Pius IkeIn most cases, power is the sole preserve of the elderly. However, the youngest presidents in the world have challenged the status quo; and have successfully proven that age has precious little to do with governance.
While not all of these world leaders are celebrated because of the way some of them assumed power, they have all earned the respect and authority they have because as sitting heads of government, they represent the interests of their countries and their people.
Perhaps this means that even younger people will continue to aspire to positions of power and authority.
Top 20 Youngest Presidents In The World
1. Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso, 37
Ibrahim Traoré became president in 2022 after leading a military transition. At 37, he is Africa’s youngest head of state. His leadership focuses on counterterrorism, national sovereignty, and youth inclusion. Traoré has taken a strong stance against foreign interference and aims to restore stability in the Sahel region. His rise reflects a broader trend of younger leaders emerging from military ranks to address urgent security and governance challenges in West Africa.
2. Daniel Noboa, Ecuador, 37
Daniel Noboa assumed office in 2023, becoming Ecuador’s youngest-ever president. At 37, he brings a business-oriented and tech-savvy approach to governance. His administration prioritizes job creation, education reform, and digital innovation. Noboa’s youth and pragmatic style appeal to a generation seeking transparency and modernization. He aims to tackle rising crime and economic instability while positioning Ecuador as a regional leader in technology and entrepreneurship.
3. Jakov Milatović, Montenegro, 38
Jakov Milatović became president in 2023 at age 38, representing a new wave of reformist leadership in the Balkans. An economist by training, he focuses on EU integration, anti-corruption, and economic revitalization. Milatović’s presidency marks a departure from entrenched political elites, emphasizing transparency and modernization. His youthful energy and policy-driven agenda have reshaped Montenegro’s domestic and international image.
4. Gabriel Boric, Chile, 39
Gabriel Boric took office in 2022 at age 39, becoming Chile’s youngest president. A former student activist, he champions progressive policies including climate action, social justice, and constitutional reform. Boric’s leadership reflects a generational shift in Latin American politics, blending grassroots activism with institutional governance. His presidency aims to address inequality and rebuild public trust in democratic institutions.
5. Mahamat Déby, Chad, 41
Mahamat Déby officially became Chad’s elected president in 2024 after leading a transitional military council since 2021. At 41, he focuses on national security, regional diplomacy, and political stabilization. As the son of former President Idriss Déby, he balances legacy with reform. His leadership seeks to unify Chad and navigate complex challenges in the Sahel, including terrorism and governance reform.
6. Kim Jong Un, North Korea, 41
Kim Jong Un is the Supreme Leader of North Korea, officially holding the titles of General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, President of the State Affairs Commission, and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He assumed leadership in December 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, making him one of the youngest heads of state at the time—believed to be in his late 20s.
7. Assimi Goïta, Mali, 41
Assimi Goïta assumed the presidency in 2021 following two military coups. Now 41, he leads Mali with a focus on sovereignty, security, and institutional reform. His administration emphasizes reducing foreign military presence and restoring national control. Goïta’s leadership reflects a broader trend of military figures stepping into political roles amid regional instability and public demand for change.
8. Vjosa Osmani, Kosovo, 43
Vjosa Osmani became president of Kosovo in 2021 at age 38 and is now 43. A constitutional law expert and former parliamentary speaker, she advocates for rule of law, gender equality, and international recognition. Osmani’s leadership is marked by diplomatic engagement and efforts to strengthen Kosovo’s democratic institutions. Her presidency symbolizes a new era of civic leadership in the Balkans.
9. Nayib Bukele, El Salvador, 44
Nayib Bukele took office in 2019 at age 37 and is now 44. Known for his bold and controversial policies, he focuses on digital innovation, crime reduction, and economic reform. Bukele made global headlines by adopting Bitcoin as legal tender and centralizing executive power. His presidency blends populism with tech-driven governance, appealing to younger voters while drawing criticism for authoritarian tendencies.
10. Emmanuel Macron, France, 47
Emmanuel Macron became president in 2017 at age 39 and is now 47. A centrist and former investment banker, he champions EU unity, economic modernization, and global diplomacy. Macron’s leadership style combines reformist zeal with strategic pragmatism. He remains a key figure in European politics, navigating domestic unrest and international challenges with a focus on resilience and renewal.
11. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine, 47
Volodymyr Zelenskyy assumed office in 2019 at age 41 and is now 47. A former comedian and media figure, he leads Ukraine through its most challenging era, focusing on defense, democracy, and digital governance. Zelenskyy’s wartime leadership has earned global respect and redefined Ukraine’s role on the world stage. His presidency symbolizes courage, communication, and national unity under pressure.
12. Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Mauritania, 58
Mohamed Ould Ghazouani became president of Mauritania in 2019 at age 52 and is now 58. A former general, he focuses on security, anti-slavery reform, and economic stability. Ghazouani’s leadership emphasizes continuity with cautious modernization. His presidency aims to strengthen institutions and promote social cohesion in a country navigating complex historical and regional dynamics.
13. Luis Abinader, Dominican Republic, 58
Luis Abinader assumed office in 2020 at age 53 and is now 58. A businessman and economist, he focuses on tourism, infrastructure, and anti-corruption. His administration emphasizes transparency and economic diversification, positioning the Dominican Republic as a stable and growing Caribbean economy. Abinader’s leadership blends private sector experience with public service reform.
14. Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela, 63
Nicolás Maduro took office in 2013 at age 51 and is now 63. His presidency has been marked by economic collapse, international sanctions, and political unrest. Maduro focuses on maintaining socialist governance and resisting foreign pressure. Despite widespread criticism, he remains a central figure in Venezuelan politics, navigating survival amid deep national crises.
15. Yoon Suk-yeol, South Korea, 64
Yoon Suk-yeol became president in 2022 at age 61 and is now 64. A former prosecutor, he focuses on national security, economic competitiveness, and judicial reform. Yoon’s leadership emphasizes strengthening alliances and navigating regional tensions with North Korea and China. His presidency reflects a conservative shift in South Korean politics.
16. Miguel Díaz-Canel, Cuba, 65
Miguel Díaz-Canel became Cuba’s president in 2019 at age 59 and is now 65. The first non-Castro leader in decades, he promotes continuity with cautious reform. His administration focuses on digital modernization, economic resilience, and maintaining socialist principles amid growing public demands for change. Díaz-Canel’s leadership balances tradition with adaptation.
17. Gustavo Petro, Colombia, 65
Gustavo Petro assumed office in 2022 at age 62 and is now 65. A former guerrilla and senator, he leads with a progressive agenda centered on peacebuilding, social equity, and environmental protection. Petro’s presidency marks a historic shift in Colombian politics toward leftist governance, aiming to address long-standing inequality and conflict.
18. Alexander Lukashenko, Belarus, 71
Alexander Lukashenko has served as Belarus’s president since 1994 and is now 71. One of the world’s longest-serving leaders, his presidency is defined by authoritarian control, Soviet-style governance, and resistance to Western influence. Lukashenko remains a polarizing figure in Eastern Europe, maintaining power through tight state control and limited political opposition.
19. Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa, 72
Cyril Ramaphosa became president in 2018 at age 65 and is now 72. A former union leader and businessman, he emphasizes anti-corruption, economic reform, and social justice. Ramaphosa’s presidency seeks to rebuild trust in government and stimulate inclusive growth in post-apartheid South Africa. His leadership balances pragmatism with democratic ideals.
20. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kazakhstan, 72
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took office in 2019 at age 66 and is now 72. A seasoned diplomat and former UN official, he focuses on modernization, political reform, and regional stability. Tokayev’s leadership reflects Kazakhstan’s gradual shift toward openness and institutional development, aiming to balance tradition with global engagement.
Final Thoughts
Youthful leadership is reshaping global politics with energy, innovation, and bold reform. From Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso to Daniel Noboa in Ecuador, these presidents are proving that age is no barrier to impact. Their rise reflects a growing demand for fresh ideas, digital fluency, and inclusive governance. As the world faces complex challenges, these young leaders bring a new kind of resilience—one rooted in vision, urgency, and the courage to lead differently.