A state visit is the highest diplomatic honour a country can offer another country. It happens when the leader of a country officially visits another country, usually by invitation of such country.
A state visit is a real opportunity to strengthen the political, economic, and cultural ties of two countries. For the visiting president, it’s an opportunity to discuss important issues and build connections that would bring real benefits to those back home. 
For African leaders, a state visit to the UK has its own special significance. It’s an event of national pride and a chance to be recognized on the global stage as well as honour the historical and cultural ties that link the two countries together.
Here are some of the African countries who have been on a state visit to the UK:
1. South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa had the honor of being the first African president to visit King Charles III on a state visit in November 2022.
South Africa has always had a good relationship with the UK, and it shows in the number of state visits their presidents have made.
Nelson Mandela kicked things off back in 1996, and you can imagine the excitement of South Africans with their president meeting Queen Elizabeth II herself.
Then came Thabo Mbeki in 2001, and later Jacob Zuma in 2010, and each visit was well hosted by the Queen with a big ceremonial event.
2. Senegal – President Abdou Diouf
Senegal’s President Abdou Diouf made a state visit to the UK in 1988 with his wife, Madame Elizabeth Diouf and was hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
Back then, it was all about strengthening ties between Senegal and the UK, with the usual official banquets, speeches, and formal meetings. It was a big deal for Senegal’s presence on the world stage back then.
No other Senegalese president has embarked on such a visit again.
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3. Malawi — Hastings Banda
Hastings Banda, Malawi’s first president, paid a visit to the UK in April 1985. This was during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, and the visit was very much in line with formal state protocol with official events, diplomatic discussions, and ceremonial moments. Margaret Thatcher, who was the UK Prime Minister at the time, welcomed him.
4. Zambia — Late President Kenneth Kaunda
Meeting Queen Elizabeth II was part of a full state visit by Late Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s first president in March 1983, which included formal meetings, state banquets, and celebrations of the ties between Zambia and the UK.
While a frequent visitor to Britain, this was Late president Kaunda’s first official state visit which was delayed by previous disagreements with the British government regarding Southern Rhodesia now known as Zimbabwe.
5. Ghana – President John Kufour
Queen Elizabeth II hosted Ghana’s former President John Kufuor during his state visit in March 2007. This visit focused on celebrating the long-standing historical and cultural ties between Ghana and the UK, complete with ceremonial events, banquets, and meetings that highlighted Ghana’s role in the global stage.
Highlight of the visit was bilateral talks with Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Leader of the British Opposition Party. the Commonwealth Secretary General and the leader of the Liberal Democrats.
Upcoming State Visits To The United Kingdom
Something pretty exciting is happening in March 2026: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu and first Lady will be going on a state visit to the United Kingdom.
It is the first Nigerian presidential state visit to the UK in 37 years. almost four decades have passed since a Nigerian leader walked the red carpet and shook hands with the British monarch.
Although this will be Tinubu’s first formal state visit to the UK, he has already met the King since taking office following Nigeria’s disputed election in 2023.
Looking back, the UK welcomed Nigeria’s past leaders with full state honours. General Yakubu Gowon visited in 1973, President Shehu Shagari in 1981, and General Ibrahim Babangida in 1989. Each of these visits was a moment of pride for the country.
“President Tinubu’s historic visit provides an opportunity to further strengthen the enduring partnership between our two nations,” says the News Agency of Nigeria.
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