Africa

The Scramble for Africa.

Take HEAVY inspiration from the Kingdoms in OOTs. I would love to recreate that feeling http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0680.html

Puppet Kingdoms basically, and lots of them. Mostly Britain, Spain (in the North and on the islands, and maybe a French colony in the centre/south), Rome/Egypt and Arabia (and the Netherlands a little) landing new colonies/sending missionaries to convert new peoples. Carthage will be seeking to expand as well.

Make sure the Native kingdoms/tribes also are powerful. The Zulus in the South will be a powerful presence, slowly becoming the most powerful presence in Africa but not at first. Carthage will also be a powerful presence, as will one of African presence (maybe on par with Rome). Most of Africa (at least two thirds) will be unclaimed or owned by small kingdoms/tribes.

A Kingdom could be centred around a city state!! Have a fairly good amount of these spread throughout Africa, then leave plenty of space around each of them as unclaimed. The Roman Empire could have a colony city somewhere random - Ehtiopia could have an Awaiter Kingdom with a developed city. The Empires could just have the odd city state as puppets, and look for examples of independent city states.

See how the players are doing, then somewhat increase the power of factions they’re not aligned with. Britain and Arabia will be strong for obvious reasons.

Zulus will be a thing, but do them later! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulu_Kingdom#The_rise_of_the_Zulu_Kingdom_under_Shaka