African Empires

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. 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".

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. Economic development "gave rise to a perceived need for centralized institutions and 'territorial' leadership that transcended older bonds of kinship and community". The politicoreligious struggle between the people and the king sometimes saw the people victorious and the establishment of sacred kings with little political power (termed "adverse sacralisation"), contrasted with divine kings equated to gods. 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.

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.

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 invaded, conquered, and colonised Africa. While most states were conquered and dissolved, some kings and elites negotiated the terms of colonial rule, and traditional power structures were incorporated into the colonial regimes as a form of indirect rule.

In the mid-late 20th century decolonisation saw Africans inherit the former colonies, and many traditional kingdoms still exist today as non–sovereign monarchies. The roles, powers, and influence of traditional monarchs throughout Africa varies 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. On the flipside their powers may be curtailed, as happened in 2022 with Wadai in Chad, or their positions abolished, as happened in Tanzania in 1962, and in 1966 in Uganda with Buganda, which was later restored in 1993. In this list they are labelled ''(NSM)''.

There are only three current sovereign monarchies in Africa; 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. Sovereign monarchies are labelled ''(SM)''.

There have been a number of autocratic presidents in Africa who have been characterised as "disguised monarchs" due to the absence of term limits, as well as those who have invoked hereditary succession in order to preserve their regimes, such as the Bongos of Gabon, Gnassingbés of Togo, or Aptidon– Guelleh of Djibouti, attracting the terms ''monarchical republic'' and ''presidential monarchism''. These haven't been included.

Criteria for inclusion

Only polities that were once independent and described as kingdoms or empires by reliable sources are included. 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, and dates in this list are often estimates based off of lists of rulers. Dates have ne date for loss of independence/ ne date for loss of nominal rule Additional information such as notable articles may accompany entries.

Comparison between kingdoms

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:
# 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.
# 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.
# 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.
# 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.
# 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; ^{/sup> refers to the king's place and power, particularly in the nucleus, whilst /sup> refers to the relationship between king and administration.}

List of African kingdoms

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

North Africa

4th millennium BCE – 6th century CE

* 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) /sup> and (A) /sup>) (3150–2686 BCE)
* Old Kingdom of Egypt (((D) to (R)) /sup> ( 4th dynasty) and ((R) to (A)) /sup> ( 6th dynasty)) (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) (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)
* 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? "" 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 (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 (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 (6th century–7th century CE) (Mauretania Tingitana)
* Kingdom of Alodia/Alwa (6th century–1504 CE)

7th century – 12th century CE

* Dar Sila 'Wandering Sultanate' (619–? CE)
* Emirate of Nekor (710–1019 CE)
* Barghawata/Tamasna Kingdom (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 (1180–1212 CE) (Tunisia)
* 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)

13th century – 18th century CE

* 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 (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 (1556–1804/1912 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 (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)

19th century CE – present

* Emirate of Abdelkader/Mascara (1832–1847 CE)
* Dar Qimr Sultanate (1850–?/1945 CE) (mentioned in Sultan#West Asia and North Africa)
* Mahdist State (1885–1889 CE)
* Dar Masalit Sultanate (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)

East Africa

4th millennium BCE – 6th century 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) (50–960 CE) ( List of kings of Axum) (preceded by various city-states)
* Harla Kingdom (501–1500 CE)

7th century – 12th century CE

* Sultanate of Dahlak (7th century–16th century CE)
* Swahili city states (8th century–various CE) ( Bantu expansion and Zanj) ( List of historic Swahili coast settlements)
** Kilwa, Kunduchi, Mbuamaji, Tongoni, Kimbiji, Kaole, Malindi, Gedi, Pemba sultanates ( Hadimu), Tumbatu, and Mombasa
* 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)
* Giddim (?–17th 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 (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)
* Kingdom of Damot (10th/13th century–1317 CE) (possibly same as Wolaita) neighbouring Bizamo
* Empire of Kitara ((D) in oral tradition, disputed by modern scholars whose accounts align with (A)) (10th century–15th century CE) preceded by Bugangaizi ( Tembuzi dynasty/Batembuzi followed by Chwezi dynasty/Bachwezi)
* Fatagar Sultanate (11th century–14th century CE)
* Wäj (?–? CE)
* Ganz (?–? CE)
* (11th century–1854 CE) ( Gesera clan), splintered into Busozo and Bushiru
* 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)

13th century – 18th century CE

* 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)
* Ethiopian Empire (1270–1974 CE)
* Sultanate of Ifat (1285–1415 CE) (Walashma dynasty)
* Dawaro Emirate (pre–13th century/18th century CE)
* Dankali Sultanate (13th century–18th century CE)
* Ugweno/Upare Kingdom (D) (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 Dara (?–? CE)
* Sultanate of Sara/Sarha (?–? CE)
* Sultanate of Mogadishu (13th century–16th century CE)
* Sultanate of Bale/Bali (13th century–16th century CE)
* Dobe'a (?–? CE)
* Kingdom of Rwanda (D) (1350–1897/1962 CE) (NSM in Rwanda) ( Gihanga) (Nyiginya) (preceded by Singa, Zigaba and Gesera as the oldest, Banda, Cyaba, Ongera and Enengwe)
* Ajuran Sultanate (14th century–17th century CE) preceded by the Garen Kingdom
* Sharkha Sultanate (pre–14th century CE)
* Gonga kingdoms: ( Gonga languages)
** Kingdom of Kaffa (1390–1897 CE)
** Ennarea/Inariya Kingdom (14th century–1710 CE) succeeded by Kingdom of Limmu–Ennarea (1801–1891 CE) ( List of rulers of Ennarea)
** Kingdom of Garo/Bosha (1567–1883 CE) ( List of rulers of Garo)
** Bizamo (?–? CE)
** Konch kingdom (?–? CE)
** Boro kingdom (?–? CE) ( Boro language)
** Kingdom of Anfillo (late 16th century-late 19th century) ( Anfillo language)
* Kitagwenda Kingdom (1390–1901 CE) (incorporated into Tooro)
* Early Luo Kingdoms: (9 states by 1750 CE)
** Tekedi Kingdom (early 15th century–mid 16th century CE)
** Palwo/Paluo/Biito/Babito kingdoms (subset of Luo)
*** Pawir Kingdom (pre 15th century CE–?) (later a province of Bunyoro)
*** ( Lira Paluo, Paimol; not primarily Palwo/Paluo states: Padibe, Patongo, Alur/Alero and Koc)
** Wipac Kingdom (pre 15th century CE–?)
* Kingdom of Bunyoro (D) (14th century–1899/present CE) (NSM in Uganda) ( Omukama of Bunyoro) (not to be confused with Empire of Kitara, its predecessor)
* Busongora Kingdom (14th century/1725–1906/present CE) (NSM in Uganda) ( Songora people) (incorporated into Ankole)
* Adal Sultanate (1415–1555 CE)
* Kingdom of Karagwe (1450–1890s/1963 CE)
* Shilluk Kingdom (A) (1490–1861/present CE) (NSM in South Sudan)
* Nkore/Ankole Kingdom (D) (1430–1901/1967CE) (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) (1490/1630–?/present CE) (NSM in Uganda) ( Alur people#Alur Kingdom)
* Yamma/Janjero Kingdom (15th century–1894 CE)
* (15th century–1884 CE)
* Mubari Kingdom (15th century–16th century/18th century CE) ( Zigaba clan)
* Busigi Kingdom (15th century–?/early 20th century CE)
* Kingdom of Buzinza (15th century–? CE)
* Kingdom of Buganda ((D) in 19th century)(13th/14th century–1884/present CE) (NSM in Uganda) (Kabaka of Buganda) ( Lukiiko)
* Maore Sultanate (1500–1832/1835 CE) ( List of sultans of Maore)
* Ndzuwani Sultanate (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
**
* Menabe Kingdom (1540–1834 CE)
* Kingdom of Imerina/Madagascar (1540–1897 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)
* 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/Säläwa (pre-16th century CE) ( Ga'ewa) (conquered by Ethiopia)
* Busoga kingdoms ((D) for the constituents and in 16th century when it was one entity) (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 Bugesera (16th century–1799 CE) (partitioned between Rwanda and Burundi)
* Teso Kingdom (A) (16th century CE–?) (Teso people)
* Kayonza Kingdom (16th century CE–?)
* Kingizi Kingdom (16th century CE–?)
* Grande Comore Sultanates (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) (16th century–late 19th century CE) ( Antemoro people)
* (1600–1891/1902 CE) ( Rahayta)
* Antankarana Kingdom (1614–1835/present CE) { Antankarana)
* Bara/Zafamanely Kingdom (1640–1800 CE) ( Bara people) (fractured into 3 major kingdoms and 24 minor kingdoms)
* Emirate of Harar (1526/1647–1875/1884 CE)
* Majeerteen Sultanate (1648–1889/1927 CE) (NSM in Somalia)
* Mahafaly Kingdoms (pre 1650 CE–?) ( Mahafaly) (previously united?)
** Sakatovo (1650 CE–?)
** Menarandra (1650 CE–?)
** Linta (1670 CE–?) (split from Menarandra)
** Onilahy (1750 CE–?) (split from Menarandra)
* Kingdom of Mpororo/Ndorwa (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)
* Gojjam (1620–1855 CE)
* Kingdom of Burundi/Urundi (R) (1675–1890/1966 CE) ( List of kings of Burundi)
* Boina/Iboina Kingdom (1690–1820/1840 CE)
* Guingemaro (pre-17th century CE)
* Bukunzi Kingdom (pre 17th century CE–?)
* Kinkoko/Cyinkoko Kingdom (pre 17th century CE–?)
* Buhoma Kingdom (pre 17th century CE–?)
* Bahavu Kingdom (pre 17th century CE–?) (NSM in Democratic Republic of the Congo)
* Rusubi/Ussuwi Kingdom (pre 17th century CE–?, ?–early 19th century CE) (seceded from Buzinza) (appears to have split in two?)
* Kimwani Kingdom (pre 17th century CE–?) (seceded from Buzinza) (near Biharamulo, so not the Mwani people?)
* Bukerebe/Ukerebe (pre 17th century CE–?)
* Betsileo Kingdoms: ( Betsileo people)
** Lalangina
** Isandra
** Fandriana
** Fisakana
** Manandriana (1750–1800 CE)
* Antaisaka/Tesaka Kingdom (17th century–1853 CE) ( Antaisaka people)
* Anosy/Zafimanara Kingdom (17th century–19th century CE) ( Antanosy people) ( Zafiraminia)
* Sakalava Empire (17th century–1896/present CE) ( Sakalava people) (fractured into NSMs in Madagascar)
* Sultanate of the Geledi (late 17th century–1902/1908 CE)
* Milansi (17th century–1700) succeeded by Nkansi and Lyangalile ( Fipa people and Twa)
* Haya Kingdoms (R): (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) (CE 17th century–1886/1961) (37 in total):
** Orombo's empire (19th century CE)
** Kingdom of Siha/Kibongoto
** Kingdom of Machame
** Kingdom of Masama
** Kingdom of Marangu
** Kingdom of Mamba
** Kingdom of Mwika
** Kingdom of Old Moshi
** Kingdom of Kirua
** Kingdom of Kibosho ( Battle of Kibosho)
** others: Uru, Mbokomu, Mochi, Kilema, Arusha Chini, Kahe
* Betsimisaraka Kingdom (I) (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) (1730s–1885 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) (18th century–late 19th century CE): (Ha people