Gender-Based Violence (GBV) also known as Violence against Women (VAW), Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), or Domestic Violence (DV) is an age socio-cultural issue deep-rooted in African societies. Globally, Gender-Based Violence accounts for nearly one quarter of all recorded crimes. Gender-Based violence affects women in Africa irrespective of age, class, educational level and place of residence. The African society is inherently patriarchal. This is due to the influence of the various religions and customs practiced. Women are seen as inferior to men, and are regarded as property. This practice and mindset has been ingrained in the subconscious mind of the average African man. Consequently, Gender-Based violence has become entrenched and institutionalized. This paper examines Gender-based Violence in Africa (with emphasis on Nigeria and Botswana in the Sub Saharan African Region) and posits that such violence stems mainly from socio –cultural factors and lack of political will to implement effective laws that prohibit and punish GBV. Other factors that engender Gender-Based violence, like lack of awareness of rights by women, illiteracy, poverty, child/ forced marriage, substance abuse are also examined. Recommendations to curb violence against women in Nigeria, Botswana and Africa as a whole are underscored. This study employs the doctrinal research methodology.