<p>Amidst the ongoing global biodiversity crisis, understanding the factors driving public perceptions and attitudes towards biodiversity conservation is paramount for decision making as these factors can provide key insights for the design of effective policies, foster community engagement, and ensure success in biodiversity conservation initiatives. Here, we present the results of a systematic review of 356 studies, published between January 2000 and February 2025, to analyze the socio-economic, cultural, and political drivers influencing public opinion, awareness, and attitudes towards biodiversity conservation in Africa. Despite growing attention on the topic, as indicated by the rapid and steady increase in the number of papers published over time, we found clear geographical gaps at the continental scale where research is being reported. The thematic assessment of the literature further shows an important shift in conservation practice conducted in Africa from illegal activities and human-wildlife conflicts to more integrative human-focused approaches. Environmental education, cultural and traditional practices, economic gains, good governance, and indigenous knowledge systems are all significant drivers of public opinion in contributing to biodiversity conservation. Evidence accumulated over the last quarter of a century demonstrates that successful conservation in Africa must increasingly embrace locally grounded, culturally sensitive approaches that blend ecological necessities with social realities. This review fills a critical knowledge gap by offering an integrated analysis of public participation in biodiversity conservation with policy implications for inclusive and sustainable environmental governance on the continent.</p>