Tombalbaye, a trade union leader and prominent nationalist, became the country’s first president. However, his rule was marked by ethnic tensions and a brutal civil war that lasted for decades.

16. Central African Republic (August 13, 1960) – The Central African Republic, located in the heart of Africa, achieved independence from France. David Dacko, a key figure in the country’s nationalist movement, became the first president. However, political instability and military coups have plagued the nation since its independence.

17. Senegal (April 4, 1960) – Senegal gained independence from France. However, it initially formed a short-lived federation with Mali, called the Mali Federation, before becoming a fully independent nation on August 20, 1960. Léopold Sédar Senghor, a poet and key figure in the Negritude movement, became Senegal’s first president and was instrumental in building strong political and cultural ties with France.

These 17 newly-independent nations faced various challenges during their transition to self-rule, including political instability, economic hardship, and the need to forge a national identity. Nevertheless, the “Year of Africa” marked a significant step forward in the continent’s struggle for self-determination and freedom from colonial rule.