The Five African Countries That Retained Their Colonial Names

Names are an important part of who we are, and that is true for African countries, whose names often reflect their history and culture.

Many African countries were once colonised by European powers, who named them during that time. Some countries changed their names after becoming independent, choosing something more connected to their identity. However, other countries decided to keep their names from the colonial era. Here are five African countries that retained their colonial names:

Nigeria

The name “Nigeria” traces its origins to the Niger River, a prominent waterway that cuts through the country. It was coined on January 8, 1897, by British journalist Flora Shaw, who suggested it to define the region. The neighbouring Republic of Niger also derives its name from this river, highlighting the influence of geographical features on the naming of African countries.

The Carbon Brief Profile: Nigeria

Mali

Mali’s journey to independence reveals the complex legacy of French colonial rule. The region fell under French control in 1892, becoming known as Soudan Français, or French Sudan, by 1893, though local resistance continued for years. By 1905, French rule was firmly established, and the area became part of the Federation of French West Africa, providing labour for France’s coastal territories. In 1958, as the Sudanese Republic, Mali gained internal autonomy and joined the French Community. In 1959, it merged with Senegal to form the Federation of Mali. France granted This federation independence on March 31, 1960, with complete autonomy formalised on June 20, 1960, under its first president, Modibo Keïta.

Sierra Leone – Wikipedia – M10news

Sierra Leone

The name Sierra Leone is rooted in Portuguese exploration. In the 15th century, Portuguese navigator Pedro de Sintra mapped the region’s harbour, naming it “Serra Lyoa,” or “Lion Mountains,” for the rugged hills surrounding Freetown. Sierra Leone remained under British rule until April 27, 1961, when it achieved independence. In the subsequent elections in 1962, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) claimed victory, with the All People’s Congress (APC) establishing itself as the main opposition.

Sierra Leone – Wikipedia – M10news

Guinea

A decisive break from French control marks Guinea’s independence story. Guinea voted for autonomy after a 1958 referendum on the new French constitution, officially declaring independence on October 2. The country’s first president, Ahmed Sékou Touré, came from the Malinké ethnic group and was a prominent leftist leader. The name “Guinea” references the wider Guinea region, stretching from the Gulf of Guinea to the Sahel. Derived from the Portuguese term “Guiné,” used in the 15th century to describe lands inhabited by Africans south of the Senegal River, the name reflects the deep-rooted interactions between Africans and European traders. Guinea was officially renamed the People’s Revolutionary Republic of Guinea in 1978, reverting to the Republic of Guinea in 1984 after Touré’s death.

Sierra Leone – Wikipedia – M10news

Cameroon

Cameroon’s name originates from the early Portuguese explorers, who called it “Rio dos Camarões,” meaning “River of Prawns,” due to the abundance of shrimp in the Wouri River. Over time, the name evolved into Cameroon, shaped by British and French colonial administrations. The territory was claimed by Germany in 1884, establishing it as the colony of Kamerun. Following Germany’s defeat in World War I, the area was divided between France and the United Kingdom under League of Nations mandates, with France managing most of the land. Cameroon eventually gained independence from France in 1960 and British rule in 1961.

Cameroon – Wikipedia – M10news

These examples reveal how colonial histories continue to impact national identities across Africa. Many nations choose to retain the names from the colonial era, each bearing traces of a complex past interwoven with cultural and geographic legacies.