Timezones assign particular regions on Earth a time of day, and that is either ahead of or behind the nearby time zones. This occurs because when it is day on one half of the earth, it is night on the other half.
This signifies that TZs (short form for time zones) determine which country of the world enters a new decade earlier the other. Some countries have already taken the leap into 2025 already.
As some nations are just preparing to launch into the New Year, a fascinating question occupies the thoughts of numerous people: which nation will be the earliest to join the festivities due to timezones, and which will be the final ones to say goodbye to the year that is ending?
The custom of welcoming the New Year dates back to January 1, 153 BCE, in ancient Rome. At first, Romans celebrated New Year on March 1, but this changed when Julius Caesar implemented a solar calendar in 46 BCE, setting January 1 as the year’s official beginning. This custom propagated across the Roman Empire and was subsequently solidified worldwide with the acceptance of the Gregorian calendar in 1582.
The timing of these festivities differs throughout Africa and even the entire World, this is because of the time zones. The United Kingdom observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), referred to as Western European Time, in the winter months from December to February. From the final Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October, the UK follows British Summer Time (BST), set at UTC+1.
Countries That Have Crossed Into 2025 With Their Different Timezones
India Timezone (UTC+5:30)
India, with a time zone of UTC+5:30, was one of the first countries to enter 2025. The country has been making strides in the field of fintech, with mobile payment systems like UPI becoming increasingly popular. In 2025, India is expected to introduce a range of new digital payment systems, making it one of the most cashless societies in the world.
Bangladesh ( With timezone UTC+6)
Bangladesh, located in Southeast Asia, has also crossed into 2025. The country has been working to improve its digital infrastructure, with plans to increase internet penetration and develop new fintech platforms. In 2025, Bangladesh is expected to become a hub for international fintech companies looking to expand into the region.
Here are the African countries that have crossed into the new year, along with some unique highlights and timezones
African Countries (UTC+1-UTC+4)
In Africa, several countries have also entered 2025 according to their timezones. These include:
Tuesday 20:00 – Mauritius and Seychelles; two nations located in East Africa will enter the new year first ahead due to their timezones
Tuesday 21:00 – Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Uganda, Eritrea, Djibouti, Comoros, and certain areas of South Africa also because of their timezones.
Tuesday 22:00 – Additional regions of South Africa, Egypt, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Libya, a large portion of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Burundi, Namibia, Malawi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini.
Tuesday 23:00 – Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Angola, Chad, Central African Republic, Gabon, Benin, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Niger, Regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo, Western Sahara.
Wednesday 00:00 – Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Togo, Liberia, Mali, Guinea, Mauritania, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe.
Wednesday 01:00 – Cape Verde comes last with the timezone difference.
Morocco (UTC+0):
Morocco has been investing heavily in renewable energy, with plans to generate 52% of its electricity from solar and wind power by 2030. In 2025, the country is expected to launch several new renewable energy projects, making it a leader in sustainable energy in Africa.
South Africa (UTC+2): South Africa has been a hub for economic development in Africa, and in 2025, the country is expected to launch several new initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and development. These include a range of digital infrastructure projects and new fintech platforms.
Unique Highlights
Each of these countries has its own unique highlights, as they enter 2025 differently on their timezones. For example:
India is expected to become a leader in digital payments, with a range of new fintech platforms and mobile payment systems.
Bangladesh will become a hub for international fintech companies looking to expand into the region.
Morocco will launch several new renewable energy projects, making it a leader in sustainable energy in Africa.
South Africa will launch several new initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth and development, including digital infrastructure projects and new fintech platforms.
As the globe gets ready to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome the beginning of 2025, the series of celebrations across different time zone emphasizes the deep interconnectedness of humanity. These festivities are rich in cultures and customs, representing a collective feeling of hope and excitement for the possibilities the New Year brings.
The world enters a new decade, while these countries that have already crossed into 2025 lead the way in terms of digital innovation and economic development. From fintech to renewable energy, these nations are showcasing the exciting possibilities that the future holds.
