People across Africa rang in 2026 on Thursday, bidding farewell to a volatile year blighted by military coups, conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, and US President Donald Trump’s punitive tariffs.

Eastern African nations like Kenya were the first to see 2026 in the continent, where fireworks lit up the skies at the stroke of midnight.

In South Africa, the famed Cape Malay Road March in Cape Town showcased the city’s rich cultural heritage alongside modern entertainment. Several bands and choirs took to the streets of the city as the public watched in amusement.

The historic pyramids in Egypt created a spectacular backdrop for a spectacular fireworks display. Residents in Egypt's new administrative capital, located just outside Cairo, were also treated to a fireworks show.

Here are some of the images: