<p>This review systematically analyses the evolving research on nature-based solutions for water purification in Africa, specifically identifying prevailing research trends and prominent thematic areas, from 2015 to 2025. The overarching goal is to identify research gaps, research trends and further innovative research in nature-based solutions in Africa. A comprehensive scientometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science database, covering publications from January 1, 2015, to May 31, 2025. The search strategy employed a methodically designed combination of keywords related to nature-based solutions and the VOSviewer software was utilised for data analysis and visualisation, constructing co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence patterns, and collaborative link strengths to reveal thematic clusters and research hotspots. This study reveals a cumulative growth in publications on nature-based solutions for water purification in Africa, from 2021 to 2024. South Africa leads in research output (60 documents, 1087 citations), followed by other impactful African nations like Ethiopia (241 citations), Kenya (253 citations), and Tanzania (171 citations). Key non-African contributors include the USA (840 citations), England (575 citations), and Sweden (540 citations), highlighting extensive publications from around the world driven by knowledge transfer, funding, and shared global challenges. Thematic analysis revealed four main clusters: (1) foundational concepts and environmental impacts, (2) urban resilience and governance, (3) green infrastructure and biodiversity, and (4) ecosystem services. These findings are useful to policymakers and researchers seeking to promote the use of nature-based solutions in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 14.</p>