[Photos] Colourful Africa parades at the Rio Olympics (Southern Africa)

In a spectacular opening ceremony at the Maracana Stadium, the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics kicked off in colour and glamour on Friday, August 5, 2016.

Over 200 countries paraded their athletes led by a flag bearer carrying the national flag.

Africa’s 54 countries were beautifully represented in the trademark mix of colours including Red, Gold, Green, Black and Blue.

South Sudan paraded for the first time as a country at this year’s Olympic Games since its independence in 2011 from Sudan.

In alphabetical order, see what the African representatives wore at the opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics and their respective flag bearers.

Botswana wore navy blue suits led by Nijel Amos (Athletics)

#MCM Botswana's own Nijel Amos at the Opening Ceremony of the Rio Olympics 2016. pic.twitter.com/8GAgU4Ihq3

— DStv Botswana (@DStvBotswana) August 8, 2016

Lesotho wore blue and white track suits with traditional hats led by Mosito Lehata (Athletics)

### Namibia wore colourful yellow, blue, red, green and white striped outfits led by Jonas Junias Jonas (Boxing)

### South Africa paraded in green and yellow track suits led by Wayde Van Niekerk (Athletics)

### Swaziland athletes chose suits and were led by Sibusiso Matsenjwa (Athletics)

Swaziland at Rio parade pic.twitter.com/06pGnTgmgD

— Ismail Akwei (@akweiakwei) August 13, 2016

Check out the parades of West, East, Central and North Africa.

Also follow our LIVE BLOG on the Olympic Games as we update you on African performances.

Photo Credit: Reuters