Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their nitro derivatives (NPAHs) are part of the hazardous organic component of particulate matter air pollutants, with significant environmental and health impacts. Most of the literature on the characterization and sources of PAHs and NPAHs has focused on the Global North, and the literature from the Global South shows that research from South Asian contexts is more common than analyses of Africa. Monitoring atmospheric PAHs and NPAHs in Africa is critical but has remained a significant challenge because of several factors, including resource constraints, methodological inconsistencies, a dearth of data, and limited technical capacity. However, current analyses focusing on African contexts are proliferating and provide key insights for this analysis. Vegetation fires and agricultural biomass burning dominate rural landscapes. At the same time, emissions from old vehicles and dusty roads are the main sources of PAH/NPAH in urban centers as a result of rapid urbanization, population and economic growth. This chapter explores and details the characterization and key sources of PAHs and NPAHs in air particulate matter in Africa and provides a basis for future research and the need for comprehensive monitoring while highlighting policy interventions to address the growing public health and environmental challenges.