9 African Countries That Changed Their Names And Why
People change their names for varied reasons and in the history of Africa, there are African Countries That Changed Their Names for their own reasons.
This fact-based post will look all all nine countries and why they changed their names.
What Are The 9 African Countries That Changed Their Names?
The countries are listed along with the year in which the change was effected.
Gold Coast → Ghana 🇬🇭 (1957)
Swaziland → Eswatini 🇸🇿 (2018)
Ivory Coast → Cote d’Ivoire 🇨🇮 (1986)
Tanganyika and Zanzibar → Tanzania 🇹🇿 (1964)
Upper Volta → Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 (1984)
Southern Rhodesia → Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 (1980)
Northern Rhodesia → Zambia 🇿🇲 (1964)
Zaire → DR Congo 🇨🇩 (1997)
Dahomey Republic → Benin Republic 🇧🇯 (1975)
More Details Why The 9 African Countries That Changed Their Names -Country Specific Reasons
Why did Ghana Change her name from Gold Coast to Ghana in 1957
Ghana changed her name from Gold Coast to Ghana in 1957 to reflect her ancient history and culture. The name “Ghana” comes from the ancient Ghana Empire, which was a powerful West African empire from the 9th to the 13th centuries. The Ghana Empire was known for its wealth, power, and culture.
The Ghanaian people wanted to choose a name for their new country that would reflect their rich history and culture. They also wanted to choose a name that would unite the people of the country and create a sense of national identity. The name “Ghana” was chosen because it was a name that was familiar and respected by all Ghanaians.
The name change also served as a symbol of Ghana’s independence from British colonial rule. The Ghanaians wanted to create a new identity for themselves as a free and independent nation. The name “Ghana” was a way of asserting their independence and their pride in their heritage.
The name change was a popular decision among the Ghanaian people. It was seen as a way of honoring their past and creating a bright future for their country. Ghana has since become a successful and prosperous nation, and the name “Ghana” is now synonymous with freedom, independence, and pride.
Why did Eswatini Change her name from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018?
Eswatini changed her name from Swaziland to Eswatini in 2018 for a number of reasons.
- To reclaim the country’s original name. The name “Swaziland” is a combination of the English language and the national language, Swazi. The country’s original name was eSwatini, which means “land of the Swazis” in the Swazi language. King Mswati III of Eswatini argued that the name “Swaziland” was a relic of the colonial era, and that the country should revert to its original name.
- To avoid confusion with Switzerland. The name “Swaziland” is often confused with the name of the European country Switzerland. This can lead to problems, such as mail being sent to the wrong country. King Mswati III argued that changing the country’s name to eSwatini would help to avoid this confusion.
- To promote national pride and unity. King Mswati III also argued that changing the country’s name to eSwatini would help to promote national pride and unity. The name “eSwatini” is a symbol of the country’s unique identity and culture.
The decision to change the country’s name was met with mixed reactions. Some people supported the change, arguing that it was a necessary step to reclaim the country’s original name and identity. Others opposed the change, arguing that it was a waste of money and that it would not make any real difference.
Despite the controversy, the name change was officially implemented on April 25, 2018. The country is now known as the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Why did Cote d’Ivoire Change her name from Ivory Coast to Cote d’Ivoire in 1986?
Côte d’Ivoire changed its name from Ivory Coast to Côte d’Ivoire in 1986 for a number of reasons.
- To decolonize the country’s name. The name “Ivory Coast” was given to the country by French colonists in the 19th century. After independence in 1960, the government wanted to choose a name that was more reflective of the country’s African heritage and identity.
- To promote the use of the French language. The name “Côte d’Ivoire” is French for “Ivory Coast.” The government wanted to promote the use of French as the country’s official language, and changing the country’s name was seen as a way to do this.
- To distinguish the country from other countries with similar names. There are a number of other countries in Africa with names that contain the word “ivory,” such as the Ivory Coast of Guinea and the Ivory Coast of Liberia. The government of Côte d’Ivoire wanted to choose a name that would make the country more distinctive and easier to identify.
The decision to change the country’s name was not without controversy. Some people argued that the change was unnecessary and that it would be too expensive to implement. Others argued that the change would not be effective in decolonizing the country’s name or promoting the use of French.
Despite the controversy, the government of Côte d’Ivoire went ahead with the name change. In 1986, the country officially adopted the name “Côte d’Ivoire.” The change was recognized by the United Nations and other international organizations.
Today, the name “Côte d’Ivoire” is the most widely used name for the country. However, the name “Ivory Coast” is still used by some people, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Why did Tanzania Change her name from Tanganyika and Zanzibar and finally to Tanzania in 1964?
Tanzania changed its name from Tanganyika and Zanzibar to Tanzania in 1964 for a number of reasons.
- Unity: The name Tanzania was chosen to reflect the unity of the two countries, Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which had merged to form a new nation.
- Neutrality: The name Tanzania was also chosen to be more neutral, as it did not favor either of the two main ethnic groups in the country, the Sukuma and the Nyamwezi.
- Identity: The name Tanzania was also chosen to create a new national identity for the country, one that was distinct from the colonial era.
The decision to change the country’s name was made by the newly formed government of Tanzania, which was led by President Julius Nyerere. Nyerere was a strong advocate for African unity and independence, and he believed that Tanzania should have a name that reflected its new identity as a free and united nation.
The name Tanzania was first used on April 26, 1964, when Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The country was renamed the United Republic of Tanzania on October 29, 1964.
The change of name was welcomed by many Tanzanians, who saw it as a symbol of the country’s new independence and its commitment to unity. The name Tanzania has also been well-received by the international community, and it is now the universally recognized name for the country.
Why did Burkina Faso Change her name from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso in 1984?
Burkina Faso changed its name from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso in 1984 under the leadership of President Thomas Sankara. Sankara was a revolutionary leader who wanted to break with the country’s colonial past and create a new, authentic African identity. He saw the name “Upper Volta” as a relic of colonialism, as it was given to the country by the French based on its location on the upper reaches of the Volta River.
Sankara chose the new name “Burkina Faso” from two local languages, Moore and Dioula. The word “Burkina” means “incorruptible” or “honest people” in Moore, while the word “Faso” means “fatherland” or “homeland” in Dioula. Sankara wanted the new name to reflect the values of his government, which were based on integrity, self-reliance, and social justice.
In addition to changing the country’s name, Sankara also implemented a number of other radical reforms, including nationalizing the country’s natural resources, redistributing land to the peasantry, and promoting literacy and education. His government was also known for its strong commitment to women’s rights and its opposition to imperialism and neocolonialism.
Sankara was assassinated in 1987, but his legacy continues to inspire people around the world. He is remembered as a courageous and visionary leader who fought for a more just and equitable world. The name “Burkina Faso” is a reminder of his ideals and his commitment to the African people.
Why did Zimbabwe Change its name from Southern Rhodesia in Zimbabwe in 1980?
Zimbabwe changed her name from Southern Rhodesia to Zimbabwe in 1980 for a number of reasons, including:
- To reflect the country’s pre-colonial heritage: The name Zimbabwe is derived from the ruins of the Great Zimbabwe, a medieval city that was the capital of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe. The Kingdom of Zimbabwe was a powerful and prosperous state that existed from the 13th to 16th centuries. By choosing the name Zimbabwe, the new government was seeking to emphasize the country’s long and rich history before British colonization.
- To break away from the colonial past: The name Rhodesia was named after Cecil Rhodes, a British imperialist who played a key role in the colonization of Southern Africa. Rhodes was a controversial figure, and many black Zimbabweans viewed him as a symbol of oppression. By changing the country’s name, the new government was seeking to make a clean break from the colonial past and to create a new national identity.
- To unite the country: Zimbabwe is a multi-ethnic country, and there was a long history of rivalry and conflict between the different ethnic groups. The new government hoped that by choosing a new name that was not associated with any particular ethnic group, it could help to unite the country and create a sense of national unity.
The decision to change the country’s name was not without its critics. Some people argued that it was a waste of money and resources. Others argued that the new name was too long and difficult to pronounce. However, the new government was determined to make the change, and the new name of Zimbabwe was officially adopted on April 18, 1980, the day of the country’s independence from Britain.
The change in name was a symbolic but important step for the new nation of Zimbabwe. It was a way of breaking with the colonial past and creating a new identity for the country.
Why did Zimbia Change her name from Northern Rhodesia to Zambia in 1964?
Zambia changed its name from Northern Rhodesia to Zambia in 1964 when it gained independence from the United Kingdom.
There are a few reasons why the new country chose the name Zambia. First, the name Zambia is derived from the Zambezi River, which flows through the country and is a major source of water and transportation. The Zambezi River is also a symbol of national unity and pride.
Second, the name Zambia was chosen to reflect the country’s new identity as an independent nation. The name Northern Rhodesia was a reminder of the country’s colonial past, and the new leaders wanted to create a new identity for the country.
Third, the name Zambia was chosen to be more inclusive of all of the country’s ethnic groups. Northern Rhodesia was named after Cecil Rhodes, a British imperialist who played a key role in the colonization of the country. The new leaders wanted to choose a name that would be more representative of all of the country’s people.
The name Zambia was officially adopted on October 24, 1964, the day the country gained independence. The name Zambia is a reminder of the country’s rich history and culture, and it is a symbol of hope and progress for the future.
Why did DR Congo Change her name from Zaireto DR Congo in 1997?
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) changed its name from Zaire in 1997 after the overthrow of President Mobutu Sese Seko. Mobutu had renamed the country Zaire in 1971 as part of his efforts to “authentically” Africanize the country. However, his regime was widely seen as corrupt and authoritarian, and his renaming of the country was unpopular with many Congolese.
After Mobutu’s overthrow, the new government led by President Laurent-Désiré Kabila decided to restore the country’s original name. The new name was seen as a symbol of a new beginning for the country, free from Mobutu’s legacy.
In addition to the political reasons for changing the name, there were also some practical reasons. The name “Zaire” was difficult to pronounce and spell for many people, and it was often confused with other countries, such as Zambia and Zimbabwe. The new name, “Democratic Republic of the Congo,” is more descriptive of the country’s location and political system.
The change of name was not universally popular. Some people argued that it was unnecessary and that it would be expensive to change all of the official signage and documentation. However, the new name was eventually accepted by the vast majority of Congolese people.
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Why did Benin Republic Change its name from Dahomey Republic to Benin Republic in 1975?
Benin Republic changed her name from Dahomey Republic to Benin Republic in 1975 for a number of reasons, including:
- To distance itself from the colonial past. The name “Dahomey” was a French colonial name, and the new government wanted to create a new national identity that was not associated with colonialism.
- To be more inclusive of all ethnic groups in Benin. The Kingdom of Dahomey, which existed before French colonization, was dominated by the Fon ethnic group. The new government wanted to create a name that was more representative of all Beninese people, regardless of their ethnic group.
- To reflect the country’s cultural heritage. The name “Benin” is derived from the Bight of Benin, which was named after the Benin Empire, a powerful pre-colonial West African empire. The new government wanted to connect the country to its rich cultural heritage.
The name change was announced by Major (later General) Mathieu Kérékou, who had taken power in a military coup in 1972. Kérékou established a Marxist-Leninist regime, and the name change was part of his broader effort to decolonize the country and create a new socialist society.
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The name change was not without controversy. Some people argued that it was unnecessary and that it would alienate the Fon ethnic group. However, the name change was ultimately successful, and Benin Republic has been known by its current name ever since.
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