These 10 African capital cities have interesting stories behind their names

Nii Ntreh January 12, 2020
South Africa's administrative capital, Pretoria. Photo Credit: Statemag.state.gov

What’s in a name? For some African towns and cities, a whole lot went into what they are called today.

Africa having the unique history that it does means that the continent is a potpourri of ideas and cultures. Languages, identities and ways of life have literally been made up through slavery, colonization and whatever afterward.

There are many things that go into choosing a capital city – it is, after all, the seat of administration.

It comes as no surprise then that Africa’s capital cities have some of the more wonderful stories than the rest of the cities in a country. They were chosen for these very stories.

As follows are 10 of some famous capital cities in Africa and the stories and meanings behind their founding.

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