Collecting postage stamps from West Africa

Collecting postage stamps from West Africa provides a fascinating look into the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and landscapes of this vibrant region. West Africa, with its mix of former British, French, Portuguese, and other colonies, has a wide array of stamps that reflect its colonial past and post-independence developments. Below in the list you will find a country or region of your choice based on geographical division (Michel’s stamp catalogue)

Benin (Dahomy)

  • The region became a French colony in the late 19th century and gained independence in 1960. The country was initially known as Dahomey before being renamed Benin in 1975.

Burkina Faso (Upper Volta)

  • Burkina Faso, known as Upper Volta during the colonial period, was a French colony until it gained independence on August 5, 1960.

Postage stamp Cameroon

Cameroon

  • Cameroon has a complex colonial history, having been administered by Germany, and later divided into British and French mandates after World War I.

Cape Verde

  • Cape Verde was a Portuguese colony until it gained independence on July 5, 1975.

French West Africa

  • Prior to the establishment of the federation, each colony issued its own stamps, often featuring French colonial administrators, local scenery, and indigenous wildlife.

Gambia

  • Gambia was a British colony from the late 19th century until it gained independence on February 18, 1965.

Ghana

  • Ghana was a British colony known as the Gold Coast until it gained independence on March 6, 1957, becoming the first African country to do so.

Guinea

  • Guinea was a French colony known as French Guinea until it gained independence on October 2, 1958

Guinea Bissau

  • Guinea-Bissau, located on the west coast of Africa, was formerly known as Portuguese Guinea until it gained independence from Portugal on September 24, 1973.

Ivory Coast

  • Ivory Coast was a French colony until it gained independence on August 7, 1960.

Liberia

Mali

Mauritania

Niger

Nigeria

Senegal

The first stamps as an independent nation were released on August 20, 1960.

Sierra Leone

Togo