ObjectivesThe aim of this research was to estimate the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), in African women of childbearing age.Study designSystematic review and meta-analysis of relevant African studies published from January 2000 to December 2016.Data sourcesWe searched several databases, including EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, grey literature and references of included studies.SettingStudies carried out in African communities or any population-based studies were included.ParticipantsWe included studies, carried out in Africa, with non-pregnant women of childbearing age. Studies must have been published between the years 2000 and 2016.OutcomesThe primary outcome was prevalent T2DM. The secondary outcomes were IFG and IGT.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers independently extracted data and, using the adapted Hoy risk of bias tool, independently assessed for risk of bias. We used random-effects meta-analysis models to pool prevalence estimates across studies. We used Cochran’s Q statistic and the I² statistic to assess heterogeneity.ResultsA total of 39 studies from 27 countries were included, totaling 52 075 participants, of which 3813 had T2DM. The pooled prevalence of T2DM was 7.2% (95% CI 5.6% to 8.9%) overall and increased with age. The pooled prevalence was 6.0% (95% CI 4.2% to 8.2%) for impaired fasting glycemia while the prevalence of IGT ranged from 0.9% to 37.0% in women aged 15–24 and 45–54 years, respectively. Substantial heterogeneity across studies was not explained by major studies characteristics such as period of publication, rural/urban setting or whether a study was nationally representative or not.ConclusionThis review highlights the need for interventions to prevent and control diabetes in African women of childbearing age, in view of the significant prevalence of T2DM and prediabetes.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42015027635