Key African Elections 2025: Vital Facts and Dates to Know

In Summary

• The 2025 African elections will be pivotal for the continent, with key elections in countries like Cameroon, Malawi, and Ivory Coast. 
• These elections will focus on leadership changes, economic stability, and democratic growth. Countries such as Egypt, Seychelles, and Togo will also be watching closely, as these events shape the future of their nations.
• The outcomes will affect governance, social progress, and economic policies across Africa.

Deep Dive!

When it comes to elections, Africa in 2025 is a powerhouse of democracy in action. Across 12 nations, millions of people are preparing to shape their futures, tackle governance challenges, and demand leaders who reflect their hopes and aspirations.

But elections aren’t just about casting votes—they’re about the stories behind them. From Comoros to Togo, every ballot marks a fight for stability, innovation, and inclusivity. Why should you care? These elections will define Africa’s socio-political direction for years to come.

Let’s take a closer look at the countries stepping into the spotlight this year, uncovering what’s at stake and how they’re setting the stage for progress.

11. Togo

Togo will hold its presidential election in 2025. This election is critical for Togo, a country that has been ruled by a single family for decades. The election will determine the country’s leadership and the future of its democratic reforms. Issues like political inclusivity, economic growth, and national unity will dominate the election agenda. With a young, increasingly educated population, Togolese citizens are calling for leaders who can tackle unemployment, improve infrastructure, and ensure democratic freedoms.

10. Tanzania

Tanzania will hold its general election in October 2025. As one of East Africa’s largest economies, Tanzania’s elections are of great importance for regional stability and development. The upcoming election will focus on key issues such as job creation, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. Tanzania is also seeking to diversify its economy away from agriculture and mining, and the outcome of this election will influence the nation’s approach to these challenges.

9. Seychelles

Seychelles will hold its general election on September 27, 2025. As a small island nation, Seychelles faces unique challenges, including economic sustainability, environmental protection, and maintaining political stability. The election will focus on choosing leaders who can manage the country’s natural resources wisely, ensure political freedoms, and address economic challenges. With an economy heavily reliant on tourism and fisheries, this election is critical for shaping Seychelles' long-term development.

8. Malawi

The 2025 Malawian general election is scheduled for September 16, 2025. This general election will determine the leadership of Malawi, a country striving to achieve economic stability and social progress. Malawi’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, and the government is focused on diversifying its economic sectors. The upcoming elections will likely center on issues such as poverty reduction, education, and healthcare improvements. Malawi’s democratic development will be at the forefront of this election as voters decide on the future direction of their country.

7. Ivory Coast

The 2025 Ivorian presidential election will take place in October 2025. Ivory Coast, a key economic player in West Africa, will be choosing its next president to lead the nation through a period of post-crisis recovery. The election will be a test of political stability and the ability to address issues such as national unity, economic growth, and job creation. Given the country’s history of political tension and civil conflict, this election is particularly crucial for the future of Ivory Coast’s democratic stability.

5. Egypt

Egypt is scheduled to hold its parliamentary election in 2025. As a key player in North Africa, Egypt’s elections are always of significant regional importance. The parliamentary elections will focus on issues such as political reforms, human rights, and economic development. The election will likely also be a referendum on the policies of the incumbent government and the future direction of the country’s democratic evolution. Egypt’s political system has faced challenges in ensuring inclusive representation, and the 2025 elections will be a crucial test of its democratic development.

4. Central African Republic

The 2025 Central African general election will take place in December 2025. This election comes at a critical time for the Central African Republic, which has been recovering from years of conflict and political instability. The general election will select the country’s new leadership and legislative body, which will have a critical role in shaping national recovery efforts and peace-building processes. With many challenges still ahead, such as the rebuilding of infrastructure and the strengthening of democratic institutions, this election will be vital for the future of the country.

3. Cameroon

Cameroon will hold its presidential election on October 5, 2025, followed by its parliamentary election in 2025. This year’s election will be closely watched as it will determine the leadership of the country amid ongoing challenges, including the conflict in the Anglophone regions and economic instability. The elections are expected to focus on national security, economic development, and social reforms. Cameroon has faced political turmoil in recent years, and the 2025 elections will be pivotal in shaping the future of the country's governance and unity. International observers will closely monitor the elections for signs of fairness and transparency.

2. Burundi

Burundi will hold its parliamentary election on June 5, 2025. This election will be crucial as the country continues its recovery from the 2015 political crisis. The outcome will be key for Burundi’s efforts to rebuild its political landscape and strengthen democratic institutions. The electoral process is expected to focus on national unity, governance reforms, and economic recovery. Voters will be choosing representatives who will tackle the challenges of poverty, political stability, and governance. The election’s results will have significant implications for Burundi’s future political trajectory.

1. Comoros

The 2025 Comorian parliamentary election will take place on January 12, 2025. This crucial election will decide the country’s legislative body and have a significant impact on shaping policy for the island nation. The Comoros, an island archipelago in the Indian Ocean, has faced challenges like political instability and economic underdevelopment. The parliamentary election is particularly significant as the country seeks to address rising sea levels, economic reforms, and improving governance. Given that Comoros has experienced multiple political coups in the past, the stability of the election process and its results will be keenly watched by both citizens and international observers.