Peppers (Capsicum spp.) are widely produced and consumed in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The cultivation systems, consumer preferences, consumption habits, and marketing or trade systems for peppers vary among regions. A omprehensive overview of pepper production levels, consumption, and trade/market segmentation is needed. This is the objective of our study, through an analysis of relevant policies, literature, and production or commercial data from available atabases. Peppers in SSA are utilized as fresh vegetables, dried whole pods or as powder and paprika, fresh spices, condiments, sauces, for individual and industrial purposes. Each of these uses requires distinct quality traits, contributing to market segmentation for the crop. In the West and Central Africa region (WCA), a wide range of local cultivars is grown. In eastern and southern Africa (ESA), diverse C. annuum cultivars are grown based on local suitability and market demand, particularly in Ethiopia and Uganda. Regional differences in pepper cultivation areas were observed, with Nigeria being the top producer in WCA, while Ethiopia dominates in ESA. Consequently, WCA produces more fresh peppers, while ESA produces more dry red peppers, also suitable for exports. In WCA, consumers prefer C. chinense cultivars known for their intense heat and fruity flavor while consumers in ESA prefer C. annuum cultivars. Cultivars of C. frutescens are also present in SSA, but to a lesser extent. Peppers are highly tradable commodities across Africa, with regional and international exports serving as major income sources for smallholder farmers. After Asia, Africa is the second-largest pepper-producing continent, and consumer demands for quality vary considerably, emphasizing the need for further research in breeding, production systems, and postharvest practices. Additional research and development efforts in breeding, production systems, and postharvest practices are necessary to gain a better understanding of the regional-level fruit quality requirements of consumers in Africa.