The name African Theatres of World War II encompasses actions which took place in World War II between Allied forces and Axis forces, between 1940 and 1943 both on the African mainland and in nearby waters and islands.
Naval conflict occurred in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean throughout the war. The land battles occurred in the East African Campaign of 1940-41, the West African campaign of 1940, the North African Campaigns of 1940-43 and the Battle of Madagascar during 1942.
The Allies included forces from the United Kingdom, United States, Abyssinia, South Africa, India, Australia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanganyika, Free France, Rhodesia and New Zealand.
Axis forces were primarily German, Italian and Vichy French. Imperial Japanese Navy submarines also played a role, in the Indian Ocean.