Africa is gearing up for a series of presidential elections that could shape the political landscape of the continent.

Among the states preparing to elect their head of state are these countries mentioned in alphabetical order:

Algeria (December 2024):

Unless there is a dramatic twist by the current military power, Algeria is set to hold its presidential election in December. Algerians have overwhelmingly expressed their desire to return to a "civilian state." However, the incumbent president, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, is eyeing a second term.

Potential game-changers include

. Omar Aït Mokhtar, the first declared candidate, 

. Karim Tabbou, president of the Democratic and Social Union and former figure of the Hirak movement, 

. Lounis Aït Menguellet, singer and political activist,

. Louisa Hanoune, president of the Workers' Party (PT),

. Ali Benflis, former Prime Minister.

Comoros (January 24, 2024):

In the Comoros, the first round of presidential elections is scheduled for January 14.

Candidates include the incumbent president Azali Assoumani, former Interior Minister Mohamed Daoudou, and Salim Issa Abdilla from the Juwa party.

Ghana (December 7, 2024):

This election is anticipated due to Ghana's historical and political role on the continent. Officially declared candidates are:

Mahamudu Bawumia, the vice-president and candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the ruling party, and John Mahama, former president and candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the main opposition party.

Mali (2024):

Postponed from February 2024, Mali's presidential elections are crucial for restoring stability amidst increased jihadist activity.

While no candidate has officially declared, potential contenders include: Assimi Goïta, transitional president and leader of the Patriotic Movement for the Salvation of Mali (MPM), and Tiébilé Dramé, president of the Party for National Renaissance (Parena).

Mauritania (June 2024):

By June 2024, Mauritania will elect not only its president but also members of the Senate.

Official candidates include: Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, the incumbent president

and candidate of the ruling party, Union for the Republic (UPR), and Biram Dah Abeid, an anti-slavery activist.

Mozambique (October 9, 2024):

Two candidates have officially announced their candidacy for Mozambique's elections:

Celso Correia, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and candidate of the ruling party, Mozambique Liberation Front, and Graça Machel, Nelson Mandela's widow and candidate of the Renamo movement, a former rebel group.

Namibia (2024):

In Namibia, only one candidate has officially announced her candidacy for 2024: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and candidate of the ruling party, the Organization of the People of South-West Africa (SWAPO).

Rwanda (July 2024):

In Rwanda, two candidates have officially announced their candidacy: Paul Kagame, president since 2000, seeking a fourth term, and Frank Habineza, leader of the opposition Green Party.

Security is a major concern in a country facing terrorist threats.

Senegal (February 25, 2024):

Since the incumbent president Macky Sall announced his departure, over 200 candidates have declared their intention to run. The final list of candidates will be known by January 20.

Among the candidates are Amadou Ba, the outgoing Prime Minister and candidate of the ruling coalition Benno Bokk Yakaar, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, and Karim Wade, son of former president Abdoulaye Wade and candidate of the Yewwi Askan Wi coalition.

Chad (2024):

Chad will hold presidential, legislative, and local elections in 2024, providing an opportunity for rebuilding after the military transition following the era of Idriss Déby, who was killed in April 2021.

The transitional president, Mahamat Déby, has announced his intention to seek reelection.

Opposition candidates include: Félix Nialbé, president of the Union for Renewal and Democracy (URD) and leader of the opposition, and Yaya Dillo, former rebel leader and candidate of the Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF).

Tunisia (2024):

Tunisia, where the post-Ben Ali turbulent period continues, will hold its presidential election in 2024.

Several candidates are vying for the top position, including Kaïs Saïed, the incumbent president and candidate of the ruling party, the Constitutionalist Patriotic Current, Abir Moussi, president of the Free Destourian Party (PDL), the main opposition party, Abdelkrim Zbidi, former Minister of Defense and candidate of the Al Karama party, and Olfa Hamdi, president of the Party of the 3rd Republic.