Back in the day, we had an obsession that, by today’s standards, would probably get us labelled as geography nerds. We spent countless hours flipping through the Atlas, staring at maps, and daydreaming about faraway lands. I know, wild times.
Just a quick tangent: Isn’t it fascinating how we used to be entertained by pictures in books? Actual pictures, no scrolling, no likes, no notifications. Fast forward to today, and our attention spans are about as long as a TikTok video. But hey, this old-school pastime gave us a solid grasp of Africa's countries and their capital cities. Some of us even turned it into a sport, quizzing each other on capital cities like it was the African Cup of Nations.
Looking back, those impromptu trivia competitions really sharpened our world geography, definitely more than our friends across the Atlantic. No shade, but some Americans genuinely believe Africa is one big country (and no, this isn’t a dig at the excellent “Africa Is A Country” publication. I love the work they’re doing).
Anyway, while we’ve been busy adulting, some countries went ahead and pulled a fast one on us. Yep, some of those capital cities we memorized so diligently have changed. Let's get into the who, what, and why of it all.
Burundi (Bujumbura to Gitega)
Bujumbura started off as a military post back when Germany was calling the shots in East Africa. After World War I, the territory (then called Ruanda-Urundi) was handed over to the Belgians, courtesy of the League of Nations. Bujumbura stayed the capital through independence and beyond.
Then in 2007, President Nkurunziza decided that Gitega was a better choice because of its central location. It took a while, but in December 2018, the move became official, with Gitega taking the political crown and Bujumbura staying on as the economic powerhouse.
Tanzania (Dar es Salaam to Dodoma)
Dar es Salaam began as a humble fishing village founded by Sultan Majid bin Said of Zanzibar in the 19th century. It grew slowly, took a nap after the Sultan died, and then got a glow-up when the Germans set up shop in 1887. By 1905, they were laying down railway tracks, and Dar was the buzzing administrative centre of German East Africa.
But there was always this nagging feeling that Dar es Salaam was too far out on the coast, not quite the heart of the nation. So, in 1967, after independence, the government figured it’d be easier to build a new capital than try to control Dar’s rapid urbanization. They looked around and settled on Dodoma, a city located in the middle of the country, with plenty of room to grow and a decent climate.
They officially declared Dodoma the capital in 1973, but here’s the kicker; nobody actually moved. It was all talk, no action for over 40 years. Government offices and embassies were too comfy in Dar. Things started changing in 2006 when they finished building the Parliament in Dodoma. And by 2023, 50 years after the initial announcement, most government functions finally made the move. But if we’re being honest, Dar still steals the show.
Nigeria (Lagos to Abuja)
Lagos was made the capital of the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria back in 1900, courtesy of General Lugard. It grew fast after independence, and by the 80s, it was bursting at the seams. Overcrowded, chaotic, and honestly, a bit of a mess.
Plus, Nigeria’s ethnic and religious diversity meant Lagos wasn’t exactly a neutral territory. They needed a fresh start in a location that would feel more inclusive. Enter Abuja, geographically central, politically neutral, and ready to take on the role. On December 12, 1991, the deal was sealed, and Abuja became the new capital. Just like that, Lagos became the cool, slightly rebellious older sibling; still important but no longer the favourite.
Ivory Coast (Abidjan to Yamoussoukro)
Abidjan started as a separate colonial town, strategically placed away from the local fishing village. Before this, the French had designated two other cities as the capital: Grand-Bassam in 1893, and then Bingerville from 1900 to 1934. Abidjan became the third capital in 1934 and kept this status even after independence in 1963.
It grew rapidly in the following decades, but by the 80s, corruption and mismanagement were taking their toll. In 1983, President Felix Houphouet-Boigny decided to move the capital to Yamoussoukro, his birthplace. Some say it was strategic; others think it was pure ego. Either way, it marked the fourth time Ivory Coast shifted its capital in a single century.
Abidjan remains the economic hub, but Yamoussoukro holds the political title. It’s like buying a new house but still hanging out at your old neighbourhood joint.
Malawi (Zomba to Lilongwe)
The capital of Malawi used to be Zomba, chosen by the British because of its strategic location along the old slave trade route, its stunning mountain backdrop, and its lovely climate. It served as the administrative capital from 1883, mainly due to its access to water and fertile soil, making it an ideal settlement.
Meanwhile, Lilongwe started gaining prominence in the early 1900s as a commercial hub. By 1904, it was recognized as an administrative centre due to its strategic position at the junction of several major roads. It grew as an agricultural market by the 1920s, attracting people from all over, including influential headmen who advocated for its recognition as a township. In 1947, Lilongwe was officially declared a town.
After independence in 1964, Prime Minister Hastings Kamuzu Banda saw the potential in Lilongwe's central location and its capacity for expansion. In 1965, he announced plans to relocate the capital from Zomba to Lilongwe. Construction began in 1969, supported by a loan from South Africa, and by 1975, Lilongwe officially became the capital city.
Zomba kept its scenic charm but lost its political influence as Lilongwe rose to prominence.
Botswana (Mafikeng to Gaborone)
When Botswana was still under colonial rule and referred to as Bechuanaland, they had their administrative capital in a city known as Mafikeng.
What was most surprising about that, was that Mafikeng was technically outside Bechuanaland. It was in the Union of South Africa. Can you imagine having your capital city outside the country? Well, I can’t.
Initially, it was part of the Bechuanaland, but the territory was divided into two, along the Molopo River. The land above remained Bechuanaland, and the land below became part of the Cape Colony.
In 1910, the Cape Colony was unified with Natal, the Transvaal and Orange Free State to found the Union of South Africa.
Despite this, the administrative capital of Bechuanaland remained in Mafikeng all along. It was only in 1963 when plans to have the capital moved were tabled.
Some of the nine possible locations that were suggested, included: Maun, Lobatse, Artesia, Mahalapye, Francistown, Serowe, Shashe, and the Tuli Block.
However, in the end, a tiny settlement that lay next to the railway line and the river was chosen as the new site, as the factors above made it a strategic location. It didn’t help either that it was right next to the border with South Africa, but it was neutral in terms of the Batswana tribes.
Once it was settled, architects from Europe and labourers from Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) were called in to begin the construction of Gaborone, and within 18 months, everything was complete, in time for Botswana’s independence from Britain on the 30th of September 1966.
Gaborone has been growing ever since.
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So, Why All the Moving Around?
For some countries, it was about geography and urban planning. Others wanted neutrality or a fresh political start. And for a few, it was personal; hometown pride can be a powerful motivator. Whatever the reason, these moves shaped the nations we know today.
Funny how the capital cities we memorized as kids didn’t sit still, huh? Guess the world really does keep spinning, even on the pages of an old Atlas.
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