Between Tanzanian ambition and Zamalek’s ban: Who is really winning Africa's 2026 transfer war?
The 2026 summer transfer window is actively reshaping the African football landscape, with Young Africans securing the continent's most high profile signing as traditional heavyweights execute extensive squad rebuilds ahead of the new continental season.
Read Also: Bypassing the trap: CAF ranking grants Al Ahly and continent's heavyweights safe passage
East African ambition
The most significant statement of the current transfer window has come from Tanzania. Young Africans have completed the signing of veteran Namibian striker Peter Shalulile who arrives after a historic tenure with Mamelodi Sundowns where he scored 136 goals.
Shalulile reunites with manager Manqoba Mngqithi to form the most potent attacking reinforcement in East Africa, supported by the international arrivals of Cheick Ibrahim Toure, Hussein Zakwani and Albert Kangwanda.
Rival club Simba SC are also undergoing a major structural rebuild under the guidance of manager Steve Barker. The club have officially secured midfielder Ibrahim Jabar and winger Keletso Makgalwa on contracts running until June 2028 alongside the addition of right back Nathaniel Chilambo from Azam FC.
North African overhauls
In North Africa, Esperance Sportive de Tunis are executing the region's largest squad overhaul following their domestic league disappointment. The Tunisian giants have already confirmed seven new arrivals blending domestic talent with European based additions including Montassar Essid, Raed Chikhaoui, Marouane Sahraoui, Mohamed Belhaj Mahmoud, Youssef Besha, Mayel Fernandez Munyepe and free agent Adel Ben Taieb.
Meanwhile, reigning African champions Al Ahly are remodeling their attacking department. The Egyptian club have officially confirmed four acquisitions, Algerian forward Monsef Bakrar from Dinamo Zagreb, Moroccan striker Soufiane Benjdida and young ENPPI duo Ali Mahmoud and Aqtay Abdallah.
The club has also trimmed its squad, finalizing the permanent departures of Mostafa El Esh and Mohamed Shoukry to Al Masry alongside goalkeeper Mohamed Seha on loan.
In Morocco, Wydad AC are focusing on restoring leadership to their dressing room. The Casablanca side have brought back experienced midfielders Ayman El Hassouni and Yahya Jabrane while bolstering their defence with Hamza Jinan Allah and goalkeeper Rachid Ghanimi.
Arch rivals Raja Club Athletic have begun their own defensive reinforcements triggering the release clause for left back Chemseddine Qandil and adding defensive midfielder Isaac Zaidani.
RS Berkane remain active in the market and are reportedly close to securing Cape Verde's standout World Cup 2026 goalkeeper, Vozinha, though the deal has yet to be officially finalized.
Pyramids strengthen as Zamalek face ban
The Egyptian market presents a stark contrast between two of its biggest clubs. Pyramids FC have adopted a highly targeted approach to upgrade their defence following the expiration of Ali Gabr's contract.
They have secured right back Khaled Awad from Tala'ea El Gaish on a 5 year deal and signed 21 year old versatile defender Eyad El Askalany from Russian side FC Rostov.
Conversely, Zamalek find their transfer window completely paralyzed by a FIFA registration ban stemming from five unresolved legal and financial cases. Unable to register new signings, the White Knights are strictly relying on returning loanees, including Mostafa El Zenary, Hossam Ashraf, Mohamed Atef and Ahmed Mahmoud, to reinforce their squad.
They have also generated essential funds by selling defender Hossam Abdelmaguid to Bulgarian champions Ludogorets for an initial €1.5 million.
Southern and central developments
In South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns have officially begun their post Shalulile era. The Pretoria based club have signed winger Antonio van Wyk from Austrian side SV Ried and triggered their option to permanently acquire midfielder Tsiki Ntsabeleng following his successful loan spell.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, TP Mazembe have experienced a notably quiet transfer window. Despite FIFA officially lifting their transfer ban in February 2026 after settling the Ben Malango financial dispute, the 5 time African champions have yet to announce any major completed signings for the senior squad.
A shifting financial landscape
The early stages of the 2026 transfer window highlight a significant shift in continental market power. The ability of Young Africans to attract a premier talent like Shalulile demonstrates that East African clubs now possess the financial leverage and sporting ambition to compete directly with traditional powerhouses for top tier signatures.
Meanwhile, the contrasting situations in Egypt and Tunisia emphasize the growing importance of financial stability. While clubs like Al Ahly, Pyramids and Esperance can effectively execute targeted rebuilds, historical giants like Zamalek are being forced to adapt to severe legal and financial restrictions, strictly relying on youth promotion and returning loanees to remain competitive.
What happens next?
With the transfer window remaining open until the commencement of the continental group stages, several major deals are still expected to cross the finish line. Clubs like Wydad and RS Berkane are actively working to finalize pending negotiations, while TP Mazembe are widely anticipated to utilize their restored market access to make late additions before the registration deadline closes.
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