By 2:00 pm Central Africa Time (CAT) on Wednesday, December 31, several countries in the Pacific and Oceania had already crossed into 2026. Kiribati's Line Islands became the first place on Earth to welcome the new year at exactly 12:00 pm CAT, followed 15 minutes later by New Zealand's Chatham Islands. Mainland New Zealand, including Auckland and Wellington, as well as the Pacific kingdom of Tonga, ushered in 2026 at 1:00 pm CAT. Fiji, Tuvalu and parts of eastern Russia followed at 2:00 pm CAT.
In contrast, Rwanda and much of Africa were approximately nine and a half hours behind the earliest celebrations, as the New Year's countdown continued its westward sweep across the globe.
The celebrations were set to roll on rapidly across the Pacific and into Asia. Norfolk Island was expected to ring in 2026 at 2:30 pm CAT, followed at 3:00 pm CAT by much of Australia, including Sydney and Melbourne, as well as Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. East Asia, including Japan, South Korea and North Korea, is scheduled to welcome the new year at 5:00 pm CAT.
Rwanda readies lights, prayers and fireworks
As the global countdown advances, anticipation is building in Rwanda, where New Year's Eve blends modern celebration with spiritual reflection and community tradition.
Kigali has been transformed by festive holiday lighting, with illuminated roundabouts and public landmarks adding colour to the city's streets as residents prepare for the final hours of 2025. The City of Kigali has confirmed that midnight will be marked by major fireworks displays at several locations, including Kigali Heights near the Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali Pelé Stadium in Nyamirambo, and Canal Olympia in Rebero. In addition, fireworks will also be launched from selected private venues, namely Hôtel des Mille Collines, Atelier du Vin, Serena Hotels, and KCC Parkings.
For many Rwandans, however, the New Year begins not with fireworks but with prayer. Thousands are expected to attend 'Watch Night' services across the country. Catholic parishes typically begin their services as early as 6:00 pm, while Protestant congregations often gather later in the evening, welcoming 2026 with worship, reflection and thanksgiving.
Celebrations will also stretch beyond the capital. In Rubavu, residents and visitors will usher in the new year along the shores of Lake Kivu, with music, fireworks and the scenic hills framing the celebrations.
Africa and the world join the countdown
Across the continent, cities are preparing to welcome 2026 in their own distinct styles. In East Africa, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam are hosting outdoor concerts and beach-style gatherings, with coastal Kenya and Zanzibar remaining popular destinations for those seeking a seaside celebration.
Further south, South Africa is preparing for large-scale festivities, with Cape Town set to host its iconic fireworks display at the V&A Waterfront, while Johannesburg pulses with urban energy through events such as the 'Made in Jozi' festival and rooftop celebrations overlooking the city skyline.
In West Africa, Lagos continues its tradition of high-energy New Year celebrations through the Greater Lagos Fiesta, featuring street parties and Afrobeat performances. Accra, Ghana, combines spiritual Watch Night services with the vibrant AfroFuture festivities that often continue into the early hours of January 1.
The United States and American Samoa will be among the last places to welcome 2026, with millions watching the iconic ball drop in New York's Times Square long after sunrise breaks over Kigali.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
