For 2025, Africa pass through year full of sharp political change — democratic transitions stand on one side, while security wahala deep; and the continent begin to claim im proper place for the world stage.
Elections change who get power for many regions, but the results different one from another. For Central Africa, Cameroon leader President Paul Biya win reelection, so im extend im presidency wey don pass more than four decades. For Tanzania, the post-election period serious: after the October 29 vote protests and lockdowns make the country enter full chaos and internet cut last five days.
For West Africa, dem witness historic change as Gabon hold im first election on April 12 since the 2023 military-led ouster of the Bongo clan, wey end 56 years of dynastic rule. Transitional president Brice Oligui Nguema win with 90.35% of the votes, and observers describe the process as largely peaceful.
Southern Africa too record some political milestones in 2025. Namibia swear in im first female president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, while Malawi bring back 85-year-old Democratic Progressive Party candidate Peter Mutharika after five years wey dem no dey power.
But as ballots determine road for some countries, instability threaten others. Benin narrowly avoid coup d'état thanks to quick regional intervention. For Madagascar, youth-led protests wey start because people vex over shortages and alleged corruption at the top escalate and end with military takeover.
The continent also get caught up in deteriorating diplomatic relations with the US, as aid cuts and trade disputes caused by the Donald Trump administration's policies — wey many people call prejudiced — strain ties with Washington.
Ups and downs
Security crises deepen for many flashpoints. Nigeria declare national security emergency as attacks and kidnappings increase. For Sudan, war reach catastrophic level — thousands don die, millions don flee, and food insecurity don worsen, something many global agencies call the world's worst humanitarian crisis.
Fighting continue for eastern Congo despite repeated peace efforts. South Sudan's fragile peace process teeter as arrests wey connect to the Kiir-Machar rivalry raise fear of renewed conflict.
Yet, amid the turmoil, Africa still record historic achievements. Ethiopia launch the continent's largest hydropower dam, while South Africa host the G20 summit for the first time, putting African priorities more firmly on the global agenda.
The continent also mourn the passing of some notable figures, including former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Zambia's sixth President Edgar Lungu, Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and the influential Nigerian Islamic scholar Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi.
For the African Union, the baton change hand in March 2025, ushering new diplomatic chapter under chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti and im deputy, Algerian diplomat Selma Malika Haddad.
Sport success
For sport and culture, African excellence show: Morocco enjoy football success, Cabo Verde marathoner Samuel Freire blaze road for im country with a season-best debut at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, and South Africa continue to dominate rugby.
The year end on a high note with the inauguration of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, wey feature some of the biggest names for the sport globally and show the continent fit host world-class events.
As 2026 dey start, the continent don comot from the last year tested but resilient — politically and socially pressured yet increasingly central to global affairs. The challenges strong, but the momentum strong too.
