First Stamps From Africa -Countries

First Stamps From Africa -Countries


Stamp collection - 70 Countries Africa
Algeria Angola Ascension Benin (Dahomey) Bophutatswana Botswana Burkina Faso
Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Central African Republic Chad Ciskei Comoros
Congo - Brazzaville Congo - Kinshasa Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia
Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ifni Ivory Coast
Katanga Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi
Mali Mauritania Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger
Nigeria Reunion Ruanda-Urundi Rwanda Saint Helena Island Sao Tome and Principe Senegal
Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South West Africa South-Kasai Sudan
Swaziland Tanzania Togo Transkei Tristan da Cunha Tunisia Uganda
Upper Volta Venda Western Sahara Zambezia Zambia Zanzibar Zimbabwe


Stamps

First Stamps of Algeria



1924-26 Stamps of Algeria - Stamps of France Overprinted - stamps #1-32

The former French colony of Algeria became an integral part of France on Sept. 1, 1958, when French stamps replaced Algerian stamps. Algeria became an independent country July 3, 1962

LOCATION—North Africa

CAPITAL—Algiers

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

100 Centimes = 1 Dinar (1964)

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First Stamps of Angola



1870-77 Stamps of Angola - Portuguese Crown - stamps #1-9

Angola was a Portuguese overseas territory until it became independent November 11, 1975, as the People’s Republic of Angola

LOCATION — S.W. Africa between Zaire and Namibia.

CAPITAL — Luanda

1000 Reis = 1 Milreis

100 Centavos = 1 Escudo (1913, 1954)

100 Centavos = 1 Angolar (1932)

10 Lweys = 1 Kwanza (1977)

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First Stamps of Ascension



1922 Stamps of Ascension - Stamps and Types of St. Helena, 1912-22 Overprinted – stamps #1-9

Ascension Island is an island in the South Atlantic Ocean, a dependency of the British overseas territory of Saint Helena. Like other British territories, it issues its own postage stamps, which provide a source of income for the island from sales to overseas collectors, as well as being used for domestic postage.

On 2 November 1922, nine stamps of St. Helena overprinted "ASCENSION" replaced British stamps.

Originally mail was carried on an irregular basis as ships called. A datestamp was in use from February 1858, and in 1863 the Union Steamship Co. began regular carriage of mail, continuing until 1977. On 3 March, 1867 British postage stamps became valid for Ascension mail, and continued in use until 1922, when Ascension became a dependency of Saint Helena.

These were followed up in 1924 by a series of 12 using the St. Helena design, but inscribed for Ascension. In 1934 a pictorial series of ten engraved stamps depicted various views of the island.

LOCATION—An island in the South Atlantic Ocean, 900 miles from Liberia

GOVT.—A part of the British Crown Colony of St. Helena

12 Pence = 1 Shilling

20 Shillings = 1 Pound

100 Pence = 1 Pound (1971)

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First Stamps of Benin (Dahomey)



1892 Stamps of Benin - French Colony - Handstamped on Stamps of French Colonies – stamps #1-15A



1975-76 Stamps of Benin (Dahomey) - PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BENIN #342, 346

Allamanda Cathartica - Flag Bearers, Arms of Benin

French Colony

LOCATION—West Coast of Africa

GOVT.—French Possession

CAPITAL—Benin

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

In 1895 the French possessions known as Benin were incorporated into the colony of Dahomey and postage stamps of Dahomey superseded those of Benin. Dahomey took the name Benin when it became a republic in 1975

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First Stamps of Bophutatswana



1977 Stamps of Bophuthatswana - South Africa - stamps #1-19

Independence from South Africa - Hands, dove released - Leopard (state emablem) - Coat of arms - Flag

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First Stamps of Botswana



1966 Stamps of Botswana – Stamps #1-4

National Assembly Building - Abattoir, Lobatsi - Dakota plane - State House, Gaborone

Botswana have been producing postage stamps for national use since becoming independent on September 30, 1966. The country formerly used the stamps of the Bechuanaland Protectorate. The first independence issue of 1966 included depictions of an abattoir in Lobatsi, Botswana National Airways and the State House in Gabarone.

LOCATION—In central South Africa, north of the Republic of South Africa, east of Namibia and bounded on the north by the Caprivi Strip of Namibia and on the east by Zimbabwe.

CAPITAL—Gaborone

100 Cents = 1 Rand

100 Thebe = 1 Pula (1976)

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First Stamps of Burkina Faso (Upper Volta)



1920-28 Stamps of Burkina Faso - Upper Volta - Stamps and Types of Upper Senegal and Niger, 1914-17, Overprinted – stamps #1-28

The story of the posts in Burkina Faso begins in the 1890s, with French penetration into the area and the establishment of military posts.

Prior to the creation of French Upper Volta in 1919, postal service in the area was administered by Senegambia and Niger and then Upper Senegal and Niger.

Upper Volta's first stamps were issues of Upper Senegal and Niger overprinted "HAUTE-VOLTE", appearing in 1920. Overprints and surcharges continued to be issued throughout the 1920s, then superseded in 1928 by a definitive series of 23 stamps featuring three designs: a Hausa chief, Hausa woman, and Hausa warrior.

Upper Volta also participated in the Colonial Exposition Issue of 1931, but in 1932 the colony was dissolved and its territory divided between Côte d’Ivoire, French Sudan and Niger.

Reconstituted in 1947, its postal administration continued to be part of French West Africa until the establishment of the Republic of Upper Volta in 1958.

The Republic operated its own postal system, and issued its first stamp in 1959, marking the 1st anniversary of the Republic, and memorializing governing council president Daniel Ouezzin Coulibaly, who had died recently. In 1960 it issued a definitive series of 18 stamps showing native animal masks, and generally followed a stamp program consistent with other African members of the French Community.



1959-60 Stamps of Burkina Faso - Upper Volta - Republic #70, 91

1959-60 Stamps of Burkina Faso - Upper Volta - Republic #70, 91

LOCATION — Northwestern Africa, north of Ghana

CAPITAL—Ouagadougou

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

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First Stamps of Burundi

Burundi was once part of German East Africa. Belgium won a League of Nations mandate in 1923, and in due course Burundi, with Rwanda (see page 1 of the thread), was transferred to the status of a United Nations trust territory known as Ruanda-Urundi following World War II.

In 1962, Burundi gained independence and became a kingdom under Mwami Mwambutsa IV. For a small nation, they hit the ground running in a philatelic sense, issuing more than 50 stamps in their first 6 months of independence

The first stamps issued were stamps from Ruanda-Urundi overprinted "Royame du Burundi":



1962 Stamps of Burundi - Flower Issue of Ruanda-Urundi, 1953 Overprinted – stamps #1-24

The animals series totalled 16 stamps with a further 6 major overprint varieties recognised by Scott

LOCATION—Central Africa, adjoining the ex-Belgian Congo Republic, Rwanda and Tanzania

CAPITAL—Bujumbura

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

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First Stamps of Cameroon



1897 Stamps of Cameroon - Issued under German Dominion - Stamps of Germany Overprinted in Black - stamps #1-6



Stamps of Cameroon - Mandara Woman - Bowman - Farmer - #225, 313, 319

LOCATION — On the west coast of Africa, north of the equator

CAPITAL—Yaounde

Before World War I, Cameroun (Kamerun) was a German Protectorate. It was occupied during the war by Great Britain and France and in 1922 was mandated to these countries by the League of Nations. The French-man-dated part became the independent State of Cameroun on January 1, 1960. The Southern Cameroons, a United Kingdom Trust Territory, joined this state to form the Federal Republic of Cameroun on October 1, 1961. The name was changed to United Republic of Cameroon on May 20, 1972.

Stamps of Southern Cameroons are listed under Cameroons.

100 Pfennig = 1 Mark

12 Pence = 1 Shilling

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

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First Stamps of Cape Verde



1877 Stamps of Cape Verde - Crown of Portugal -stamps #1-9



1886 Stamps of Cape Verde - King Luiz #15-23

LOCATION — A group of 10 islands and five islets in the Atlantic Ocean, about 500 miles due west of Senegal.

CAPITAL—Praia

The Portuguese territory of Cape Verde became independent on July 5, 1975

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First Stamps of Central African Republic



1959 Stamps of Central African Republic - stamps #1-2

Premier Barthe´ lemy Boganda and Flag - Boganda and flag, horiz (1st anniv. of the Republic and honoring Premier Barthe´ lemy Boganda 1910-59)

The Central African Republic has been issuing stamps as an independent nation since 1959. Before this it was formerly the Ubangi-Shari. The first issue in 1959 with République centrafricaine included a depiction of President Boganda.

From December 4, 1976 to 1979, the country was renamed the Central African Empire when President Bokassa became emperor. It issued stamps labelled as Empire Centrafricaine, although the first five issues in 1977 under the empire were overprints of the Central African Republic.

The Central African Republic returned to producing its stamps under this national title in 1979, beginning with an issue celebrating the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid held the following winter.



1962-74 Stamps of Central African Republic - President David Dacko - President Jean Bedel Bokassa - Presidents and Flags of Cameroun, CAR, Congo, Gabon and Meeting Center - #22, 77, 219

LOCATION—Western Africa, north of equator

CAPITAL—Bangui

The former French colony of Ubangi-Shari, a unit in French Equatorial Africa, proclaimed itself the Central African Republic Dec. 1, 1958. It became the Central African Empire Dec. 4, 1976. It became the Central African Republic again in 1979.

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

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First Stamps of Chad



1922 Stamps of Chad - Types of Middle Congo 1907-17 Overprinted - stamps #1-18 Leopard (Panthera pardus)

Chad is a landlocked country in central Africa bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west. Chad is divided into three major geographical regions: a desert zone in the north, an arid Sahelian belt in the centre and a more fertile Sudanese savanna zone in the south.

Regular mail service in Chad began soon after the French occupation of the area, with a post office established at Fort-Lamy in 1905. Additional offices were opened at Abeche (1909), Amm et Timan (1910), Ati (1909), Bousso (1910), Fada (1920), Faya-Largeau (1920), Mandjafa (1910), and Tchekna (1910).

Mail used stamps of French Congo until 1915, then stamps of Ubangi Shari, whose overprints read "OUBANGUI-CHARI-TCHAD".

Chad came under civil administration in 1920, and in 1922 received its own stamps, consisting of the issues of Middle Congo overprinted "TCHAD". The initial issue consisted of 18 values ranging from 1 centime to 5 francs. As with Oubangui-Chari, the administrative situation was clarified from 1924 on by the addition of an additional overprint "AFRIQUE EQUATORIALE FRANCAISE". 32 color and value combinations appeared between 1924 and 1933, along with another 9 surcharged with new values.

In 1930, a set of colorful postage due stamps were the first to be inscribed with the name of the colony, followed by the Colonial Exposition Issue in 1931.

Separate stamps issues came to an end in 1936, after which Chad used the stamps issued for all of French Equatorial Africa.

In 1959, approaching independence, the country issued its first stamps omitting the letters RF (standing for "République française", French Republic). These included a 15-franc issue depicting a cotton flower, fishers on Lake Chad and the head of an antelope.

Independence in 1960 was not reflected in postage stamps until 1961, when three stamps were issued to celebrate admission to the UN.



Stamps of Chad - Flag and Map of Chad and UN Emblem - President Ngarta Tombalbaye - President Francois Tombalbaye - #67, 86, 223

LOCATION—Central Africa, south of Libya

CAPITAL—N’Djamena

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

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First Stamps of Ciskei



1981 Stamps of Ciskei - Independence - stamps #1-4

President Sebe - Coat of arms - Flag - Mace

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First Stamps of Comoros



1950 Stamps of Comoros - stamps #30-38

Anjouan Bay - Comoro Woman Grinding Grain - Moroni Mosque on Grand Comoro

The postage stamps and postal history of the Comoro Islands is an overview of the postage stamps and postal history of the Comoro Islands, an Indian Ocean archipelago located on the south-east side of Africa.

The postal service was linked to France during the colonization, who began in Mayotte in the 1840s. Successively, Mayotte's inhabitants and of Anjouan, Grande Comore et Mohéli used stamps specific to each of these islands. In 1912, the archipelago was administratively and postally united to the colony of Madagascar.

From 1950, the four Comorian islands were given stamps labelled "Archipel des Comores". After the independence of three of the Comoros islands in 1975, two services existed : the Comorian and the French post in Mayotte, whose inhabitants refused independence by referendum.

COMORO ISLANDS

LOCATION—In Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and Mozambique

CAPITAL—Moroni

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

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First Stamps of Congo - Kinshasa



1960 Stamps of Congo - Brazzaville - Congo Democratic Republic - Belgian Congo Flower Issue of 1952-53 Overprinted or Surcharged - stamps #323-340



Stamps of Congo - Congo Democratic Republic - Map of Congo - President Joseph Kasavubu - President Joseph Desire Mobutu and Fishing Industry - #356, 381, 565

CONGO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

LOCATION—Central Africa

CAPITAL—Kinshasa (Leopoldville)

Congo was an independent state, founded by Leopold II of Belgium, until 1908 when it was annexed to Belgium as a colony. Congo became an independent republic in 1960. The name was changed to Republic of Zaire, Oct. 28, 1971. In 1998 some issues again used the name Congo Democratic Republic.

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

100 Sengi = 1 Li-Kuta,

100 Ma-Kuta = 1 Zaire (1967 )

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First Stamps of Belgian Congo



King Leopold II - #1, 3, 4

LOCATION—Central Africa

GOVT.—Belgian colony

CAPITAL—L´ eopoldville

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

First Stamps of Congo - Brazzaville



1959 Stamps of Congo - Kinshasa - CONGO, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF - stamp #89, 91-92, 126

Allegory of New Republic - President Fulbert Youlou - Flag, Map and UN Emblem - President Alphonse Massamba-Debat

The former French colony of Middle Congo became a member state of the French Community on November 28, 1958, and achieved independence on August 15, 1960. For some years before 1958, the colony was joined with three other French territories to form French Equatorial Africa.

First Stamps of Middle Congo (1907-1933)



#1 Leopard, #10 Bakalois Woman, #20 Coconut Grove

LOCATION — Western Africa at the Equator, bordering on the Atlantic Ocean

GOVT.—Former French Colony

CAPITAL—Brazzaville

In 1910 Middle Congo, formerly a part of French Congo, was declared a separate colony. It was grouped with Gabon and the Ubangi-Shari and Chad Territories and officially designated French Equatorial Africa. This group became a single administrative unit in 1934.

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

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First Stamps of Djibouti - Somali Coast



1894 Stamps of Somali Coast - stamps #1-4



1894 Stamps of Somali Coast - stamps #6-22

View of Djibouti, Somali Warriors - French Gunboat - Crossing Desert

An 1894 imperforate stamp of Djibouti also marked for the French Somali Coast

Postage stamps and postal history of Djibouti, known as the French Territory of the Afars and Issas before independence, and as French Somaliland before that.

Djibouti is a country in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and south, and Somalia to the southeast. The remainder of the border is formed by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The first stamps of Djibouti were issued in 1894. Before that, it used stamps of Obock overprinted, and un-overprinted, after the French administration was moved from Obock to Djibouti.

In 1902 stamps of Djibouti were replaced with stamps for the French Somali Coast marked Cote Francaise des Somalis.

In July 1967 the name of the territory was changed to the French Territory of the Afars and Issas and the first stamps under the new name were issued on 21 August 1967.

The territory obtained independence from France on as the Republic of Djibouti on 27 June 1977 and the first stamps of the new republic were issued on that date.



1977 Stamps of Djibouti - Map and Flag of Djibouti - President Hassan Gouled Aptidon - Traditional Jewelry - #457, 470

LOCATION—East Africa

CAPITAL—Djibout

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First Stamps of Egypt



1866 Stamps of Egypt - Turkish Suzerainty - stamps #1-7

The first known handstamps from Egypt are those introduced during the Napoleonic period, 1798-1800. The four different single line handstamps known are from "ALEXANDRIE", "LE CAIRE", "BENESOUEF" and "SIOUTH".

The first postal system in Egypt was organised by Carlo Meratti, an Italian, in 1821. The handstamps are inscribed in Italian. In 1842 this service, which was a private enterprise, was named "POSTA EUROPEA". In 1857 it received Government permission to carry on all inland postal services. On 1 January 1865 the Egyptian Government purchased and took control of this service. The service was renamed to "POSTE VICE-REALI EGIZIAN"

The first Egyptian stamps were issued on 1 January 1866. Egypt joined the UPU in 1875.

British, French, Italian, Austrian, Russian and Greek post offices operated on Egyptian soil, particularly in Alexandria and Port Said.

British troops used special stamps inscribed BRITISH FORCES IN EGYPT or ARMY POST EGYPT.

The country name on the stamps of Egypt is shown in Arabic and a second language:

Turkish 1866-1872, Italian 1872-1879, French 1879-1914, English 1914-1923, French 1925-1956, English 1956 - date



1867-1906 Stamps of Egypt - Sphinx and Pyramid - stamps #8-49



1914 Stamps of Egypt - stamps #50-59

Boats on Nile - Cleopatra - Ras-el-Tin Palace - Giza Pyramids - Sphinx - Colossi of Thebes - Pylon of Karnak and Temple of Khonsu - Citadel at Cairo - Rock Temple of Abu Simbe - Aswan Dam

LOCATION—Northern Africa, bordering on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea

CAPITAL—Cairo

Modern Egypt was a part of Turkey until 1914 when a British protectorate was declared over the country and the Khedive was deposed in favor of Hussein Kamil under the title of sultan. In 1922 the protectorate ended and the reigning sultan was declared king of the new monarchy. Egypt became a republic on June 18, 1953. Egypt merged with Syria in 1958 to form the United Arab Republic. Syria left this union in 1961. In 1971 Egypt took the name of Arab Republic of Egypt.

40 Paras = 1 Piaster

1000 Milliemes = 100 Piasters = 1 Pound (1888)

1000 Milliemes = 1 Pound (1953)

1000 Milliemes = 100 Piasters = 1 Pound (1982)

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First Stamps of Equatorial Guinea

The first stamps of Spanish Guinea were issued in 1902.



Stamps of Spanish Guinea 1902 - 09 - # 1, 8A, 9, 42, 58, 74, 85 - King Alfonso XIII, Revenue Stamps Surcharged, Stamps of Elobey LOCATION — In western Africa, bordering on the Gulf of Guinea

GOVT.—Spanish Colony

CAPITAL—Santa Isabel

Spanish Guinea stamps # 1-84 were issued for and used only in the continental area later called Rio Muni. From 1909 to 1960, Spanish Guinea also included Fernando Po, Elobey, Annobon and Corisco.

Fernando Po and Rio Muni united in 1968 to become the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

100 Centimos = 1 Peseta

The first stamps of the island of Fernando Po were issued in 1868 by the Spanish colonial authorities in the capital Santa Isabel.

Issues continued for a century until 1968 when the colony was incorporated into Spanish Guinea. Fernando Po (since renamed Bioko) is now part of Equatorial Guinea.

From 30 July 1959 to 11 October 1968 Rio Muni was treated as a separate overseas province of Spain until it combined again with Fernando Poo to form Equatorial Guinea on 12 October 1968. The first stamps of Rio Muni were issued on 27 April 1960.

Residents of Río Muni originally used the postage stamps of Spanish Guinea until 1960 when the Spanish government decreed the use of separate issues for Río Muni and Fernando Po (Bioko).

Issues from 1961 on added the inscription "ESPANA"; typically two to three issues per year, consisting of two to four stamps each, and usually depicting local plants and animals. Another definitive series appeared in 1964, also with nine values.

The last issue of Río Muni was a set of three signs of the zodiac issued on 25 April 1968.

Spanish Guinea became an independent republic on 12 October 1968 and its first stamps as such were issued on that date.

Many colourful stamps have been issued since then, usually designed more to appeal to overseas stamp collectors than for domestic use.



1968 Stamps of Equatorial Guinea - stamps #1, 4, 46

Clasped Hands and Laurel - President Francisco Macias Nguema - President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo

LOCATION — Gulf of Guinea, West Africa

CAPITAL—Malabo

The Spanish provinces Fernando Po and Rio Muni united and became independent as the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Oct. 12, 1968.

100 Centimos = 1 Peseta

100 centimos = 1 ekuele, bipkwele is plural (1973)

100 centimes = 1 CFA franc (1985)

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First Stamps of Eritrea

LOCATION—In northeast Africa, bordering on the Red Sea, Sudan, Ethiopia and Djibouti.

CAPITAL—Asmara

Formerly an Italian colony, Eritrea was incorporated as a State of Italian East Africa in 1936.

Under British occupation (1941-52) until it became part of Ethiopia as its northernmost region. Eritrea became independent May 24, 1993.

100 Centesimi = 1 Lira

100 cents = 1 birr (1991)

100 cents = 1 nakfa (1997)



1892 Stamps of Eritrea - Stamps of Italy Overprinted -stamps #1-9



1991 Stamps of Eritrea - the first set of struggle for Eritrea #192-194

Heroic Struggle of Eritreans, issued September 1st, 1991 - a FDC has been produced by the Post Office Designed by Berhane Adonai - Printed by Adulis Printing Press, Asmara Quantities: 20,000 for the 0.05 and 0.15 and 25,000 for the 0.20 birr values.

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First Stamps of Ethiopia

(Abyssinia)

LOCATION — Northeastern Africa

CAPITAL — Addis Ababa

During the Italian occupation (1936-1941) Nos. N1-N7 were used, also stamps of Italian East Africa, Eritrea and Somalia.

During the British administration (1941-42) stamps of Great Britain and Kenya were used when available.

16 Guerche = 1 Menelik Dollar or 1 Maria Theresa Dollar

100 Centimes = 1 Franc (1905)

16 Mehalek = 1 Thaler or Talari (1928)

100 Centimes = 1 Thaler (1936)

100 Cents = 1 Ethiopian Dollar (1946)

100 Cents = 1 Birr (1978)



1895 Stamps of Ethiopia - Menelik II - Lion of Judah - stamps #1-7



1909-1950 Stamps of Ethiopia - stamps #87, 90, 92, 123, 132, 155, 164, 232, 235, 250, 274, 303

King Solomon’s Throne - Menelik in Native Costume - Menelik in Royal Dress - Prince Tafar - Empress Waizeri Zauditu - Prince Tafari - Empress Zaudit - Haile Selassie I - Prince Makonnen - Empress Menen - Menelik II - Abuna Petros

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First Stamps of Gabon

LOCATION—West coast of Africa, at the equator CAPITAL—Libreville

Gabon originally was under the control of French West Africa. In 1886, it was united with French Congo. In 1904, Gabon was granted a certain degree of colonial autonomy which prevailed until 1934, when it merged with French Equatorial Africa. Gabon Republic was proclaimed November 28, 1958.

100 Centimes = 1 Franc



1886 Stamps of Gabon - Stamps of French Colonies of 1881-86 Handstamp Surcharged - stamps #1-15

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First Stamps of Gambia

LOCATION — Extending inland from the mouth of the Gambia River on the west coast of Africa

GOVT.—Republic in British Commonwealth

CAPITAL—Banjul

The British Crown Colony and Protectorate of Gambia became independent in 1965 and a republic in 1970.

12 Pence = 1 Shilling

100 Bututs = 1 Dalasy (1971)



1869 Stamps of Gambia - Queen Victoria - stamps #1-2

A correspondent: The first stamps of Gambia are noted for their simple elegance. The “Cameo” stamps, issued in 1869, show Queen Victoria in profile. Her image is in white and embossed.



1886-1961 Stamps of Gambia - stamps #12, 28, 70, 102, 113, 132, 153, 168

Queen Victoria - King Edward VII - King George V - King George VI and Elephant Badge of Gambia - Palm Wine Tapping - Palm Leaf and Elizabeth II, by Annigoni

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First Stamps of Ghana

LOCATION — West Africa between Benin and Ivory Coast

CAPITAL—Accra

Ghana is the former British colony of Gold Coast, which achieved independence

March 6, 1957. It includes the former trusteeship territory of British Togoland.

12 Pence = 1 Shilling

20 Shillings = 1 Pound

100 Pesewas = 1 Cedi (1965, 1972)

100 New Pesewas = 1 New Cedi (1967)



1957 Stamps of Ghana -stamps #1-13

Kwame Nkrumah, Map and Palm-nut Vulture - Stamps of Gold Accra, Coast, 1952-54, Overprinted

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First Stamps of Guinea

LOCATION — Coast of West Africa, between Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone

CAPITAL—Conakry

This former French Overseas Territory of French West Africa proclaimed itself an independent republic on October 2, 1958.

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

100 Caury = 1 Syli (1973)

100 Centimes = 1 Guinean Franc (1986)



1959 Stamps of Guinea #168-170

French West Africa No. 79 Overprinted - French West Africa No. 78 Surcharged in Red - Map, Dove and President Sekou Toure

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First stamps French West Africa

LOCATION—Northwestern Africa

GOVT.—French colonial administrative unit

CAPITAL—Dakar

French West Africa comprised the former colonies of Senegal, French Guinea, Ivory Coast, Dahomey, French Sudan, Mauritania, Niger and Upper Volta.

In 1958, these former colonies became republics, eventually issuing their own stamps. Until the republic issues appeared, stamps of French West Africa continued in use. The Senegal and Sudanese Republics issued stamps jointly as the Federation of Mali, starting in 1959.



stamps French West Africa # 1, 6, 17, 36 - 54

Senegal, Mauritania, Colonial Soldier, Rifle Dance Mauritania, Shelling Coconuts - Togo, Bamako Dike - French Sudan, Trading Canoe - Niger River, Oasis of Bilma - Niger, Kouande Weaving - Dahomey, Donkey Caravan - Senegal, Crocodile and Hippopotamus - Ivory Coast, Gathering Coconuts - French Guinea, Peul Woman of Dienne, Bamako Fountain - French Sudan, Bamako Market, Dahomey Laborer, Woman of Mauritania, Fula Woman - French Guinea, Djenne Mosque - French Sudan, Monorail Train - Senegal, Agni Woman - Ivory Coast, Azwa Women at Niger River

First Stamps of Guinea-Bissau



1974 Stamps of Guinea-Bissau -#345, 349

Amilcar Cabral, Map of Africa and Flag - WMO Emblem

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First Stamps of Ifni



1941-43 Stamps of Ifni - stamp #1, 17-28

Stamps of Spain, 1936-40, Overprinted in Red or Blue - Nomads - Marksman - Alcazaba Fortress

Ifni was ceded to Spain by Morocco in 1860, but the Spanish did not occupy it until 1934. Sidi Ifni was also the administrative capital for Spanish West Africa. Spain turned Ifni back to Morocco June 30, 1969.

First Stamps of Ivory Coast

LOCATION — West coast of Africa, bordering on Gulf of Guinea

CAPITAL—Yamoussoukro

The former French colony of Ivory Coast became part of French West Africa and used its stamps, starting in 1945. On December 4, 1958, Ivory Coast became a republic, with full independence on August 7, 1960.

100 Centimes = 1 Franc



1892-1900 Stamps of Ivory Coast - Navigation and Commerce - stamps #1-17

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First Stamps of Katanga

LOCATION—Central Africa

CAPITAL—Elisabethville

Katanga province seceded from the Congo (ex-Belgian) Republic in July, 1960, but established nations did not recognize it as an independent state. The UN declared the secession ended in Sept, 1961. The last troops surrendered Sept. 1963.

During the secession Katanga stamps were tolerated in the international mails, but the government authorizing them was not recognized.

100 Centimes = 1 Franc



1960 Stamps of Katanga - stamps #1-3 - Belgian Congo Nos. 318-322 Overprinted “KATANGA”

Katanga was a breakaway state proclaimed on 11 July 1960 separating itself from the newly independent Democratic Republic of the Congo. In revolt against the new government of Patrice Lumumba in July, Katanga declared independence under Moise Tshombe, leader of the local CONAKAT party. The new Katangan government did not enjoy full support throughout the province, especially in the northern Baluba areas. The state is now Katanga Province, part of Democratic Republic of the Congo.



1961 Stamps of Katanga - stamps #52, 66, B1 - President Moise Tshombe

A postage stamp issued in 1961; although Katanga was not a member of the UPU, its stamps were tolerated on international mail

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First Stamps of Kenya

LOCATION—East Africa, bordering on the Indian Ocean

CAPITAL—Nairobi

100 Cents = 1 Shilling



1921, 1935-53 Stamps of Kenya, Uganda, Tangania - stamps #1, 8, 18, 29, 46-48, 66, 72, 85, 103, 105, 117

East Africa and Uganda Protectorates - King George V - Kenya and Uganda - Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika Silver Jubilee Issue - Kavirondo Cranes - Coronation Issue

Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyika (KUT) is the name on British postage stamps made for use in the royal colonies of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika. The stamps were circulated between 1935 and 1963 by the joint postal service of the three colonies, the East African Posts and Telecommunications Administration. Even after independence, the new separate nations continued to use the KUT stamps, and they remained valid for postage until 1977.

1963-64 Stamps of Kenya - stamps #1-14, 16



Cattle ranching. - Wood carving. - Riveter. - Timber industry - Jomo Kenyatta facing Mt. Kenya - Fishing industry. - Flag and emblem - Pyrethrum industry (daisies). - Treetop Hotel and Elephants - National Assembly bldg. - Harvesting coffee - Harvesting tea. - Mombasa port - Royal College, Nairobi - President Jomo Kenyatta

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First Stamps of Lesotho

LOCATION — An enclave within the Republic of South Africa

GOVT.—Independent state in British Commonwealth

CAPITAL—Maseru

Basutoland, the British Crown Colony, became independent, October 4, 1966, taking the name Lesotho.

100 Cents = 1 Rand

100 Lisente (s) = 1 Maloti (1979



1963-70 Stamps of Lesotho - Moshoeshoe I and II - stamps #1, 36, 41, 80

First stamps Basutoland 1933

The Colony, a former independent native state, was annexed to the Cape Colony in 1871. In 1883 control was transferred directly to the British Crown. Stamps of the Cape of Good Hope were used from 1871 to 1910 and those of the Union of South Africa from 1910 to 1933. Basutoland became the independent state of Lesotho on Oct. 4, 1966.

12 Pence = 1 Shilling

100 Cents = 1 Rand (1961)

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First Stamps of Liberia

LOCATION — West coast of Africa, between Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone

CAPITAL—Monrovia

100 Cents = 1 Dollar

Liberia is a country on the west coast of Africa, bordered by Sierra Leone, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Atlantic Ocean. The capital is Monrovia. The first stamps of Liberia were issued in 1860



1860 Stamps of Liberia - Liberia - stamps #1-3



1892-96 Stamps of Liberia - Liberian Star - Coat of Arms - President Johnson - #33, 45, 49

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First Stamps of Libya

LOCATION — North Africa, bordering on the Mediterranean Sea

CAPITAL—Tripoli

100 Centesimi = 1 Lira

Military Authority Lira (1951)

Franc (1951)

1,000 Milliemes = 1 Pound (1952)

1,000 Dirhams = 1 Dinar (1972)



1912 Stamps of Libya - Stamps of Italy Overprinted - stamps #1-16

Libya is a country located in North Africa. Bordering the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Libya lies between Egypt to the east, Sudan to the southeast, Chad and Niger to the south, and Algeria and Tunisia to the west.

The area now comprising Libya was originally a vilayet of the Ottoman Empire which was ceded to Italy in 1912 and became an Italian colony. Stamps of Italy were issued from 1912 overprinted Libia and later Italian colonial issues were issued specifically for Libya. All stamps of colonial Libya were printed at the Italian Government Printing Works.

From 1924 to 1934 Tripolitania and Cyrenaica had their own stamps before being unified in 1934, with Fezzan, as the Italian colony of Libya. Italian colonial issues continued until Libya was overrun by the British Army during the Second World War.

British stamps overprinted M.E.F. (Middle East Forces) were used from 1943 to 1948 after the area was captured by the British during World War II. From 1 July 1948 stamps overprinted B.M.A. TRIPOLITANIA were used. Tripolitania only, used stamps marked B.A. TRIPOLITANIA from 6 February 1950 to December 1951.

In 1949 the British authorities recognised Amir Mohammed Idris Al-Senussi as Emir of Cyrenaica, giving him internal autonomy. On 24 December 1951 Cyrenaica, Tripolitania and Fezzan were unified as the Kingdom of Libya.

The first stamps of modern Libya were issued on 24 December 1951 and were overprinted stamps of Cyrenaica. Three different types of overprint were used, for the three provinces of Cyrenaica, Tripolitania and Fezzan. The first stamps inscribed Kingdom of Libya were issued on 15 April 1952. A variety of inscriptions were used until 1969 including Libye, Libya, Libia and United Kingdom of Libia or Libya.

In 1969 King Idris I was deposed in a military coup and stamps including the word Kingdom were altered in a variety of ways to delete that word. Stamps were first issued marked L.A.R. then LAR and from the 1970s began to be inscribed Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya with equivalent wording in Arabic.



1921 Stamps of Libya - stamps #20-28

Roman Legionary - Diana of Ephesus - Ephesus - Ancient Galley Leaving Tripoli - “Victory”

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First Stamps of Madagascar



1984-86 Stamps of Madagascar - British Consular Mail - stamps #2, 4, 16, 38

“B C M” and Arms - “British Vice-Consulate” - “British Consular Mail”

Postage stamps issued by the British Consulate in Madagascar were in use for a short period until the British relinquished all claims to this territory in favor of France in return for which France recognized Great Britain’s claims in Zanzibar.

See Malagasy Republic for stamps inscribed “Madagascar.”

British Consular Mail stamps of Madagascar were gummed only in one corner. Unused values are for stamps without gum. Examples having the original corner gum will command higher prices. Most used examples of these stamps have small faults and values are fo stamps in this condition. Used stamps without faults are scarce and are worth more. Used stamps are valued with the commonly used crayon or pen cancellations.

Stamps Madagascar (French)

Malagasy Democratic Republic

Republic of Madagascar

LOCATION—Large island off the coast of southeastern Africa

CAPITAL—Antananarivo

Madagascar became a French protectorate in 1885 and a French colony in 1896 following several years of dispute among France, Great Britain, and the native government. The colony administered the former protectorates of Anjouan, Grand Comoro, Mayotte, Diego-Suarez, Nossi-Be and Sainte-Marie de Madagascar. Previous issues of postage stamps are found under these individual headings. The Malagasy Republic succeeded the colony in 1958 and became the Democratic Republic of Malagasy in 1975. The official name was again changed in 1993 to Republic of Madagascar,

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

100 Centimes = 1 Ariary (1976)

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First Stamps of Malawi

LOCATION—Southeast Africa

GOVT.—Republic in British Commonwealth

CAPITAL—Lilongwe

The British Protectorate of Nyasaland became the independent state of Malawi on July 6, 1964, and a republic on July 6, 1966.

12 Pence = 1 Shilling

20 Shillings = 1 Pound

100 Tambalas = 1 Kwacha (1970)



1964 Stamps of Malawi - Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda - stamps #1-4

The British Protectorate of Nyasaland became the independent state of Malawi on July 6, 1964, and a republic on July 6, 1966.

Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique on the east, south and west. The country is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by Lake Malawi. Its size is over 118,000 km2 (45,560 sq mi) with an estimated population of more than 13,900,000. Its capital is Lilongwe.

First stamps Nyasaland Protectorate 1908

LOCATION —In southern Africa, bordering on Lake Nyasa

GOVT.—British Protectorate

CAPITAL—Zomba

For previous issues, see British Central Africa.

Nyasaland joined the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in 1953, using its stamps until 1963. As the Federation began to dissolve in 1963, Nyasaland withdrew its postal services and issued provisional stamps. On July 6, 1964, Nyasaland became the independent state of Malawi.

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First Stamps of Mali



1959-62 Stamps of Mali - Federation of Mali and Rebublic of Mali - stamps #1, 10-13, 33

Flag and Map of Mali - President Mamadou Konate - Patrice Lumumba

The Federation of Mali, founded Jan. 17, 1959, consisted of the Republic of Senegal and the French Sudan. It broke up in June, 1960.

Mali is a landlocked country in Western Africa bordering Algeria on the north, Niger on the east, Burkina Faso and the Côte d'Ivoire on the south, Guinea on the south-west, and Senegal and Mauritania on the west. Its size is just over 1,240,000 km² with a population more than 14 million. Its capital is Bamako.

The Mali Republic was created in September 1960 and occupies roughly the same territory as the former French Sudan. It replaced the previous, short lived, Mali Federation between French Sudan and Senegal.

The first stamps of the Mali Federation were issued on 7 November 1959.

The first stamps of the Mali Republic were issued in September 1960.

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First Stamps of Mauritania

LOCATION — Northwestern Africa, bordering on the Atlantic Ocean

CAPITAL—Nouakchott

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania was proclaimed Nov. 28, 1958.

Stamps of French West Africa were used in the period between the issues of the colony and the republic.

100 Centimes = 1 Franc

Ouguiya (“um”) (1973)



1906-07 Stamps of Mauritania - stamps #1-17

General Louis Faidherbe - Oil Palms - Dr. Noel Euge`ne Ballay

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania was proclaimed Nov. 28, 1958.

Stamps of French West Africa were used in the period between the issues of the colony and the republic.



1937, 1939, 1960, 1997 Stamps of Mauritania - stamps #82, 101, 114, 116, 118, 735A

Colonial Arts Exhibition Issue - Mauri Couple - Family before Tent - New York World’s Fair Issue - Caravan and Marshal Petain - Islamic Republic - Camel and Hands Raising Flag - C.C.T.A. Issue - Flag and Map - French President Jacques Chirac, Mauritanian President Maaouya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya

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First Stamps of Mauritius



1947 Stamps of Mauritius - Orange-red and blue Mauritius - Queen Victoria - stamps #1-2

In 1847 the first two stamps of Mauritius is the first two series of stamps issued by the British colonial government. There was only one fruit with the conditions of the first stamps and three stamps unused second also with unused condition. In 1993, David Feldman auction Mauritius stamps belonging Hiroyuki Kanai produces the highest record. The first orange-colored stamps sold for $ 1,072,260 and the second at $ 1,148,850.

The words "Post Office" appear in the left panel, but on the following issue in 1848, these words were replaced by "Post Paid." A legend arose later that the words "Post Office" had been an error.

One version was that the man who produced the stamps, Joseph Barnard, was a half-blind watchmaker and an old man who absent-mindedly forgot what he was supposed to print on the stamps. On his way from his shop to visit the postmaster, a Mr. Brownrigg, he passed a post office with a sign hanging above it. This provided the necessary jog to his memory and he returned to his work and finished engraving the plates for the stamps, substituting "Post Office" for "Post Paid."

The stamps, as well as the subsequent issues, are highly prized by collectors because of their rarity, their early dates and their primitive character as local products. Surviving stamps are mainly in the hands of private collectors but some are on public display in the British Library in London, including the envelope of an original invitation to the Governor's ball complete with stamp. Another place where they can be seen is at the Blue Penny Museum in Mauritius. The two stamps also can be seen at the Museum for Communication (Museum für Kommunikation) in Berlin and in the Postal Museum of Sweden in Stockholm.

1847 Mailed to Bordeaux France - ordering 30 barrels of wine!





Priciest stamp item ever

The 'Bordeaux Letter' sold for 5,750,000 Swiss Francs to a Singapore collector in 1993. Adjusted for 18 years of inflation, this is around 10 million Swiss Francs in today's money - or about $US 10 million.

The 'Bordeaux Letter' was purchased by European collector-dealer Guido Craveri, who also paid over $US2 million for a 1851 Hawaii cover in a Siegel Auction in New York in 1995.

And close behind in price to the Mauritius, is the GB 1840 1d Black on May 3 cover that sold by Harmers Lugarno Switzerland for at that time 3,400,000 Swiss francs in March 1991.

Both these sales FAR eclipse what either the Swedish or British Guiana stamps have so far obtained. And that would surprise most in the stamp trade - and certainly nearly all collectors.

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First Stamps of Morocco



1891 Stamps of Morocco - French office - stamps #1-8

The first Moroccan postal stamps were produced in 1891 by companies which managed correspondence between two cities. The system was replaced after a reorganization in the end of 1911. Morocco started producing two series of postal stamps which served the whole of Morocco until 1915 and Tangier until 1919.

The British post offices in Morocco, also known as the "Morocco Agencies", were a system of post offices operated by the United Kingdom in Morocco.

The first office was established in Tangier in 1857; mail was simply bagged there and forwarded to Gibraltar just across the water, where it received the standard "A26" postmark. From 1872 Tangier had its own postmark, but this was applied alongside the stamps (allowing for the Gibraltar cancellation to mark them), so usages of British stamps from Morocco are best determined on cover. Several examples of loose GB Queen victoria stamps cancelled Tangier do exist including at least one strip of 1d reds.

Since the offices were under the control of Gibraltar, they switched to the use of Gibraltar stamps when they came into use, 1 January 1886. Additional offices opened in various Moroccan seaports during the 1880s, and inland at Fez (1892), and Meknes (1907).

The stamps were overprinted "Morocco / Agencies" beginning in 1898, initially at the offices of the Gibraltar Chronicle, and then later in London, yielding several variations in the appearance of the overprint.



1898, 1907-13 Stamps of Morocco - British post offices in Morocco - stamps #1, 31-38 Serie courante



1912-13 Stamps of Morocco - Aissaouas Mosque, Tangier - stamps #A1-A5, A11-A14

These stamps tell an interesting tale of postal history. In Morocco between 1891 and 1909, postal service was a matter of private enterprises between each town and another. Therefore there are stamps from Tanger to Fez, from Tanger to Tetuan, from Tetuan to Chechouan etc. etc. These stamps are hard to find and most are, like the Yvert catalogue states, in poor condition.



1956-57, 1963 Stamps of Morocco - stamps #1, 16, 19, 85

Sultan Mohammed - Prince Moulay el Hassan - King Mohammed V - King Moulay Ismail

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First Stamps of Mozambique

LOCATION — Southeastern Africa, bordering on the Mozambique Channe

CAPITAL—Maputo

Formerly a Portuguese colony, Mozambique, or Portuguese East Africa, was divided into eight districts: Lourenco Marques, Inhambane, Quelimane, Tete, Mozambique, Zambezia, Nyassa and the Manica and Sofala region formerly administered by the Mozambique Company. At various times the districts issued their own stamps which were eventually replaced by those inscribed “Mocambique.”

Mozambique achieved independence June 25, 1975, taking the name People’s Republic of Mozambique.

1000 Reis = 1 Milreis

100 Centavos = 1 Escudo (1913)

100 Centavos = 1 Metical (1980)



1877-85 Stamps of Mozambique - Portuguese Crown - stamps #1-13



1892 Mozambique Company - King Luiz - Mozambique #15-23 Overprinted - stamps #1-9

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First Stamps of Namibia

LOCATION — In southwestern Africa between Angola and South Africa, bordering on the Atlantic Ocean

CAPITAL—Windhoek

Formerly South West Africa.

100 Cents = 1 Rand

100 Cents = 1 Dollar (1993)



1990 Stamps of Namibia - President Sam Nujoma, Map and Flag - # 659-661



Stamps of Namibia #914, 918, 988

Racing for Survival - Black Rhinoceros - Tribal Women

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First Stamps of Niger

NIGER COAST PROTECTORATE (Oil Rivers Protectorate)



Stamps of NIGER COAST PROTECTORATE (Oil Rivers Protectorate) - stamps #1, 7, 8, 14, 20, 29,33, 37-42

1892 Stamps of Great Britain, 1881-87, Overprinted - 1983 - Queen Victoria

This territory was originally known as the Oil Rivers Protectorate, and its affairs were conducted by the British Royal Niger Company. The Company surrendered its charter to the Crown in 1899. In 1900 all of the territories for merly controlled by the Royal Niger Company were incorporated into the two protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria, the latter absorbing the area formerly known as Niger Coast Protectorate. In 1914 Northern and Southern Nigeria joined to form the Crown Colony of Nigeria.



Stamps of Niger - stamps #1, 89, 113

1921-26 Camel and Rider - Stamps of Upper Senegal and Niger Type of 1914, Overprinted - Zinder Fortress and Marshal Petain - President Diori Hamani and Map of Niger in Africa

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First Stamps of Nigeria

LOCATION — West coast of Africa, bordering on the Gulf of Guinea

CAPITAL—Abuja

The colony and protectorate were formed in 1914 by the union of Northern and Southern Nigeria. The mandated territory of Cameroons (British) was also attached for administrative purposes. The Federation of Nigeria was formed in 1960. It became a republic in 1963. See Niger Coast Protectorate, Lagos, Northern Nigeria and Southern Nigeria.

12 Pence = 1 Shilling

20 Shillings = 1 Pound

100 Kobo = 1 Naira (1973)



1914 Stamps of Nigeria - King George V stamp #1 - 1900 Northern Nigeria - Victoria stamp #1 - 1901 Southern Nigeria stamp #1



1936 Stamps of Nigeria - Silver Jubilee Issue - stamps #38-49

Wharf at Apapa - Picking Cacao Pods - Dredging for Tin - Timber - Fishing Village - Ginning Cotton - Minaret at Habe - Fulani Cattle - Victoria-Buea Road - Oil Palms - View of Niger at Jebba - Nigerian Canoe

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First Stamps of Reunion



1852 Stamps of Reunion - French colonies and territories - stamps #1-2

First Stamps of Ruanda-Urundi



1916 Stamps of Ruanda-Urundi - Stamps of Belgian Congo, Overprinted 'Kigoma' , 'Ruanda', 'Urundi'

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(Belgian East Africa)

LOCATION — In central Africa bounded by Congo, Uganda and Tanganyika

GOVT.—Former United Nations trusteeship administered by Belgium

CAPITAL—Usumbura

See German East Africa for stamps issued under Belgian occupation.

In 1962 the two parts of the trusteeship became independent states, the Republic of Rwanda and the Kingdom of Burundi.

100 Centimes = 1 Franc



1924-26 Stamps of Ruanda-Urundi - Stamps of Piaster Belgian Congo, 1923-26 Overprinted #6-23

First Stamps of Rwanda

First Stamps of Rwanda (Rwandaise Republic)

LOCATION—Central Africa, adjoining the ex-Belgian Congo, Tanganyika, Uganda and Burundi

CAPITAL—Kigali

Rwanda was established as an independent republic on July 1, 1962. With Burundi, it had been a UN trusteeship territory administered by Belgium.

100 Centimes = 1 Franc



1962-82 Stamps of Rwanda - stamps #1, 469, 255, 568, 628, 974, 1107

Gregoire Kayibanda and Map of Africa - Belgica ’72 Emblem, King Baudouin, Queen Fabiola, Pres. and Mrs. Kayibanda - Pres. Juvenal Habyarimana - Prince Balthazar Charles, by Velazquez - Amalfi Coast, by Giacinto Gigante - Madam Recamier, by David

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First Stamps of Saint Helena Island

LOCATION — Island in the Atlantic Ocean, 1,200 miles west of Angola

GOVT.—British Crown Colony

CAPITAL—Jamestown

12 Pence = 1 Shilling

20 Shillings = 1 Pound

100 Pence = 1 Pound (1971)



1856 Stamps of Saint Helena Island - Queen Victoria - stamp #1

The first Post Office was established on St. Helena in 1815, and the first handstruck stamp was introduced shortly after the opening of the Post Office. The first adhesive stamps of St. Helena were introduced in 1856.



1934 Stamps of Saint Helena Island - Centenary Issue #101-110

Lot and Lot’s Wife - Plantation; Queen Victoria and Kings William IV, Edward VII, George V - Map of the Colony - Quay, Jamestown - View of James Valley - View of Jamestown - View of Mundens - St. Helena - View of High Knoll - Badge of the Colony

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First Stamps of Sao Tome and Principe



1869, 87, 1914, Stamps of ST. THOMAS AND PRINCE ISLANDS (Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe) - stamps #1, 15, 194, 321

Portuguese Crown - King Luiz - Ceres - Marble Column and Portuguese Arms with Cross

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First Stamps of Senegal

LOCATION — West coast of Africa, bordering on the Atlantic Ocean

CAPITAL—Dakar

The former French colony of Senegal became part of French West Africa in 1943. The Republic of Senegal was established Nov. 25, 1958. From Apr. 4, 1959, to June 20, 1960, the Republic of Senegal and the Sudanese Republic together formed the Mali Federation. After its breakup, Senegal resumed issuing its own stamps in 1960.

100 Centimes = 1 Franc



1887-92 Stamps of Senegal - French Colonies Surcharged - Navigation and Commerce - stamps #1-4, 9-12, 31-32,35

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First Stamps of Seychelles

LOCATION—A group of islands in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Africa north of Madagascar.

CAPITAL—Victoria

The islands were attached to the British colony of Mauritius from 1810 to 1903, when they became a separate colony. Seychelles achieved internal self-government in October 1975 and independence on June 29, 1976.

100 Cents = 1 Rupee



1890-1912 Stamps of Seychelles - Queen Victoria - King Edward VII - King George V - stamps #1, 23, 27, 29, 32, 33, 38, 49, 64-65

The islands were attached to the British colony of Mauritius from 1810 to 1903, when they became a separate colony. Seychelles achieved interna self-government in October 1975 and independence on June 29, 1976.

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First Stamps of Sierra Leone

LOCATION — West coast of Africa, between Guinea and Liberia

CAPITAL—Freetown

Sierra Leone was a British colony and protectorate. In 1961 it became fully independent, remaining within the Commonwealth. It became a republic April 19, 1971.

12 Pence = 1 Shilling

20 Shillings = 1 Pound

100 Cents = 1 Leone (1964)



1859-74 Stamps of Sierra Leone - Queen Victoria - stamps #1, 5, 32, 35

Commonwealth. It became a republic April 19, 1971.



1933 Stamps of Sierra Leone - Wilberforce Issue #153-165

Arms of Sierra Leone - Slave Throwing off Shackles - Map of Sierra Leone - Old Slave Market, Freetown - Fruit Seller - Government Sanatorium - Bullom Canoe - Punting near Banana Islands - Government Buildings, Freetown - Old Slavers’ Resort, Bunce Island - African Elephant - George V - Freetown Harbor

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First Stamps of Somalia

(Somali Democratic Republic)

(Italian Somaliland)

(Benadir)

LOCATION—Eastern Africa, bordering on the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden

GOVT.—Probably none

CAPITAL—Mogadishu



1903-23 Stamps of Somalia - Italian Somaliland - Elephant - Lion - stamps #1, 3, 9, 18, 22, 51

The former Italian colony which included the territory west of the Juba River became known as Oltre Giuba (Trans-Juba), was absorbed into Italian East Africa in 1936. Somalia stamps continued in use in Italian East Africa for several years. It was under British military administration from 1941-49. Italian trusteeship took effect in 1950, with a UN Advisory Council helping the administrator. On July 1, 1960, the former Italian colony merged with Somaliland Protectorate (British) to form the independent Republic of Somalia.



1903-12 Stamps of SOMALILAND PROTECTORATE - stamps #1-2, 36, 60

Stamps of India, 1882-1900, Overprinted - King Edward VII -King George V

Formerly administered by the Indian Government, the territory was taken over by the British Foreign Office in 1898 and transferred to the Colonial Office in 1905.

Somaliland Protectorate became part of independent Somalia in 1960.

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First Stamps of South Africa



1910-27 Stamps of South Africa - stamps #1-2, 21, 23-25, 26-32

George V - “Hope” - Springbok - Jan van Riebeek’s Ship, Drommedaris - Orange Tree - Government Buildings, Pretoria - “Groote Schuur,” Rhodes’s Home - Native Kraal - Gnu - Trekking - Ox Wagon - Cape Town and Table Mountain

The Republic of South Africa, previously The Union of South Africa, is a country located at the southern tip of Africa, with a coastline on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. To the north lie Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe; to the east are Mozambique and Swaziland; while Lesotho is an independent country wholly surrounded by South African territory.

Before South Africa was united in 1910, each South African state issued their own stamps. These were: British Bechuanaland (1885–1895), Cape of Good Hope (1853–1904), Griqualand West (1874–1879), Natal (1857–1909), New Republic (1886–1887), Orange Free State (Orange River Colony) (1868–1909), South African Republic (Transvaal) (1869–1909), Stellaland (1884–1885) and Zululand (1888–1896). During the Boer War, these cities issued their own stamps: Lydenburg (1900), Mafeking (1900), Pietersburg (1901), Rustenburg (1900), Schweizer Renecke (1900), Volksrust (1902), Vryburg (1899–1900) and Wolmaransstad (1900).

The first stamp of the Union of South Africa was a 21⁄2d stamp issued on 4 November 1910. It portrayed the monarch King George V and the arms of the four British colonies which formed the Union: Cape Colony, Natal, Orange River Colony and Transvaal. Most South African stamps issued between 1926 and 1951 were in pairs. One was inscribed 'SOUTH AFRICA' and the other 'SUIDAFRIKA' or 'SUID-AFRIKA'.

The first set of the Republic was issued on 31 May 1961. From 1961 to 1966, stamps were inscribed "REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA REPUBLIEK VAN SUID-AFRIKA". However from 1967 stamps were simply inscribed "RSA". Modern issues are just inscribrd "South Africa".

The South African homelands of Bophuthatswana (1977–1994), Ciskei (1981–1994), Transkei (1976–1994) and Venda (1979–1994) also issued their own stamps

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First Stamps of South West Africa



1897 Stamps of German South West Africa #1 & 1923 Stamps of South West Africa stamps #1



1931-37 Stamps of South West Africa #108-120

Kori Bustard - Cape Cross - Mail Transport - Bogenfels - Windhoek - Waterberg - Luderitz Bay - Bush Scene - Elands - Zebras and Brindled Gnus - Herero Houses - Welwitschia Plant - Okuwahakan Falls

Formerly a German possession, South West Africa was occupied by South African forces in 1915 and by the Treaty of Versailles was mandated to the Union of South Africa. On March 20, 1990 it became Namibia.

First Stamps of South-Kasai



1961 Stamps of South-Kasai - stamps #1-13, 20-24

This part of a Congo province declared itself an autonomous state and in 1961 issued several series of stamps, some of which were overprints on Congo (ex-Belgian) stamps. Established nations did not recognize South Kasai as an independent state.

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First Stamps of Sudan



1897-98 Stamps of Sudan - Egyptian Stamps of 1884-93 Overprinted - Camel Post - stamps #1-2, 9-16

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First Stamps of Swaziland



1889 Stamps of Swaziland - Coat of Arms -stamps #1-8

An independent state in the 19th century, Swaziland was administered by Transvaal from 1894 to 1906, when the administration was transferred to the British High Commissioner for South Africa. In 1934 Swaziland and Bechuanaland Protectorate came under the administration of the British High Commissioner for Basutoland. The issuing of individual postage stamps had been resumed in 1933. Internal self-government was introduced in 1967. Indepen- dence was proclaimed September 6,1968.

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First Stamps of Tanzania



1964 Stamps of Tanzania (Tanganyika and Zanzibar) - Map - Flag -stamps #1, 4, 6

Emblem (hands holding torch and spear).

The story of the postage stamps and postal history of Tanzania begins with German East Africa, which was occupied by British forces during World War I. After the war, the territory was named Tanganyika and issued stamps under that name until after a union with Zanzibar in 1964.

The first issue of Tanzania proper was a set of four commemorative stamps marking the union, issued 7 July 1964. Inscribed "UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANGANYIKA & ZANZIBAR", two values depict a map of the coast from Tanga to Dar-es-Salaam along with Zanzibar and Pemba, while other two show hands holding a torch and spear.

The first definitive series was issued 9 December 1965, and consisted of a set of 14 values ranging from 5 cents to 20 shillings, depicting a variety of scenes, symbols, and wildlife.

The stamps of Tanzania were also valid in Kenya and Uganda (until 1976), and so Tanzania did not typically issue its own commemoratives. A definitives series issued 9 December 1967 featured various fish, and series of 15 stamps from 3 December 1973 depicted butterflies. Four of these values were surcharged 17 November 1975.

In 1976 and 1977, Tanzania issued eight commemorative sets that shared design with the stamps of Kenya, and after that it issued its own designs.

Stamp-issuing policy was relatively restrained in the 1980s, with about 7-8 special issues each year, typically of four stamps each, and a definitive series of mammals in 1980, but by the end of the decade the postal administration had begun putting out large numbers of issues aimed solely at stamp collectors, with averages of over 100 types annually. Tanzania is a client of the Inter-Governmental Philatelic Corporation.

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First Stamps of Togo



1897 Stamps of Togo - Stamps of Germany Overprinted - stamps #1-6

Togo is a country in West Africa bordered by Ghana to the west, Benin to the east and Burkina Faso to the north. It extends south to the Gulf of Guinea, on which the capital Lomé is located.

The first posts in Togo were established by German traders in the 1880s who operated from the coastal towns and used German West African mail boats. Mail entered the German postal system at Hamburg. There were 17 German post offices before the 1914 invasion.

The first stamps used in Togo were unoverprinted stamps of Germany used at "Klein-Popo" from 1 March 1888 and at "Lome" from 1 March 1890. They may be recognised by the cancellations used. Beginning in June 1897, mainland German stamps with a "Togo" overprint were made available. In November 1900, the key type stamps known as the Yacht issue were introduced. Water-marked versions of "Yachts" became standard in 1909, and they remained in use until the First World War.



1900 Stamps of Togo - Kaiser’s Yacht, the 'Hohenzollern' - stamps #10, 16

In August 1914, Togo was invaded by British and French troops who occupied the country until 1919. The German post office was closed and the occupying forces used German stamps at first, with "Anglo-French Occupation" overprints. From 1915, overprinted British stamps of the Gold Coast were used and French stamps of Dahomey, overprinted TOGO, were in use from 1916. The country was divided into two zones during the occupation with the east bordering Dahomey, a French territory, being run by the French and the west, bordering the British Gold Coast, being run by the British.



1914 -15 Stamps of Togo - British Protectorate - French Occupation - stamps #38, 46, 62, 69, 165

In 1922 The League of Nations confirmed the division of the territory into two with the west of Togo being ceded to Gold Coast for ethnic reasons, making Togo the tall, thin, country it is today, and enlarging the current Ghana. Postal arrangements followed accordingly.

In the Second World War, Togo declared for the Vichy Government in France. In 1955 it was made an autonomous republic within the French community.

Togo became independent on 27 April 1960 and joined the Universal Postal Union on 21 March 1962. Togo was one of the first clients of the Inter-Governmental Philatelic Corporation.

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First Stamps of Transkei



1976 Stamps of Transkei - South Africa - stamps #1-4

Independence from South Africa - Paramount Chief K.D. Matanzima - Mace, flag - Matanzima - Coat of arms

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First Stamps of Tristan da Cunha



1952 Stamps of Tristan da Cunha - Stamps of St. Helena, 1938-49 Overprinted - stamps #1-12



2002 Stamps of Tristan da Cunha - Marine Mammals #719

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First Stamps of Tunisia



1888 Stamps of Tunisia - Coat of Arms - stamps #1-8

Tunisia is the northernmost country in Africa. It is bordered by Algeria to the west, Libya to the southeast, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east.

The first stamps used in Tunisia were those of the colonial power, France, from 1888. Stamps specifically for Tunisia were issued from 1 July 1888.



Stamps of Tunisia - #32, 48, 55, 253, 290, 328

Mosque at Kairouan - Ruins of Hadrian’s Aqueduct - Carthaginian Galley - Mohammed al-Amin, Bey of Tunis - Farhat Hached - President Habib Bourguiba

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First Stamps of Uganda



1895 Stamps of Uganda - Uganda Missionaries stamp #1-6

These first Ugandan stamps were also known by the name of Uganda Missionaries.

Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by Tanzania. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, which is also bordered by Kenya and Tanzania.

Stamps were issued by the Uganda Protectorate in 1895. They were mission stamps typewritten by Revd. E. Millar. In 1896, crudely printed stamps were introduced, and in 1898 a set of seven stamps portraying Queen Victoria were issued.



1898 Stamps of Uganda - Queen Victoria stamp #69-76

Among the ugliest of valuable stamps are the first issues of Uganda (Scott #1-53), which were typwritten on thin, tough white paper by Reverend Ernest Millar of the Church Missionary Society, an organization dedicated to saving the souls of native Africans from what it viewed as barbaric heathenism by converting them to Christianity. The first 34 of these stamps were typewritten in black. In late 1895, the black ribbon was replaced by a violet one, which was used to create #s 35-53.

This issue raises the question of why anybody would want to collect the visually uninspiring typewritten stamps of Uganda, a set which best illustrates the fundamental absurdity of philately - that when all is said and done, stamps are basically just worthless pieces of paper (and sometimes even look like worthless pieces of paper), yet there are many people who are willing to spend quite alot of money on some of them. Quantity of issue information is unavailable for the set, but in all probability, fewer than 300 of each stamp were produced, with the most valuable among them being extremely rare. ganda then used stamps of East Africa & Uganda (1903-1922), Kenya & Uganda (1922-1927) and Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika/Tanzania (1935-1976). Although Uganda had its own postal administration from 1962, commemoratives inscribed Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania remained in use until 1976.

Uganda issued a set of four stamps on 28 July 1962 commemorating the centenary of Speke's discovery of the source of the Nile. This was the only set issued by Uganda as a self-governing state.

The first stamps of independent Uganda were issued on 9 October 1962. Uganda regularly issues both commemorative and definitive stamps.

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First Stamps of Upper Volta (Republic)

The story of the posts in Burkina Faso begins in the 1890s, with French penetration into the area and the establishment of military posts.

Prior to the creation of French Upper Volta in 1919, postal service in the area was administered by Senegambia and Niger and then Upper Senegal and Niger.

Upper Volta's first stamps were issues of Upper Senegal and Niger overprinted "HAUTE-VOLTE", appearing in 1920. Overprints and surcharges continued to be issued throughout the 1920s, then superseded in 1928 by a definitive series of 23 stamps featuring three designs: a Hausa chief, Hausa woman, and Hausa warrior.

Upper Volta also participated in the Colonial Exposition Issue of 1931, but in 1932 the colony was dissolved and its territory divided between Côte d’Ivoire, French Sudan and Niger.

Reconstituted in 1947, its postal administration continued to be part of French West Africa until the establishment of the Republic of Upper Volta in 1958.

The Republic operated its own postal system, and issued its first stamp in 1959, marking the 1st anniversary of the Republic, and memorializing governing council president Daniel Ouezzin Coulibaly, who had died recently. In 1960 it issued a definitive series of 18 stamps showing native animal masks, and generally followed a stamp program consistent with other African members of the French Community.



1959-60 Stamps of Upper Volta - Republic #70, 91

President Ouezzin Coulibaly - President Maurice Yameogo

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First Stamps of Venda



1979 Stamps of South Africa, Venda stamps #1-4

Independence from South Africa - Mace, flag. - Administrative buildings. - P.R. Mphephu, paramount chief and president. - Coat of arms

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First Stamps of Western Sahara



Stamps of Western Sahara - 1926 Spanish Sahara # B1-12

First Stamps of Zambezia



1894 Stamps of Zambezia - King Carlos - stamps #1, 13, 36, 49, 53, 58, 74 - NEWSPAPER STAMP 1894 #P1

The districts of Quelimane and Tete were created from Zambezia. Eventually stamps of Mozambique came into use.

Zambezia is the most-populous province of Mozambique, located in the central coastal region south-west of Nampula Province and north-east of Sofala Province. The provincial capital is Quelimane on the Bons Sinais River.

Vasco da Gama landed at the site of Quelimane in 1498. Shortly after, the Portuguese established a permanent presence, and many moved up the Zambezi into the interior, for many years the farthest inland European presence

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First Stamps of Zambia



1964 Stamps of Zambia - stamp #1-3

President Kenneth D. Kaunda, Victoria Falls - College of Further Education, Lusaka - Barotse dancer

Northern Rhodesia was created in 1911 from territory administered by the British South Africa Company, becoming an official British protectorate in 1924, and achieving independence as Zambia in 1964.

Northern Rhodesia joined the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in 1953, and used the Federation's stamps until it was dissolved in 1963. On 10 December 1963, a new definitive series depicted the Queen and the territory's arms, but these were withdrawn on 23 October 1964 when Zambia became independent.

The first stamps of independent Zambia were issued on 24 October 1964. They consisted of a set of three commemoratives. On the same day, a set of 14 definitives was issued, with depictions of various professions and scenes.

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First Stamps of Zanzibar



1895 Stamps of Zanzibar - Stamps of British India Overprinted - stamp #1-3b

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of the United Republic of Tanzania, in East Africa. It comprises the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometres (16–31 mi) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, informally referred to as Zanzibar), and Pemba. Zanzibar was once a separate state with a long trading history within the Arab world. It united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania in 1964.



1896-1961 Stamps of Zanzibar - stamp #38, 48, 62, 74, 83, 90, 120, 192, 230, 264

Sultan Seyyid Hamed-bin-Thwain - Sultan Seyyid Hamoud-bin-Mahommed-bin-Said - Monogram of Sultan Ali bin Hamoud - Sultan Khalifa bin Harub - Sultan Seyyid Abdulla bin Khalifa

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First Stamps of Zimbabwe



1980 Stamps of Zimbabwe #414-28

Morganite - Amethyst - Garnet - Citrine - Blue topaz - Black Rhinoceros - Lion - Warthog - Giraffe - Zebra - Odzani Falls - Goba Falls - Inyangombe Falls - Bundi Falls - Bridal Veil Falls - Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe, formerly Southern Rhodesia is a landlocked country located in the southern part of Africa between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east.

The first stamps Zimbabwe were issued on 18 April 1980. Before that, stamps of Rhodesia were used.