Africa is entering a busy election year in 2026, with national-level elections scheduled to take place in 10 countries. These contests include presidential, parliamentary and general elections, many of which are taking place in politically sensitive environments.
Together, the results will shape governance across all sectors and influence economic direction.
Below is a clear month-by-month guide to tracking the elections.
January
uganda
general election
15 january
President Yoweri Museveni is seeking a seventh term, which will mark 40 years since he first took power. Museveni, now 81, removed presidential term limits in 2005 and age limits in 2017. Their national resistance movement is campaigning on economic continuity and stability.
Also read: Uganda's 81-year-old president confirms bid for seventh term
march
republic of congo
presidential election
22 March
President Denis Sassou Nguesso is expected to seek another term, extending his decades-long grip on power in Central Africa.
april
benin
presidential election
12 April
Also read: Nigeria condemns Benin regime's failure as government restores order
Libya
Presidential and parliamentary elections
expected in april
Djibouti
presidential election
Must be held by April
President Ismail Omar Guelleh is widely expected to extend his rule in the strategically important Horn of Africa state.
Cape Verde
parliamentary elections
hopefully in april
june
Ethiopia
general election
1 June
The elections come as Ethiopia continues to manage post-conflict tensions and deep political reforms under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Also read: Ethiopia inaugurates continent's largest dam as Egypt warns of 'existential threat'
august
zambia
general election
13 August
December
Gambia
presidential election
5th December
South Sudan
general election
22nd December is possible
