AS the world counts down to 2025, Africa’s time zones create a fascinating sequence of New Year celebrations, starting with the Indian Ocean islands and ending with West Africa’s Cabo Verde.
The diversity of Africa’s time zones means New Year festivities are staggered across the continent, showcasing its geographical and cultural richness. Here’s how the continent welcomes 2025, aligned with Greenwich Mean Time (GMT):
- 20:00 GMT (Tuesday): Mauritius and Seychelles lead the celebrations in the Indian Ocean.
- 21:00 GMT: Eastern Africa, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, and Tanzania, along with parts of South Africa, follow suit.
- 22:00 GMT: Central and southern African nations like Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia, alongside Egypt and regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), join in.
- 23:00 GMT: West and Central Africa, including Nigeria, Algeria, and Cameroon, as well as regions of DRC, step into the New Year.
- 00:00 GMT (Wednesday): Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, and other West African nations ring in 2025.
- 01:00 GMT: Cabo Verde wraps up Africa’s New Year festivities.
A tradition rooted in history
The celebration of New Year’s Day dates back to ancient Rome. Initially marked on March 1, the start of the year shifted to January 1 under Julius Caesar’s solar-based calendar in 46 BCE. The Gregorian calendar, adopted in 1582, cemented this global practice.
A shared hope for 2025
From Mauritius to Cabo Verde, Africa’s sequential New Year celebrations reflect the continent’s diversity and unity. As each time zone marks the transition, these festivities embody shared aspirations for peace, prosperity, and progress in the year ahead.
The journey across Africa’s time zones is a testament to the continent’s interconnectedness and its rich tapestry of cultures, all coming together to celebrate the possibilities of a new year.
