5 African countries that successfully relocated their state capitals

Last updated: October 2, 2024 8:26 am

John

2 Min Read

5 African countries that successfully relocated their state capitals. It’s not always easy, as it involves planning a new town, but it’s been done before.

Here are five African countries that have successfully moved their capital.

1. Nigeria

The capital was moved from Abuja to Lagos in 1991. This was because Lagos was located in a coastal location that restricted it and made the city overcrowded and congested.

The decision to move the capital to Abuja, which is more centrally placed in the country, was made in an effort to ease congestion in Lagos and foster national unity.

2. Tanzania

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Although the process formally began in 1974, Tanzania has moved its capital from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. It’s moving to its new capital instead of the seaside city of Dar es Salaam following a public referendum 50 years ago.

Dodoma is easier for people throughout Tanzania to visit, while Dar es Salaam is congested.

3. Côte d’Ivoire

Yamoussoukro is the new capital of Tanzania [google]

The country has two capitals. The political capital is Yamoussoukro in the heart of Ivory Coast, while Abidjan, a port city, serves as the economic capital.

4. Malawi

The desire for a new central location, more regional equality, and the accomplishment of political goals were the driving forces for the relocation of the capital.

5. Botswana

In 1965, Botswana moved its capital from Mafikeng, South Africa, to Gaborone, a small village near the South African border, due to its potential for growth and proximity to the country’s South African border.

These are the countries who’ve successfully changed their capital cities.