There were many kingdoms and empires in all regions of the continent of Africa throughout history. A kingdom is a state with a king or queen as its head.^[1] An empire is a political unit made up of several territories, military outposts, and peoples, "usually created by conquest, and divided between a dominant centre and subordinate peripheries".^[2]

In Africa states emerged in a process covering many generations and centuries. Most states were created through conquest or the borrowing and assimilation of ideas and institutions, while some developed through internal, largely isolated development.^[3] Economic development "gave rise to a perceived need for centralized institutions and ‘territorial’ leadership that transcended older bonds of kinship and community". Kings and queens used both "instrumental power", the employment of direct influence to achieve a desired outcome, and "creative power", the use of ritual and mythology.^{[a][5]: 21–23}

Despite this, popular understanding often claims that the continent lacked large states or meaningful complex political organisation. Whether rooted in ignorance, Eurocentrism, or racism, famous historians such as Hugh Trevor-Roper have argued that African history is not characterised by state formation or hierarchical structures. In fact, the nature of political organisation varied greatly across the continent, from the expansive West Sudanic empires, to the sacral Congolese empires akin to confederations or commonwealths, and the immensely hierarchical kingdoms of the Great Lakes.^[6]

The vast majority of states included in this list existed prior to the Scramble for Africa (c. 1880–1914) when, driven by the Second Industrial Revolution, European powers rapidly colonised Africa. While most states were conquered and dissolved, some kings and elites negotiated the terms of colonial rule,^[5]: 15 and traditional power structures were incorporated into the colonial regimes as a form of indirect rule.^[7]

In the mid-late 20th century decolonisation saw Africans inherit the former colonies,^[8] and many traditional kingdoms still exist today as non–sovereign monarchies. The roles, powers, and influence of non–sovereign monarchs throughout Africa vary greatly depending on the state. In some states, such as Angola, the local monarch may play an integral role in the local governing council of a region.^[9] On the flipside their powers may be curtailed, as happened in 2022 with Wadai in Chad,^[10] or their positions abolished, as happened in Tanzania in 1962,^[11] and in 1966 in Uganda with Buganda, which was later restored in 1993.^[12] In this list they are labelled (NSM).

There are only three current sovereign monarchies in Africa;^[13] two of which (Lesotho and Morocco) are constitutional monarchies where the rulers are bound by laws and customs in the exercise of their powers, while one (Eswatini) is an absolute monarchy where the monarch rules without bounds.^[14]: 15 Sovereign monarchies are labelled (SM).

There have been a number of autocratic presidents in Africa who are considered "disguised monarchs" due to the absence of term limits,^[15] as well as those who have invoked hereditary succession in order to preserve their regimes,^[16] such as the Bongos of Gabon,^[17] Gnassingbés of Togo,^[18] or Aptidon–Guelleh of Djibouti,^[19] attracting the terms monarchical republic and presidential monarchism.^[17][15] These have been tentatively included, and are labelled (MR).

Only kingdoms and tribal kingdoms as per Elman Service's classifications that were once independent are included, excluding bands, tribes, and most chiefdoms. The intercontinental Islamic empires that covered parts of North and Northeast Africa are not included, and should be discussed as part of the Muslim world, however the residual fragments that had their capital on the continent of Africa are.

Oral traditions rarely incorporate chronological devices,^[20]: 29 and dates in this list are often estimates. Dates have [one date for loss of independence] / [one date for loss of nominal rule]. Additional information such as notable articles may accompany entries.

Historian Jan Vansina (1962) discusses the classification of Sub–Saharan African Kingdoms, mostly of Central, South and East Africa, with some additional data on West African (Sahelian) Kingdoms distinguishing five types, by decreasing centralization of power:^[21]

1. Despotic Kingdoms (D): Kingdoms where the king controlled the internal and external affairs directly and personally appointed overseers. The king kept a monopoly on the use of force. Examples include Rwanda, Nkore/Ankole, and Kongo of the 16th century.
2. Regal Kingdoms (R): Kingdoms where the king controlled the external affairs directly, and the internal affairs via a system of overseers where most local chiefs kept their positions but not their autonomy after conquest. The king and most of his administration belonged to the same religion, group and/or family.
3. Incorporative Kingdoms (I): Kingdoms where the king only controlled the external affairs and the nucleus with no permanent administrative links between him and the chiefs of the provinces. The local chiefs of the provinces were left largely undisturbed after conquest. Examples are the Bamileke, Luba and the Lozi.
4. Aristocratic Kingdoms (A): The only link between central authority and the provinces was payment of tribute which symbolised subordination. These kingdoms were kept together by the superior military strength of the nucleus. This type is rather common in Africa, examples include Kongo of the 17th century, Kazembe, Kuba, the Ha, and Chagga states of the 18th century.
5. Federations (F): Kingdoms where the external affairs were regulated by a council of elders headed by the king, who is simply primus inter pares, such as in the Ashanti Union. (Confederations are not included; see "List of confederations").

Classifications not given as examples by Vansina are open to scrutiny (here). Ones where two classifications are given and joined by an "and" mean that the kingdom had elements from both present; ^[a] refers to the king's place and power, particularly in the nucleus, whilst ^[b] refers to the relationship between king and administration.

A list of known kingdoms and empires on the African continent that we have record of.

• Protodynastic period in Egypt: (preceded by various cultures in which it is unclear if the institution of kingship existed) (preceded by nomes and nomarchs)
  • Lower Egypt Kingdom (3500–3100 BCE)
  • Upper Egypt Kingdom (3400–3150 BCE)
• Early Dynastic Egypt ((D)^[a] and (A)^[b])^[22] (3150–2686 BCE)

• 

  Old Kingdom of Egypt (((D) to (R))^[a] (4th dynasty) and ((R) to (A))^[b] (6th dynasty)) ^[23] (2686–2181 BCE)
• Kingdom of Kerma (2500–1500 BCE)
• First Intermediate Period in Egypt: (2181–2055 BCE)
  • Heracleopolis
  • Thebes
• Middle Kingdom of Egypt ((D) in 12th dynasty)^[24] (2055–1650 BCE)
• Second Intermediate Period in Egypt (1700–1550 BCE)
  • 14th dynasty at Xois (1700–1650 BCE)
  • 15th dynasty and the Hyksos (1650–1550 BCE)
  • Abydos dynasty (1640–1620 BCE)
  • 16th dynasty (1650–1580 BCE)
  • 17th dynasty (1571–1540 BCE)
• New Kingdom of Egypt (1550–1077 BCE)
• Third Intermediate Period in Egypt: (1077–664 BCE)
  • 21st dynasty (1077–943 BCE)
  • 22nd dynasty (943–716 BCE)
  • 23rd dynasty (837–728 BCE)
  • 24th dynasty (732–720 BCE)
• Kingdom of Kush (1070 BCE – 350 CE) and the 25th dynasty of Egypt/Kushite Empire (754–656 BCE)
• Ancient Carthage (814–146 BCE)
• Late Dynastic Egypt (664–525 BCE, 404–343 BCE)
• Battiadae Kingdom (631–440 BCE) (List of kings of Cyrene)
• Garamantes Kingdom (pre 5th century BCE – 7th century CE)
• Nasamones Chiefdom (pre 5th century BCE–?)
• Kingdom of Blemmyes (600 BCE – 3rd century CE)
• Ptolemaic Kingdom (305–30 BCE)
• Kingdom of Numidia (202–46 BCE) (preceded by Massylii Confederation)
• Kingdom of Mauretania (202 BCE – 25 BCE/44 CE)
• Kingdom of Nobatia (350–650 CE) (absorbed into Makuria)
• Kingdom of Ouarsenis (430–735 CE) (Roman–Berber kingdoms)
• Kingdom of the Vandals and Alans (435–534 CE)
• Kingdom of the Moors and Romans (477–599 CE)
• Kingdom of the Aurès (484–703 CE) (Kahina) (Roman–Berber kingdoms)
• Kingdom of Makuria (5th century–1518 CE) (Dongola as an interchangeable name prior to 1365? "^[25]" and Qalidurut, in which there are contrasting titles for the same king) (its rump state after the 1365 civil war is often conflated as Dotawo and it is unknown whether the other polity in the civil war continued to hold Dongola prior to Funj conquest)
• Kingdom of Hodna^[26]: 508 (5th century–7th century CE) (Hodna) (Roman–Berber kingdoms)
• Kingdom of Capsus (5th century–6th/7th century CE) (Gafsa) (Roman–Berber kingdoms)
• Nemencha Kingdom (5th century–7th century CE) (Roman–Berber kingdoms)
• Lagautan/Tripolis/Cabaon Kingdom (5th century–7th century CE) (Cabaon) (Roman–Berber kingdoms)
• Kingdom of Dorsale^[27] (510–7th century CE) (Roman–Berber kingdoms) (mentioned in Vandal Kingdom#Later years)
• Kingdom of Altava (578–708 CE) (Kusaila of Awraba) (Roman–Berber kingdoms)
• Principality of Tingitana^[26]: 508 (6th century–7th century CE) (Mauretania Tingitana)
• Kingdom of Alodia/Alwa (6th century–1504 CE)

• Dar Sila 'Wandering Sultanate'^[28] (619–? CE)
• Emirate of Nekor (710–1019 CE)
• Barghawata/Tamasna Kingdom^[29] (744–1058 CE) (Salih ibn Tarif)
• al–Rahman's Ifriqiya (745–755 CE)

• 

  Ifranid Emirate of Tlemcen (757–790 CE) (Algeria)
• Emirate of Sijilmassa (759–976 CE)
• Rustamid Imamate of Tahert (767–909 CE) (Algeria) (Tahert)
• Idrisid dynasty (789–974 CE) (Morocco)
• Imamate of Nafusa (8th century–911 CE)
• Aghlabid dynasty (800–909 CE) (Tunisia)
• Sulaymanid dynasty (814–922 CE) (Algeria)
• Tulunid dynasty (868–905 CE) (Egypt)
• Fatimid Caliphate (910–1171 CE) (born from Danhāǧa Confederation)
• Banu Khattab dynasty (918–1172/1177 CE) (Zawila) (Libya)
• Ikhshidid dynasty (935–969 CE) (Egypt) (Abu al–Misk Kafur)
• Banu Kanz dynasty (948–1365 CE) (Egypt/Sudan)
• Maghrawa dynasty (988–1069 CE) (Morocco)
• Banu Khazrun dynasty (1001–1146 CE) (Libya)
• M'zab (1012–16th century/1882 CE)
• Hammadid dynasty (1014–1152 CE) (Algeria) (born from Danhāǧa Confederation)
• Almoravid dynasty (1040–1147 CE) (Morocco and Western Sahara) (born from Aznag Confederation)
• Zirid dynasty (1048–1148 CE) (Algeria) (born from Danhāǧa Confederation)
• Khurasanid dynasty (1059–1128 CE, 1148–1158 CE) (Tunisia)
• Banu Ghaniya dynasty^[30] (1180–1212 CE) (Tunisia)
• Banu Hilal Chiefdom (11th century–? CE) (Hilalian invasion of Ifriqiya) (Abu Zayd al–Hilali)
• Almohad dynasty (1121–1269 CE) (Morocco) (born from Masmuda Confederation) (Tinmel)

• 

  Ayyubid dynasty (1171–1254 CE) (Egypt)
• Guanches Guanartematos: (pre–15th century CE) (Gran Canaria)
  • Telde
  • Gáldar
• Daju kingdom (12th century–15th century CE) preceded by Tora (overthrown by Tunjur)

• Emirate of Banu Talis (1228–1551 CE)
• Hafsid dynasty (1229–1574 CE) (Tunisia) (born from Masmuda Confederation)
• Zayyanid Kingdom of Tlemcen (1235–1556 CE) (Algeria) (born from Zenata Confederation)
• Marinid dynasty (1248–1465 CE) (Morocco) (born from Zenata Confederation)
• Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517 CE)
  • Bahri dynasty (1250–1382 CE)
  • Burji dynasty (1382–1517 CE)
• Banu Makki dynasty (1282–1394 CE) (Tunisia)
• Hafsid Emirate of Béjaïa/Bougie (1285–1510 CE)
• Kingdom of al–Abwab (13th century–15th/16th century CE)
• Hafsid Emirate of Qusantina/Constantine^[31] (CE 13th/14th century–1528) (Constantine)
• Banu Thabit dynasty (1324–1401 CE) (Libya)
• Zab Emirate (mid 14th century–1402 CE)
• Sultanate of Tuggurt (1414–1854/1871 CE) (vassal of Algiers (CE 1552–1812/1827)) (List of rulers of Tuggurt)
• Wattasid dynasty (1470–1554 CE) (Morocco) (born from Zenata Confederation)
• Tunjur kingdom (15th century–mid 17th century CE) (overthrown by Darfur)

• 

  Abdallabi Kingdom (15th century–1504/1821 CE)
• Kingdom of Fazughli (1500–1685 CE)
• Sultanate of Sennar/Funj (1504–1821 CE)
• Saadi Principality of Sus and Tagmadert (1509–1554 CE) (Sous) (at times ruled separately from Saadi Sultanate)
• Kingdom of Beni Abbas (1510–1872 CE)
• Kingdom of Kuku (1515–1638 CE)
• Regency of Algiers (1516/1659–1830 CE) (Odjak of Algiers Revolution)
• Fezzan Sultanate (1550–1812 CE)
• Saadi dynasty (1554–1659 CE) (Morocco)
• Regency of Tunis (1574/1591/1613–1705 CE) (Muradid dynasty) succeeded by Beylik of Tunis (1705–1881 CE) (Husainid dynasty)
• Naqsid Principality of Tetouan (1597–1673 CE)
• Sultanate of Darfur (1603–1874 CE, 1898–1916 CE) (Keira dynasty)
• Republic of Bou Regreg (1627–1668 CE) (Elective monarchy?)
• Dila'iya Sultanate (1637–1668 CE)
• Alaouite dynasty (1666 CE–current) (SM of Morocco) (Makhzen)
• Dar Tama Sultanate^{[32][28]: 450} (17th century CE–?) (Tama people)
• Tazerwalt (17th century CE)
• Regency of Tripoli (1551/1711–1835/1912 CE) (Karamanli dynasty)
• Taqali Kingdom (1750–1884 CE, 1889–1969 CE) (Tagale people)

• Emirate of Abdelkader/Mascara (1832–1847 CE)
• Dar Qimr Sultanate^{[32][28]: 450} (1850–?/1945 CE) (mentioned in Sultan#West Asia and North Africa)
• Mahdist State (1885–1889 CE)
• Dar Masalit Sultanate^[32] (19th century–early 20th century CE)
• Muhammad Ali dynasty (1914–1951 CE) (Egypt)
• Emirate of Cyrenaica (1949–1951 CE)
• Senussi dynasty (1951–1969 CE) (Libya) preceded by Senusiyya (1837 CE–present)
• Kingdom of Tunisia (1956–1957 CE)

• Kingdom of Punt (2500–980 BCE)
• Ancient Somali city–states (1000 BCE – various CE)
  • Opone, Mundus, Mosylon, Malao, Nikon, Sarapion, Mudun, Damo, Miandi, Qandala, Botiala, Essina, Bosaso, Gondershe, Hannassa, Salweyn, Bulhar and Merca
• Macrobian Kingdom (1000–500 BCE)
• Kingdom of Dʿmt (980–650 BCE)
• Azania (?–1st century CE) (Rhapta) (Southern Cushitic people and the Bantu expansion)
• Aksumite/Axumite Empire (R)^[33] (50–960 CE) (List of kings of Axum) (preceded by various city-states)
• Swahili city states (50–various CE) (Bantu expansion and Zanj) (List of historic Swahili coast settlements)
  • Kilwa, Kunduchi, Mbuamaji, Tongoni, Kimbiji, Kaole, Malindi, Gedi, Pemba sultanates^[34] (Hadimu), Tumbatu, and Mombasa
• Harla Kingdom (501–1500 CE)

• Sultanate of Dahlak (7th century–16th century CE)
• Sultanate of Shewa/Shoa (896–1286 CE) (List of rulers of Shewa)
• Hubat (9th century–14th century CE)
• Gidaya (9th century–14th century CE)
• Hargaya (9th century–14th century CE)
• Mora (9th century–14th century CE)
• Beja Kingdoms:
  • Bazin (9th century–15th century CE)
  • Belgin (9th century–15th century CE)
  • Jarin (9th century–15th century CE)
  • Qita'a (9th century–15th century CE)
  • Nagash (9th century–15th century CE)
  • Tankish (9th century–15th century CE)
  • Mezega/Belew/Bellou/Kelew^[35] (15th century CE–?) (Balaw)
• Tunni Sultanate (9th century – 13th century CE)

• 

  Malindi Kingdom (9th century–15th century CE)
• Kilwa Sultanate (957–1513 CE)
  • Shirazi dynasty (957–1277 CE)
  • Mahdali dynasty (1277–1495 CE) succeeded by 3 Portuguese coups until 1513 CE
• Kingdom of Semien/Falasha (960–1137 CE) (Beta Israel) (only according to legend)
• Empire of Kitara ((D) in oral tradition, disputed by modern scholars whose accounts align with (A))^{[36][37][38][39]} (10th century–15th century CE) (Tembuzi dynasty/Batembuzi followed by Chwezi dynasty/Bachwezi)
• Fatagar Sultanate (11th century–14th century CE)
• Gojjam (?-1316 CE)
• Kingdom of Gisaka [fr] (11th century–1854 CE) (Gesera clan), splintered into Busozo and Bushiru^[40]: 517
• Sultanate of Šawah^[41]: 68 (11th century–1285 CE)
• Zagwe dynasty (1137–1270 CE)
• Sultanate of Arababni (12th century–16th century CE)
• Wanga Kingdom (12th century–1895/present CE) (NSM of Kenya) (List of rulers of Wanga)

• Pate Sultanate (1203–1895 CE) (List of rulers of Pate) subordinate sultanates?:
  • Lamu
  • Siyu
  • Manda
• Kingdom of Wolaita/Welayta (1251–1896 CE) (possibly same as Damot)^[42]: 59
• Ethiopian Empire (1270–1974 CE)
• Sultanate of Ifat (1285–1415 CE) preceded by Sultanate of Damut^[43] (pre–1285 CE) (Walashma dynasty)
• Dawaro Emirate (pre–13th century/18th century CE)
• Kingdom of Damot (13th century–1317 CE) (possibly same as Wolaita)^[44]: 59 neighbouring Bizamo
• Dankali Sultanate (13th century–18th century CE)
• Ugweno/Upare Kingdom (D)^[45]: 414 (13th century–15th century/1881/1962 CE) (Shana dynasty followed by Suya dynasty) (Pare people)
• Hadiya Sultanate (13th century–15th century CE, 17th century–19th century CE)
• Sultanate of Mogadishu (13th century–16th century CE)
• Sultanate of Bale/Bali^[46]: 86 (13th century–16th century CE)
• Ajuran Sultanate (14th century–17th century CE) preceded by the Garen Kingdom
• Sharkha Sultanate^[46]: 86 (pre–14th century CE)
• Kingdom of Kaffa (1390–1897 CE)
• Kitagwenda Kingdom (1390–1901 CE) (incorporated into Tooro)
• Awrtable Ughazate (14th century-18th century CE)
• Early Luo Kingdoms:^[47] (9 states by 1750 CE)
  • Tekedi Kingdom^[40]: 507 (early 15th century–mid 16th century CE)
  • Palwo/Paluo/Biito/Babito kingdoms (subset of Luo)^[48]
    • Pawir Kingdom^{[47]: 381–393 [40]: 508–512} (pre 15th century CE–?) (later a province of Bunyoro)
    • (Lira Paluo, Paimol; not primarily Palwo/Paluo states: Padibe, Patongo, Alur/Alero and Koc)^{[47]: 381–393}
  • Wipac Kingdom^{[47]: 392–393} (pre 15th century CE–?)
• Kingdom of Bunyoro (D)^[21] (14th century–1899/present CE) (NSM in Uganda) (Omukama of Bunyoro) (not to be confused with Empire of Kitara)
• Ennarea/Inariya Kingdom (14th century–1710 CE) succeeded by Kingdom of Limmu–Ennarea (1801–1891 CE) (List of rulers of Ennarea)
• Busongora Kingdom^[49] (14th century/1725–1906/present CE) (NSM in Uganda) (Songora people) (incorporated into Ankole)
• Adal Sultanate (1415–1555 CE)
• Kingdom of Karagwe^[50] (1450–1890s/1963 CE)
• Shilluk Kingdom (A)^{[21]: 332–333} (1490–1861/present CE) (NSM in South Sudan)
• Nkore/Ankole Kingdom (D)^{[21]: 332–333} (1478–1901/1967/present CE) (NSM in Uganda) (called Nkore before 1914 when, under British administration, it was combined with several states to form Ankole)
• Angoche Sultanate (1485/1513–1910 CE)

• 

  Alur Kingdom (R)^{[21]: 332–333} (1490/1630–?/present CE) (NSM in Uganda)
• Yamma/Janjero Kingdom (15th century–1894 CE)
• Sultanate of Tadjourah [fr] (15th century–1884 CE)
• Mubari Kingdom (15th century–16th century/18th century CE) (Zigaba clan)
• Busigi Kingdom^[40]: 517 (15th century–?/early 20th century CE)
• Kingdom of Buzinza^[51] (15th century–? CE)
• Kingdom of Buganda ((D) in 19th century)^{[47]: 393–395 [21]: 332–333}(late 13th century/1500–1884/present CE) (NSM in Uganda) (Kabaka of Buganda) (Lukiiko)
• Kingdom of Rwanda (D)^{[21]: 332–333} (1500–1897/1962/present CE) (NSM in Rwanda) (Gihanga) (preceded by Singa, Zigaba and Gesera as the oldest, Banda, Cyaba, Ongera and Enengwe)^[40]: 516

• Maore Sultanate^{[52]: 436–438} (1500–1832/1835 CE) (List of sultans of Maore)
• Ndzuwani Sultanate^{[52]: 436–438} (1500–1866/1886/1912 CE) (Anjouan) (List of sultans of Ndzuwani)
• Agĩkũyũ (1512–1888/1895 CE) (Kikuyu people)
• Vazimba Kingdoms (pre–1547 CE) (uncertain regarding total) (Andriandravindravina) (Twelve sacred hills of Imerina):
  • Alasora
  • Ambohidratrimo
  • Imerimanjaka [mg]
• Menabe Kingdom (1540–1834 CE)
• Kingdom of Imerina/Madagascar (1540–1897/present CE) (NSM in Madagascar) (List of Imerina monarchs) (4 states emerged in the civil war, to later be reunited): (1710–1787 CE)
  • Imerina Avaradrano (Antananarivo–Avaradrano)
  • Ambohimanga (won the civil war with King Andrianampoinimerina)
  • Ambohidrabiby
  • Ambohidratrimo
• Mombasa Sultanate (1547–1826 CE) (List of rulers of Mombasa)
• Kingdom of Garo/Bosha (1567–1883 CE) (List of rulers of Garo)
• Gadabuursi Ughazate (1575/1607–1884)
• Imamate of Aussa (1577–1734 CE) succeeded by Sultanate of Aussa (1734–1865/1975 CE, 1991 CE–present) (NSM in Ethiopia)
• Mäzäga (pre-16th century CE) (Ga'ewa) (conquered by Ethiopia)
• Busoga kingdoms ((D) for the constituents and in 16th century when it was one entity)^{[21]: 332–333} (CE 16th century–late 19th century/present) (NSM in Uganda) (only formed a federation in 1906 under British administration, some of its federates (32) are also NSMs in Uganda) (Kyabazinga of Busoga) (Lukiiko):
  • Group of 6 kingdoms:
    • Busiki (1683–?/present CE)
    • Bugweri (1728–late 19th century/present CE)
    • Bunya (pre 1737 CE–?/present)
    • Bukooli (pre 1737 CE–?/present)
    • Bunyole
    • Butembe
  • Group of 5 principalities:
    • Bulamogi (1550 CE–?/present)
    • Bukono (pre 1656–1896/present CE)
    • Luuka/Luzinga (pre 1737 CE–?/present)
    • Kigulu (1737–1896 CE)
      • Kigulu–Buzimba (1806–1899 CE) (split from Kigulu, later reunited under British administration)
    • Bugabula
• Kingdom of Anfillo^[53] (late 16th century-late 19th century)
• Kingdom of Bugesera (16th century–1799 CE) (partitioned between Rwanda and Burundi)
• Teso Kingdom^[54] (A)^{[21]: 332–333} (16th century CE–?) (Teso people)
• Kayonza Kingdom^[55] (16th century CE–?)
• Kingizi Kingdom^[55] (16th century CE–?)
• Grande Comore Sultanates^{[52]: 436–438} (16th century–19th century CE): (united into Ndzuwani /Anjouan in 1886)
  • Bambao, Itsandra, Mitsamihuli, Washili, Badgini/Bajini, Hambuu, Hamahame, Mbwankuu, Mbude and Domba
• Antemoro Kingdom (A) ((R) in 1800s)^[52] (16th century–late 19th century CE) (Antemoro people)
• Sultanate of Rehayto [fr] (1600–1891/1902 CE) (Rahayta)
• Antankarana Kingdom^[56][57] (1614–1835/present CE) {Antankarana)
• Bara/Zafamanely Kingdom^[58] (1640–1800 CE) (Bara people) (fractured into 3 major kingdoms and 24 minor kingdoms)
• Emirate of Harar (1647–1875/1884 CE)
• Majeerteen Sultanate (1648–1889/1927/present CE) (NSM in Somalia)
• Mahafaly Kingdoms^[52] (pre 1650 CE–?) (Mahafaly) (previously united?)^[52]: 426
  • Sakatovo (1650 CE–?)
  • Menarandra (1650 CE–?)
  • Linta (1670 CE–?) (split from Menarandra)
  • Onilahy (1750 CE–?) (split from Menarandra)
• Kingdom of Mpororo/Ndorwa^[55]: 17 (1650–1753 CE) (Hororo people) (Muhumusa) (created as buffer state between Rwanda and Busongora) succeeded by: (all were incorporated into Nkore/Ankole)
  • Igara (1753–1901 CE)
  • Nshenyi (1753–1901 CE)
  • Rujumbura (1753–1901 CE)
  • Kajara (1753–1901 CE)
  • Obwera (1753–1901 CE)
  • Rukiga/Bushengyera (1753–1901 CE)
• Kingdom of Burundi/Urundi (R)^{[21]: 332–333} (1680–1890/1966 CE) (List of kings of Burundi)
• Kadima Chiefdom of Yimbo^[59] (1680 CE–?) (Owiny people (subset of Luo))
• Boina/Iboina Kingdom (1690–1820/1840 CE)
• Guingemaro (pre-17th century CE)
• Bukunzi Kingdom (pre 17th century CE–?)
• Kinkoko/Cyinkoko Kingdom^[47]: 398 (pre 17th century CE–?)
• Buhoma Kingdom^[47]: 398 (pre 17th century CE–?)
• Bahavu Kingdom^{[47]: 398 [60]} (pre 17th century CE–?) (NSM in Democratic Republic of the Congo)
• Rusubi/Ussuwi Kingdom^{[47]: 398 [61]} (pre 17th century CE–?, ?–early 19th century CE) (seceded from Buzinza)^[47]: 402 (appears to have split in two?)
• Kimwani Kingdom^[62] (pre 17th century CE–?) (seceded from Buzinza) (near Biharamulo, so not the Mwani people?)^[50]: 7
• Bukerebe/Ukerebe^{[47]: 398–402 [63]} (pre 17th century CE–?)
• Betsileo Kingdoms:^[64] (Betsileo people)
  • Lalangina
  • Isandra
  • Fandriana
  • Fisakana
  • Manandriana (1750–1800 CE)
• Antaisaka/Tesaka Kingdom^[52]: 849 (17th century–1853 CE) (Antaisaka people)
• Anosy/Zafimanara Kingdom^[52]: 849 (17th century–19th century CE) (Antanosy people) (Zafiraminia)
• Sultanate of the Geledi (late 17th century–1902/1908 CE)
• Haya Kingdoms (R):^{[65][21]: 332–333} (17th century–late 19th century CE) (Haya people) (Kagera Region)
  • Kyamtwara (pre–late 18th century CE) succeeded by Maruku, Bugabo and Lesser Kyamtwara (late 18th century–1890/1961 CE)
  • Kiziba (pre–1890/1961 CE)
  • Ihangiro (pre–1890/1961 CE)
  • Kianja/Kiyanja/Kyanja/Kihanja (pre–1890/1961 CE)
• Chagga states (A)^{[21]: 332–333} (CE 17th century–1886/1961) (37 in total):
  • Siha/Kibongoto
  • Machame
  • Marangu
  • Kibosho (Battle of Kibosho)
  • others: Uru, Mbokomu, Moshi, Kirua, Kilema, Mwika, Arusha Chini, Kahe and Rombo

• 

  Betsimisaraka Kingdom (I)^{[52]: 433–434} (1710–1817 CE) (Betsimisaraka people) (preceded by Antavaratra and Antatsimo/Betanimena)
• Kingdom of Kooki (1720–1896/2004/present CE) (NSM in Uganda)
• Isaaq Sultanate (1749–1884/present CE) (NSM in Somaliland)
• Habr Yunis Sultanate (1769–1907/1917/present CE) (NSM in Somaliland)
• Shambaa/Shambala Kingdom (D)^[45]: 414 (1730s–1885/present CE) (NSM in Tanzania) (Shambaa people) (Kilindi dynasty)
• Kingdom of Gumma (1770–1885/1902 CE) (List of rulers of Gumma)
• Kingdom of Jimma (1790–1884/1889/1932 CE) (List of rulers of Jimma)
• Buha Kingdoms (A)^{[66][21]: 332–333} (18th century–late 19th century CE): (Ha people)
  • Heru (called Oha initially by outside traders)
  • Nkalinzi/Manyovu
  • Bushingo/Ushingo
  • Muhambwe
  • Buyungu
  • Luguru/Ruguru
  • Bujiji/Ujiji (Jiji people)
  • Bushubi^{[47]: 381–393 [67]}
• Buzimba Kingdom (pre 18th century–1870/1901 CE) (incorporated into Ankole)
• Buhweju Kingdom (pre 18th century–1901 CE) (incorporated into Ankole)
• Bunyaruguru Kingdom (pre 18th century–1901 CE) (incorporated into Ankole)
• Tandroy/Zafimaniry Kingdom^[68][69] (early 18th century–1790/? CE) (Antandroy) (same as/separate from the Anosy Kingdom?)
• Habr Awal Sultanate (18th century–1884/present CE) (NSM in Somaliland)
• Antaifasy Kingdom^[52]: 849 (18th century–1827/1896 CE) (Antaifasy)
• Sultanate of Goba'ad [fr] (18th century–1885/? CE)
• Ufipa Kingdom (18th century CE–?) (Milanzi dynasty followed by Twa dynasty)
• Sakalava Empire (18th century–1896/present CE) (Sakalava people (fractured into NSMs in Madagascar)
• Zafirambo/Tanala Kingdom^[70][71] (18th century CE) (Tanala) (split into Manambondro and Sandrananta)
• Kotokolia (18th century CE–?/present) (NSM in Togo)
• Benzanozano Kingdom^[52]: 879 (late 18th century CE) (Bezanozano) (only had one king)

• Bassar Kingdom^[72] (1800 CE–?/present)
• Tumbuka Kingdom (1805–1891/present CE) (NSM of Malawi) (Tumbuka people)
• Wituland (1810–1885/1923 CE) (List of rulers of Witu)
• Ibanda Kingdom (1814–1902 CE) (incorporated into Ankole)
• Kingdom of Gomma (early 19th century–1886 CE) (List of rulers of Gomma)
• Tooro Kingdom (R)^[73] (1830–1876/present CE) (NSM in Uganda)
• Mwali Sultanate^{[52]: 436–438} (1830–1886/1909 CE) (Mohéli) (List of sultans of Mwali)
• Kingdom of Gera (1835–1887 CE) (List of rulers of Gera)
• Nkhotakota Sultanate (1840–1894 CE) (Nkhotakota)
• Sultanate of Zanzibar (1856–1890/1964 CE)
• Sultanate of Hobyo (1880s–1888/1927 CE)
• Tigre Kingdom^[74] (pre 19th century CE–?) (Tigre people)
• Uhehe Kingdom (19th century–1898 CE) (Hehe people)
• Kitutu Chiefdom^[59] (19th century CE)
• Usangi Kingdom (19th century–?/1962/present CE)
• Uvinza/Buvinza (19th century CE) (Vinza people)
• Nyamwezi Kingdoms: (19th century CE) (Nyamwezi people)
  • Unyanyembe
  • Ulyankulu
  • Usukuma (R)^{[21]: 332–333} (NSM in Tanzania) (Sukuma people)
  • Mirambo
• Sultanate of Biru/Girrifo^[75][76] (?–early 20th century CE) (Bidu (woreda)) (Afar people#Aussa states)
• Aptidon–Guelleh dynasty^[19] (1977 CE–present) (Djibouti) (MR)

• Ghana/Wagadu Empire (200–1240/15th century CE) (Kaya Magan Cissé) (institution of kingship was very likely to exist in Mali at this time, and in West Africa well before, due to large tumuli)^[77]
• Takrur Kingdom (6th century–1456/1526 CE)

• Bainuk kingdom^[78] (7th century–13th century CE) (Bainuk people)
• Gao/Kaw Kaw Empire (D)^[79] (7th century–1430 CE) (Za dynasty)
• Méma Kingdom (8th century-1450 CE)
• Silla (pre 11th century-13th/14th century CE)
• Aoudaghost Kingdom (?–12th century/17th century CE)
• Dô (pre 11th century-pre 13th/18th century CE)
• Malel/Kiri/Mande^{[80]: 127-128} (pre 11th century-13th century CE)
• Igbo kingdoms: (Igbo people)
  • Kingdom of Nri (948 – 1911/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria) (List of rulers of Nri) (Emergence of the Ugbo) (Igbo–Ukwu)
  • Nnewi Kingdom (1498–1904/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria) (List of Nnewi monarchs)
  • Aguleri Kingdom
  • Kingdom of Bonny (15th century–1886/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
  • Nembe Kingdom (1639–1884/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
  • Arochukwu and the Aro Confederacy ((F) or (I))^[81] (1690–1902 CE): Arondizuogu, Ajalli, Ndikelionwu, Agbowa–Ikosi, Bonny, Opobo, Nembe and the Efik of Akwa Akpa
  • Onitsha (NSM in Nigeria)
  • Agbor (NSM in Nigeria) (Ika people)
  • Ugbo Kingdom (NSM in Nigeria) (Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom)
  • Aboh
  • Oguta
  • Eri Kingdom (Eri (king))
• Hausa Kingdoms
  • Kingdom of Kano (999–1349 CE) succeeded by Sultanate of Kano (1350–1805 CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
    • Gadawur Kingdom (?–15th century/present) (conquered by Kano)
  • Rano (1001–1819/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
  • Zazzau/Zaria (11th century–1808/1902/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
  • Gobir (11th century–1803/? CE) (centre of Jihad of Usman dan Fodio)
  • Katsina (A)^{[82]: 273–274} (1348–1807/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
  • Maradi, Niger (19th century CE)
  • Daura (?–1805/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria) ("mother city")^[83]: 13
  • Hadejia (?–1810/1991/? CE)
  • Bastard states:
    • Zamfara (11th century–1804 CE)
    • Kwararafa (1500–1840 CE) (kingdom or tribal confederation) (Jukun people)
    • Nupe/Kede (R)^{[21]: 332–333} (1531–1835 CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
    • Kebbi (A)^{[82]: 277–278} (?–1808 CE)
    • Yauri/Yawri
    • Gwari
• Maranda Kingdom^[84]: 305 (10th century CE) (Ibn al–Faqih's account)
• Takedda Kingdom^[85] (10th century–14th century CE)
• Tadmekka Kingdom^[84]: 306 (10th century–14th century CE)
• Gajaaga/Galam Kingdom (1000–1858 CE)
• Yoruba Kingdoms:^[86] (Oduduwa) (Yoruba Civil Wars and Kiriji War)
  • Owo (1019–1893/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
  • Ilesa/Ijesha (1150 CE–?/present) (NSM in Nigeria)
  • Ila Yara (12th century-15th century CE) split in two
  • Ife Empire (1200–1420 CE, ?–present) (NSM in Nigeria) (List of rulers of Ife) ("mother city")^[83]: 13
  • Ìsèdó (13th/14th century CE–?)
  • Oyo Empire (1300–1898/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria) (List of rulers of Oyo)
  • Ijebu (1400–1892/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
  • Iwo (1415 CE–?/present)
  • Ondo (1510–1899/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
  • Dassa–Zoumé (1600–1889/present CE) (NSM in Benin) (List of rulers of Dassa)
  • Lagos (1600–1862/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria) (Oba of Lagos)
  • Ogbomosho (1659-?/present CE)
  • Bussa (pre 1730–19th century CE) (Rulers of Bussa)
  • Savè/Sabe (1738–1894/present CE) (NSM in Benin) (List of rulers of Sabe)
  • Ketu/Ketou (1795–1880s/present CE) (NSM in Benin) (List of rulers of Ketu) (Amedzofe (history))
  • Ijaiye (1836–1861 CE)
  • Yewa (pre–1840s CE, 1890–1914 CE)
  • Egbaland (mid 19th century CE–?/present) (NSM in Nigeria)
    • Alake/Ake (NSM in Nigeria) (List of Alakes of Egbaland)
    • Owu
    • Oke Ona
    • Gbagura
  • Ibadan (?–1893/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
  • Akure (?–?, 1818–1854/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
  • Badagry (1821–1863 CE)
  • Others: Igbomina (Ila Orangun), Offa, Idoani Confederacy, Ipokia, Isinkan, Osogbo and Ede
• Kingdom of Diarra/Jara/Zara/Diafunu (1076–1860 CE) (at times vassal of Ghana, Mali and Kaarta)
• Sosso Empire (1076–1235 CE) (at the same time as other Ghana successors such as Diarra, Yaresna, Ghiryu, and Sama)
• Bonoman Kingdom (11th–19th century CE) (List of rulers of Bonoman)
• Namandirou (11th century–1460 CE)
• Benin Empire (1180–1897/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria) preceded by Igodomigodo (List of the Ogiso)
• Mossi Kingdoms: (R)^{[87]: 230–232} (used agnatic succession and hereditary elective monarchy)
  • Wagadugu Empire (1182–1896/present CE) (NSM in Burkina Faso) (List of rulers of Wogodogo) preceded by Wubritenga^[87]: 227
  • Tenkodogo (1120 CE–?/present) (NSM in Burkina Faso) (List of rulers of Tenkodogo)
  • Fada N'Gourma/Nungu (1204–1895/present CE) (NSM in Burkina Faso) (Gurma people) (List of rulers of Nungu)
  • Zondoma/Rawatenga/Yatenga (pre 1333–late 19th century/present CE) (NSM in Burkina Faso) (List of rulers of Yatenga)
  • Boussouma (NSM in Burkina Faso)
  • Bilayanga
  • Koala (1718 CE–?)
  • Minor kingdoms (some of which constituted the Buricimba/Gulmanceba Empire):^{[88]: 178–180} Gurunsi, Bongandini, Con, Macakoali, Piela, (Ratenga, Zitenga),^[87]: 227 Giti,^[87]: 228 (Konkistenga, Yako, Téma [fr], Mané, Kugupela, Kayao, Tatenga),^[87]: 229 (Builsa, Busuma)^[88]: 174
• Edem Kingdom (12th century CE–?/present) (NSM in Nigeria)

• Akpakip Oro (1200–1909 CE)
• Kingdom of Wuli (1235–1889 CE)
• Mali Empire (A)^{[89]: 157–171} (1235–1670 CE) (Kouroukan Fouga) preceded by Manden/Kangaba Kingdom, Pre Imperial Mali, and the kingdoms of the Twelve Doors of Mali^[89]: 129 (1050–1237 CE) (NSM in Mali)
• Kingdom of Ardra/Allada (12th/13th century–1724/present CE) (NSM in Benin) (List of rulers of Allada)
• Mankessim Kingdom (1252–1844/present CE) (NSM in Ghana) (capital of First Fante Confederacy)
• Kombo Kingdom (1271–1875 CE) (Kombo Civil War (1850–1856))
• Waalo Kingdom (1287–1855 CE)
• Kingdom of Ugu (13th century-?/present) (split from Igodomigodo)
• Ahanta Kingdom (13th century–1656/19th century CE)
• Jolof Empire (13th century–1549 CE) succeeded by Kingdom of Jolof (1549–1890 CE)

  

• Kingdom/Imamate of Wala (1317 CE–?)
• Akyem Kingdoms:
  • Adansi Kingdom (14th century–18th century CE) (List of rulers of Adansi) constituent states seceded after Ashanti conquest, (all conquered by Denkyira in 1680s?):^[90]: 212
    • Akyem Abuakwa (14th century CE–?) (NSM in Ghana) (List of rulers of Akyem Abuakwa)
    • Akyem Kotoku (14th century CE–?) (List of rulers of Akyem Kotoku)
    • Akyem Bosome (1831 CE–?) (List of rulers of Akyem Bosomoe)
• Kingdom of Sine (14th–19th century CE)
• Kingdom of Niani (14th century-late 19th century CE)
• Songhai Empire (14th century–1591 CE)
  • Sonni dynasty (14th century–1493 CE)
  • Askiya dynasty (1493–1591 CE) succeeded by Dendi Kingdom (1591–1901 CE)

• 

  Sultanate of Agadez (1404–1500 CE, 1591–1906/present CE) (NSM in Niger)
• Kingdom of Dagbon (1409–1896/present CE) (NSM in Ghana) (List of kings of Dagbon)
• Mamprugu Kingdom (A)^[91] (1450 CE–?/present) (Mamprusi) (NSM in Burkina Faso)
• Kingdom of Warri/Iwere (1480 CE–?/present) (NSM of Nigeria)
• Empire of Great Fulo (1490–1776 CE) succeeded by Imamate of Futa Toro (1776–1859 CE) (List of rulers of Futa Toro), all preceded by Futa Kingui (1464–1490 CE)
• Kingdom of Saloum (1494–1871/1969 CE)
• Kingdom of Baddibu^[92][93] (pre–1861 CE) (Central Baddibu and Lower Baddibu in Gambia)
• Bron/Begho Kingdom^[94]: 337 (pre 15th century–19th century CE)
• Walata Kingdom (pre 15th century CE–?)
• Kingdom of Niumi/Barra (15th century–1897/1911 CE) (Barra War)
• Urhobo Kingdoms: (14th century CE–?) (Urhobo people)
  • Agbon
  • Olomu
  • Ughelli (Ughelli South)
  • Okpe
• Kasa/Kasanga Kingdom (15th century–1830 CE)
• Ado Kingdom (15th century–1891 CE)
• Notsé Kingdom (15th century CE–?/present) (NSM in Togo) (Togbe Agorkoli)
• Nanumba Kingdom^[95] (15th century CE–?) (Nanumba people) (Bimbilla)
• Asebu Kingdom (15th century CE–?) (Asebu Amanfi)
• Simpa/Fetu/Winneba Kingdom^[94]: 337 (15th century–1720/? CE) (Efutu people) (Winneba) (King Ghartey IV)

• 

  Eguafo/Aguafo Kingdom^{[96][94]: 337} (15th century CE–?) (Fante people)
• Okrika/Wakirike Kingdom (?–1913 CE)
• Agona/Denkyira Kingdom (1500–1701 CE) (List of rulers of Denkyira)
• Kingdom of Koya/Temne/Quoja (1505–1896 CE)
• Igala Kingdom (1507–1900/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
• Kingdom of Gã (1510 CE–?/present) (Gã Mantse) (King Okaikoi and Dode Akaabi)
• Yamta/Biu Kingdom (1535–1740 CE)
• Kaabu Empire (1537–1867 CE)
• Kingdom of Cayor (1549–1879 CE) (Lat Soukabé Ngoné Fall united Cayor with Baol from 1697 to 1720)
• Kingdom of Baol (1555–1874 CE) (Lat Soukabé Ngoné Fall united Cayor with Baol from 1697 to 1720)
• Kingdom of Savalou (1557–1769/1894/present CE) (NSM in Benin)
• Akwamu Kingdom (1560–1733/present CE) (NSM in Ghana) (List of rulers of Akwamu and Twifo) preceded by Twifo Kingdom (1480–1560 CE)
• Kingdom of Whydah/Ouidah (1580–1727/present CE) (NSM in Benin) (List of rulers of Whydah)
• Pashalik of Timbuktu (A) (to (I) in the late 17th century)^[97] (1591–1833 CE) (Arma people)
  • Djenné, Gao and either Bamba, Mopti or Bamba, Gao Region were very autonomous with only nominal Timbuktu rule
• Tougana Kingdom (1591 CE–?) and Gorouol Kingdom
• Kingdom of Bissau (pre 16th century–1915/present CE) (NSM in Guinea–Bissau)
• Kingdom of the Sapes^[98][99] (CE pre–16th century) (mentioned in Mane people) (exonym, not sure of alternative/native name as they were multiethnic) succeeded by: (History of Sierra Leone)
  • Bullom
  • Loko (Loko people)
  • Bureh/Bure
  • Sherbro (Sherbro people)
• Baté Empire (16th century–19th century CE)
• Idoma Kingdom^[100] (?–? CE) (Idoma people)
• Gonja Kingdom (R) (to (I) in the 19th century)^[101] (16th century CE–?/present) (NSM in Ghana) (Yagbongwura) (Yagbum) (1892 Sack of Salaga)
• Huba/Kilba Kingdom^[102] (16th century–1904 CE) (Kilba people)
• Biafada Kingdoms: (Biafada people)
  • Guinala/Quinala (pre 15th century CE–?) (vassal of Kaabu)
  • Biguba
  • Bissege (Bissagos Islands?)
• Kingdom of Dwaben/Dwabeng (1600/1874 CE–?) (List of rulers of Dwaben)
• Kingdom of Dahomey (1600–1900/present CE) (NSM in Benin)
  • Agaja dynasty^[103] (1600–1818 CE)
  • Ghezo dynasty (1818–1900 CE)
• Emirate of Trarza (1640–1902/present CE) (NSM in Mauritania)
• Emirate of Tagant (17th century–19th century CE) (NSM in Mauritania) (mentioned in Trarza)
• Emirate of Brakna^[104]: 142 (17th century–19th century CE) (mentioned in Trarza)
• Kénédougou Kingdom (1650–1898 CE)
• Gyaman/Jamang/Abron Kingdom (1650–1888/1897 CE) (List of rulers of Gyaman)
• Kingdom of Kaarta (1650–1890/1904 CE)
• Lafia Kingdom (1650 CE–?/present)
• Asante/Ashanti Empire (F)^{[21]: 332–333} (1670/1701–1902 CE, 1935–1957/present CE) (NSM in Ghana) (Golden Stool) (List of rulers of Asante)
• Imamate of Nasr ad–Din (1673–1674 CE) (Char Bouba/Mauritanian Thirty Years' War)

• 

  Khasso/Xaaso Kingdom (1681–1880 CE)
• Bundu Kingdom (1690–1858 CE)
• Sefwi Kingdoms:^[90]: 211 (pre 17th century CE–?) (Sefwi people)
  • Assini
  • Abripiquem
  • Ankobra
  • Nzima Kingdom^[90]: 213 (18th century CE–?) (formed by combining Abripiquem, Ankobra and Jomoro)
• Peda/Popo kingdom/s:
  • Grand Popo/Pla/Hulagan Kingdom (pre 17th century CE–?) and Djanglanmey
  • Little Popo/Gen/Glidji/Aného Kingdom (17th century–1885 CE) (NSM in Togo)
  • Aghwey/Agoué (19th century CE)
• Lafia Chiefdom/Emirate (17th century CE–?/present)
• Kingdom of Sukur/Margi (17th century CE–?) (Margi people)
• Aowin Kingdom (?–?/present) (NSM in Ghana)
• Wémè Kingdom^[105] (17th century–18th century CE) (Ouémé Department of Benin)
• Hogbonu Kingdom^[106] (17th century–1863/1908/present CE) (NSM in Benin) (List of rulers of Hogbonu (Porto–Novo))
• Kalabari Kingdom (pre 1699–1900/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
• Ewe Kingdoms:^[90]: 212 (pre–1710/? CE) (Ewe people) (conquered by Akwamu)
  • Anlo/Ho (List of rulers of Anlo) (Ho, Ghana)
  • Peki (List of rulers of Peki)
  • Kpando
• Asen (17th century CE)
• Kong Empire (1710–1894 CE)
• Bamana Empire of Segu/Segou (1712–1861 CE)
• Gwiriko Kingdom (1714–1897/1915 CE)
• Bethio Principality (1724 CE–?/present) (NSM in Senegal)
• Imamate of Futa Jallon (1725–1896/1912 CE) (Fugumba)
• Akropong–Akuapem Kingdom (1730 CE–?/present) (NSM in Ghana) (List of rulers of Akuapem)
• Kingdom of Baule^[107][108] (1730–1893/present CE) (Baoulé people) (NSM in Côte d'Ivoire)
• Anyi kingdoms:^{[90]: 212–213} (18th century–19th century CE) (Anyi people)
  • Kingdom of Sanwi (NSM in Côte d'Ivoire)
  • Kingdom of Indénié
  • Kingdom of Bettié
  • Kingdom of Moronou
  • Kingdom of Diabe (Dabou?)
• Dosso Kingdom (1750–1849 CE, 1856–1898/present CE) (NSM in Niger)
• Gumel Chiefdom (1750–1754/present CE)
• Akwa Akpa (1786–1896/present CE)(NSM in Nigeria)
• Lebou Republic^[109] (1790–1857/present CE) (Lebu people)
• Solima Kingdom^{[110][104]: 148}(18th century–1884 CE) (Yalunka people)

• 

  Kunaari (18th century-19th century CE)
• Sankaran Kingdom^{[104]: 148–149} (18th century CE–?) (referred to in Fugumba)
• Bariba kingdoms:^[111][112] (18th century–19th century CE) (Bariba people) (Borgu)
  • Nikki (NSM in Benin)
  • Kandi
  • Kaiama
  • Kwande (List of rulers of Kwande)
  • Parakou
  • Djougou
  • Illo

• Sokoto Caliphate (1804–1904/present CE) (NSM in Nigeria) (List of sultans of Sokoto) (had many emirates as vassals, which continue to exist to the present day as NSMs) (Fula jihads)
• Massina Empire (1818–1862 CE)
• Emirate of Say (1825-? CE)
• Ijaiye (1836-1861 CE)
• Jere/Qeko Kingdom (1840 CE–?/present) (NSM in Malawi and Zambia) (List of rulers of Jere)
• Kabadougou Kingdom (1848–1898/1980 CE)
• Toucouleur Empire (1852–1893 CE)
• Zabarma Emirate (1860–1897 CE)
• Fuladu Kingdom^[113] (1867–1903/present CE) (NSM in the Gambia)
• Wassoulou Empire (1878–1898 CE) predeceded by Wasulu (mid 17th century CE–?)
• Dubreka Kingdom^[114] (pre–1885/1906 CE)
• Solimana (19th century CE)
• Kissi Kingdom (19th century CE) (Kissi Kaba Keita)
• Kiang Kingdom (19th century CE)
• Jimara Kingdom^[113][115] (19th century CE)
• Tomani Kingdom^[113][115] (19th century CE)
• Kantora Kingdom^[113][115] (19th century CE)
• Niamina Kingdom^[116][115] (19th century CE)
• Foni Kingdom^[116][115] (19th century CE)
• Eropina Kingdom^[115] (19th century CE)
• Opobo (19th century CE) (Jaja of Opobo)
• Kwame Nkrumah^[15] (1964–1966 CE) (Ghana) (MR) (copied notions of one-party rule from Francophone neighbours, resulting in the constitutionalisation of presidential monarchism, which was replicated by other English-speaking countries)^[15]
• Gnassingbé dynasty^[18] (1967 CE–present) (Togo) (MR)
• Paul Biya^[15] (1982 CE–present) (Cameroon) (MR)

• Sao Civilization (6th century BCE – 16th century CE)
• Ekoi Civilisation^[117] (pre 2nd century–7th/13th century CE) (Ikom monoliths)

• Kanem Empire (R)^[118] (692–1380 CE) succeeded by Bornu Empire (R)^[119] (1380–1893 CE) (NSM in Nigeria)
  • Duguwa/Zaghawa dynasty (700–1085 CE)
  • Sayfawa dynasty (1085–1846 CE) succeeded by Rabih az–Zubayr
• Vungu (pre 13th century-?)
• Mpemba^[120] (pre 13th century-14th century) included the kingdoms of Mpemba Kasi and Vunda
• Kakongo (pre 13th century-1885 CE)
• Ngoyo (pre 13th century-1885 CE)
• Kibunga^[120]: 29 (?-14th century CE)
• Seven Kingdoms of Kongo dia Nlaza (pre 13th century-16th century CE) included the kingdoms of Mbata, Mpangu, and Nsundi

• Kingdom of Kongo ((D) in the 16th century)^{[21]: 332–333} ((A) in the 17th century)^{[21]: 332–333} (1390–1678 CE, 1691–1857/1914 CE, 1915–1975/present CE) (NSM in Angola)
  • Kongo Civil War: (1665–1709 CE) led to Kongo fracturing into smaller kingdoms, to be later reunited by Pedro IV of Kongo:
    • Kibangu (Manuel I of Kibangu)
    • Lemba (João II of Lemba)
    • Nsonso/Nkondo (Afonso II of Kongo and Nkondo) (assuming Nsonso/Sonso and Nkondo are the same)
    • Mbamba Lovata (Manuel II of Kongo)
• Tikar Fondoms:^[121] (1390/pre 18th century CE–?/present) (Tikar people) (preceded by Nganha and the Mbum people (Mbum language))
  • Tinkala
  • Bamkin
  • Ngambè–Tikar
  • First wave:
    • Bamum^[122] (1390–1884/present CE) (NSM in Cameroon) (List of rulers of the Bamum)
    • Nditam/Bandam
    • Ngoumé
    • Gâ (not to be confused with Ga–Adangbe)
    • Nso (NSM in Cameroon)
  • Second wave:
  • Kong (not Kong Empire)
  • Kom^[123] (NSM in Cameroon)
  • Ndu (Second degree NSM in Cameroon)
  • Bankim
• Bamileke Fondoms/Kingdoms (I):^{[21]: 332–333} (pre 14th century CE–?) (over 100 in total)
  • Bafoussam (pre 14th century CE–?/present) (Second degree NSM in Cameroon)
  • Bandjoun (16th century CE–?/present) (NSM in Cameroon)
  • Bafang
  • Bafam (NSM in Cameroon)
  • Bangangté (NSM in Cameroon)
  • Batoufam (second degree NSM in Cameroon)
  • Bawaju
  • Dschang
  • Mbouda
• Luba Empire (I)^{[124][21]: 332–333} (14th/15th/16th century–1885/present CE) (NSM in Democratic Republic of the Congo) (List of rulers of Luba) vassals (once independent):
  • Kalundwe^{[124]: 589–599}
  • Kanyok (?–?, 1780–1810/? CE) (possibly part of Kalundwe)
  • Kalonja^[125]: 589
• Mwene Muji^{[126][127]: ix} (c. 1400-?)
• Sultanate of Yao/Bulala^[128] (15th century–1890 CE) (Bilala people) (Yao) (held Kanem and Njimi for a century)
• Nsanga^[120]: 30 (?-15th century CE)
• Masinga^[120]: 30 (?-15th century CE)
• Wembo^[120]: 31 (?-15th/16th century CE)
• Wandu^[120]: 31 (?-15th century CE)
• Mandara Kingdom (15th century–1893/present CE) (NSM in Cameroon)
• Ibom/Mbot Abasi Kingdom (Second degree NSM in Cameroon) (Aro–Ibibio Wars) preceded by Akwa Akpa (Ibibio) (not Akwa Akpa (Efik))
• Dembos^[127]: ix (pre-1550-?) (confederation composed of 15 states)
• Kisama^[127]: ix (pre-1550-?)
• Suku^{[129][127]: ix} (pre-1550-?) (Suku people)
• Kingdom of Matamba (pre-1550-1744 CE)
• Nsonso (pre-1550-?)
• Okango^[127]: ix (pre-1550-?)
• Anziku/Tio/Teke Kingdom (A)^{[130][127]: ix} (pre-1506-1880)

• Kasanze Kingdom (1500-1648 CE)
• Mbunda Kingdom (1500–1917/present CE) (NSM in Angola) (Rulers of Mbundaland)
• Wadai Empire (1501–1912/present CE) (NSM in Chad) (List of rulers of Wadai)
  • Dar Runga as a vassal
• Sultanate of Bagirmi (1522–1897/present CE) (NSM in Chad) (List of rulers of Bagirmi)
• Kingdom of Bandjoun/Baleng (1545 CE–?/present) (NSM in Cameroon)
• Kingdom of Loango (1550–1883/present CE) (NSM in Republic of the Congo) (Nzari)
• Duala Kingdom^[131][132] (16th century–1879 CE) (Duala people) (Douala) (Monneba) (List of rulers of the Duala)
• Kingdom of Ndongo/Ngola (16th century–1671/1909/present CE) (NSM in Angola) (List of Ngolas of Ndongo)
• Humbe Kingdom^[125]: 570 (16th century CE–?) (Nyanyeka)

• 

  Muzumbu a Kalungu^[133] (16th century CE-?)
• Ovimbundo Kingdoms:^[134] (Ovimbundu) (missing one)
  • Kulembe^[135] (16th century CE–?) (near Libolo) (ill remembered, likely to be Ovimbundo)^[125]: 570
  • Bailundo (1700–1770/present CE) (NSM in Angola)
  • Viye/Bie (1700 CE–?/present) (NSM in Angola)
  • Wambu/Huambo/Hambo/Huamba (NSM in Angola)
  • Ciyaka/Quiyaca/Quiaca
  • Ngalangi/Galangue
  • Civula/Quibula
  • Ndulu/Andulo/Ondulo/Ondura
  • Cingolo/Quingolo (?–1770 CE/?)
  • Kalukembe/Caluqembe/Caluguembe/Caluqueme (pre 1740 CE–?)
  • Sambu
  • Ekekete/Quiquete
  • Kakonda/Cilombo–conoma/Caconda/Quilombo
  • Citata/Quitata
• Kotoko kingdom (16th century–19th century CE) vassals:
  • Kousséri
  • Logone–Birni
  • Makari
  • Mara
• Benguela Kingdom^[136] (16th century–1615/present CE)
• Kasanje Kingdom (1620–1910/present CE) (NSM in Angola) preceded by Imbangala
• Kuba Kingdom (A)^{[21]: 332–333} (1625–1884/present CE) (NSM in Democratic Republic of the Congo)
• Kingdom of Matamba (1631–1744 CE)
• Kingdom of Bavira^{[citation needed]} (1645 CE–?/present) (Vira people) (NSM in Democratic Republic of the Congo)
• Soyo Kingdom (1650 CE–?)
• Empire of Lunda (I)^{[124][21]: 332–333} (1665–1887/present CE) (NSM in Democratic Republic of the Congo) preceded by Rund Kingdom^[124]
• Bashi Kingdom (pre 17th century CE–?)
• Kingdom of Mbwila (pre 17th century CE–?) (generally maintained independence by playing Portuguese Angola and Kongo off of one another)
• Kingdom of Bouna (17th century CE–?)
• Guiziga Bui Marva^{[137]: 107–110} (17th century-1795 CE)
• Bemba/Buddu kingdom (R)^{[21]: 332–333} (17th century CE–?/present) (Bemba people) (NSM in Zambia)
• Yaka Kingdom^[138] (17th century–19th century CE) (Yaka people)
• Boma Kingdom/Ibar (17th century–19th century CE)
• Bozanga Kingdom^[139][140] (17th century–? CE)
• Kingdom of Orungu (1700–1873/1927/present CE) (NSM in Gabon) (List of rulers of Orungu)
• Sultanate of Damagaram (1731–1899 CE) (NSM of Niger)
• Kazembe Kingdom (A)^{[21]: 332–333} (1740–1894/present CE) (NSM in Zambia) (Eastern Lunda)
• Mangbetu kingdom^[141] (1750-1895 CE) (Mangbetu people)
• Fondom of Bafut (?–1907/present CE) (NSM in Cameroon)
• Mankon Fondom (1799–1901/present CE) (NSM in Cameroon)
• Bangassou Sultanate (pre 18th century CE–?/present) (NSM in Central African Republic)
• Yao chiefdoms/kingdoms:^[142] (pre 18th century CE–?) (NSM in Malawi) (Shire Highlands)
  • Mponda, Makanjila, Jalasi, Liwonde, Malemia, Mlumbe, Kawinga, Mpama, Kapeni and Somba
• Azande Kingdom (R)^{[21]: 332–333} (18th century CE–1905/present) (NSM in South Sudan)

• Kingdom of Agwe (1812–1895/present CE)
• Zande sultanates:^[143] (19th century CE)
  • Sultanate of Zemio (1823–?/1923 CE)
  • Sultanate of Rafaï
  • Other sultans?: Tikima, Sara, Ndoruma, Wando, Jabir, Mopoi, Engwetra, Yapati, Ngange and Bazingbi (unclear which were chiefs in the Azande Kingdom and which were independent sultans at one point)^[143]
• Dar al Kuti Sultanate (1830–1911 CE) (NSM in Central African Republic)
• Yeke Kingdom (1856–1891 CE)
• Sultanate of Utetera (1860–1887 CE) (Tippu Tip)
• Kingdom of Rabih az–Zubayr (1880s–1900 CE) (conquered the Bornu Empire)
• South Kasai (1960–1962 CE) (monarchy proclaimed in 1961)
• Bongo dynasty^[17] (1967–2023 CE) (Gabon) (MR)
• Central African Empire (1976–1979 CE)
• Déby dynasty^[15] (1991 CE–present) (Chad) (MR)

• Mapela (1055-1400 CE)

• Kingdom of Mapungubwe (1220-1300 CE) preceded by Leopard's Kopje and K2
• Kingdom of Zimbabwe ((R)^[a] and (A)^[b])^[144] (1100/1300–1450 CE)
• Nambya state (14th century-? CE)

  

• Empire of Mutapa/Mwenemutapa (I)^[145] (1430–1760 CE) (succeeded by Chidama/Chidima (1760–1917 CE)) (preceded by Vakaranga) vassals:
  • Barue/Barwe (later independent)
• Kingdom of Butua (1450–1683 CE) (Torwa dynasty)
• Empire of Maravi (I)^[146] (1480–1891/present CE) (NSM in Zambia)
• Ndau Kingdoms: (pre–15th century CE) (conquered by Mutapa)
  • Kiteve^[147][148]
  • Madanda^[148]

• Ngulube Kingdoms:^{[146]: 300–301} (16th century CE–?)
  • Ulambya Kingdom^{[149]: 55–66} (Lambya people)
  • Ngonde Kingdom^[150][151] (A)^{[21]: 332–333} (1600 CE–?) (NSM in Malawi) (southern Nyakyusa people)
  • Chifungwe Kingdom (Fungwe people in Mafinga District)^[152][153]
  • Sukwa Kingdom^[151]: 135 (Sukwa people)
  • others: (Kameme, Misuku, Mwaphoka Mwambele, Kanyenda, Kabunduli, Kaluluma, and Chulu)^[146]: 309
• Maungwe Chiefdom (1635–1896 CE)
• Ovambo kingdoms (R):^[154][155] (16th century–late 19th/early 20th century CE)
  • Ondonga (1650 CE–?/present) (NSM in Namibia) (split into Oshitambi and Onamayongo during civil war (1885–1908 CE))^[154]: 146 (List of Ondonga kings)
  • Uukwanyama^[156] (NSM in Namibia) (Battle of the Cunene) (Mandume ya Ndemufayo)
  • Ongandjera (?–?/present) (NSM in Namibia)
  • Uukwaluudhi (pre 1850 CE–?/present) (NSM in Namibia) (List of Uukwaluudhi kings)
  • Uukwambi (NSM in Namibia)
  • Uukolonkadhi/Uukolonkathi (NSM in Namibia)
  • Ombadja (NSM in Namibia) (Mbadja people)
  • Evale^{[154]: 124–130}
  • Ombalantu (I) ((D) in the short reign of Kampaku)^{[154]: 135–137} (NSM in Namibia)
  • May not be Ovambo or kingdoms: Eunda/Ehanda, Ombwenge (short–lived invasion of Ondonga),^[154]: 116 (Oukwanka/Onkwanka, Okafima, Oukumbi/Onkumbi, Eshinga, Okavango),^[154]: 122
• Barotse Kingdom (16th century–1889/present CE) (NSM in Zambia)
• Southern Ndebele Kingdoms:
  • Ndebele (16th century CE–?) split into:
    • Manala (NSM in South Africa)
    • Ndzundza (NSM in South Africa)
• Rozwi Empire ((R)^[a] and (A)^[b])^[157] (1660–1866 CE)
• Manica/Manyika Kingdom^[148] (pre 1695–19th century CE) (Manica Province) (conquered by Mutapa)
• Singo state^[158][159] (17th century–late 18th century CE) split into three states (closely associated with the Venda)
• Maramuca/Mocaranga/Botango Kingdom^[160] (17th century CE–?)
• Red Nation Chiefdom (1710–1905/present CE) (NSM in Namibia)
• Swaziland/Eswatini (1745 CE–present) (SM of Eswatini) (List of monarchs of Eswatini)
• Tswana kingdoms:
  • Ngwaketse (1750–1885/present CE) (NSM in Botswana)
  • Barolong (1760–1885/present CE) (NSM in Botswana)
  • Ngwato (1780–1885/present CE) (NSM in Botswana)
  • Batlôkwa (1780–1885/present CE) (NSM in Botswana and South Africa) (List of rulers of Tlôkwa)
  • Batawana (1795–1885/present CE) (NSM in Botswana)
  • Batlhaping (18th century CE–?)
  • Balete (pre 1805–1885/present CE) (NSM in Botswana) (List of rulers of Lete (Malete))
• Xhosa Kingdom (1775–1879/present CE) (NSM in South Africa) (List of Xhosa kings)
• Ndwandwe Kingdom (1780–1819 CE)
• Hlubi Kingdom (c. 1780 CE–1800/1848/present) (NSM in South Africa) (c. 1800 split into factions and incorporated into Cape Colony, except for Langalibalele's kingdom, which later migrated into British Natal c. 1848)^[161]
• Mpondo kingdom (1780 CE–1867/present) (NSM in South Africa)
• Kavango kingdoms:
  • Okavango^[154]: 122
  • Gciriku (1785 CE–?/present) (NSM in Namibia) (List of Gciriku kings)
  • Mbukushu (NSM of Namibia)
  • Shambyu (NSM of Namibia)
  • Mbunza (NSM of Namibia)
  • Kwangali (NSM of Namibia)
• Mthethwa Empire (18th century–1820 CE)
• Nkhamanga Kingdom (18th century-? CE)
• Royal Bafokeng Nation (18th century CE–?/present) (NSM in South Africa)
• Marota/Pedi Kingdom (late 18th century–1882 CE, 1885 CE–present) (NSM in South Africa) (Pedi people) (Mampuru II)
• Lozi Kingdom (I)^{[21]: 332–333} (18th/19th century CE)

• Balodebu Kingdom (1800 CE–?/present) (NSM in South Africa) (Rain Queen)
• Ngoni Kingdom (1815-1857/present CE)
• Zulu Kingdom (D)^[162] (1816–1897/present CE) (NSM in South Africa)
• Lesotho (1822 CE–present) (SM of Lesotho) (List of monarchs of Lesotho)
• Gaza Empire (1824–1895 CE)
• Kingdom of Mthwakazi/Ndebele (1840–1895 CE) (Northern Ndebele people)
• Mafwe Chiefdom (pre 1851 CE–?/present) (NSM in Namibia)
• Thembu Kingdom (pre–1885 CE/present) (NSM in South Africa)
• Khowesin Chiefdom (19th century CE–1905/present) (NSM in Namibia) (Hendrik Witbooi (Namaqua chief))

• Sultanate of Dara^[163]: 349 or Dara (woreda) (existed in 13th century) (likely never independent?)^{[41]: 72–80} near Ethiopia.
• Sultanate of Sara/Sarha^[163]: 349 (existed in 13th century) (likely never independent?)^{[41]: 72–80} near Ethiopia.
• Toubou Sultanate (seen multiple references to them from various time periods, but nothing concrete)
• Silcis sultanate

• History of Africa
• List of kingdoms and royal dynasties
• List of former sovereign states
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• List of current non–sovereign African monarchs
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• List of confederations
• Category:Lists of rulers in Africa
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• General History of Africa
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