Info African Independence From Colonization Official Dates Info African Independence From Colonization Official Dates Education is the key that unlocks any door African independence took place mainly in the 1960s. African Independence From Colonization Official Dates A Algeria - After more than a century of rule by France, Algerians fought through much of the 1950's to achieve independence in 1962. Angola - In 1483 Portuguese arrive at then Luanda; Portuguese is the official language of Angola. B Benin - Dahomey achieved independence in 1960; changed its name to the Republic of Benin in 1975. Botswana - Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, upon independence in 1966 changed its name to Botswana. Burkina Faso - Formerly Upper Volta achieved independence from France in 1960 changed its name to Burkina Faso. Burundi - In 1962, Urundi is separated from Ruanda-Urundi and becomes an independent kingdom of Burundi under King Mwambu