Africa, a continent steeped in rich history and diverse cultures, is home to many nations whose names carry profound significance. Among these, some countries derive their names from prominent individuals whose names are ingrained in history. So we explore African countries named after notable people, shedding light on the legacies that shaped these nations.
- Mozambique – Musa Al-Bik
Mozambique’s name traces back to the Arab trader Musa Al-Bik, who was an influential figure along the East African coast during the early 15th century. His prominence in trading activities around the Mozambique Channel earned the region its enduring name, as Portuguese explorers adopted his name to describe the territory they encountered.
- São Tomé and Príncipe – Saint Thomas the Apostle
This island nation in the Gulf of Guinea owes its name to Saint Thomas the Apostle. Portuguese explorers discovered the main island on 21 December 1470, the feast day of Saint Thomas, and named it São Tomé in his honour. The smaller island, Príncipe, was later named in tribute to the Portuguese Prince.
- Seychelles – Jean Moreau de Séchelles
The Seychelles, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is named after Jean Moreau de Séchelles, a French finance minister during the reign of King Louis XV. The French claimed the islands in the mid-18th century, recognising Moreau de Séchelles by bestowing his name upon the territory.
- Mauritius – Prince Maurice of Nassau
The Republic of Mauritius, situated in the Indian Ocean, is named after Prince Maurice of Nassau, a 17th-century Dutch nobleman. Dutch explorers who landed on the island in 1598 honoured the prince by naming the island after him, a reflection of the era’s penchant for paying homage to European royalty.
The naming of countries after prominent figures offers a glimpse into the historical narratives that shaped these nations.