Anarchism in Africa encompasses both the purported "anarchic elements" in some traditional societies and the emergence of modern movements across the continent. Scholars like Sam Mbah and I. E. Igariwey argue that many traditional African cultures displayed horizontal political structures and collective responsibility rather than formal governmental authority, suggesting that governments are not an inevitable human phenomenon.

Modern anarchist activity saw Portuguese anarchists exiled to Angola from the 1890s, fostering a syndicalist presence which faced severe repression under successive regimes, including the deportation of General Confederation of Labour (CGT) leader Mário Castelhano in October 1927. Notably, French anarcho-syndicalist Émilie Busquant is credited with creating the first Flag of Algeria, while anarchist Pierre Morain was the first Frenchman arrested for supporting Algerian independence. Following Angola's independence, emerging "popular power" systems were brutally suppressed by the new Marxist–Leninist MPLA government, which disarmed citizens and purged left-wing opposition, including anarchists, centralizing power after a 1977 coup attempt.