< 1 mn read
Many African nations were named by colonial powers, but some have since reclaimed names that reflect their heritage and identity. Here are five countries that changed their colonial names:
- BOTSWANA
Formerly known as Bechuanaland during British colonization, the country renamed itself Botswana in 1966 after gaining independence. The new name reflects the majority ethnic group, the Tswana. - BURKINA FASO
Originally called Upper Volta under French rule, it changed its name in 1984 to Burkina Faso, meaning “land of upright and honest people.” - ZIMBABWE
Once called Rhodesia after the British colonizer Cecil Rhodes, the country changed its name to Zimbabwe in 1980 following independence, inspired by the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe. - ZAMBIA
Previously Northern Rhodesia, the country renamed itself Zambia in 1964, drawing its name from the Zambezi River. - ESWATINI
Formerly known as Swaziland, the country was officially renamed Eswatini in 2018, distancing itself from its colonial past.
Other countries that changed their names include Mozambique, formerly Portuguese East Africa, and Mali, previously part of French Sudan. However, countries like Nigeria still retain their colonial names.