This study compels an in depth investigation on the determinants of profitability of the African banking industry. The data set is made up to 340 observations over a period of ten years ranging from 2004-2013 in respect of thirty four banks from nine different countries across African continent that satisfied the requirements of this research work. Data were obtained from the Bankscope database, Bloomberg database and companies annual report using the websites of the sampled banks. Ordinary linear regression analysis using SPSS software was used to estimate the coefficient of the variables. The major outcomes of the analysis shows that among the different financial ratios used for this research work only asset turnover ratio, bank size and total loan to total asset are not significant in determining the profitability of the African banks. The study found that price earnings, dividend yield, equity to total assets and debtors to total asset ratios are highly significant and they are good internal measures for determining the profitability of the African banks. This study suggested that the management of these banks should take a necessary action of ensuring collateral (security) are presented before giving out any loans to customers and they also ensured that such loans are repaid as it when due. The banks size should be increase for the banks to benefit from the advantages of economics of scale and the management should also ensured proper utilization of the banks' assets. Further study can be carried out by other researcher using external factors like macroeconomic variables such inflation, unemployment and gross domestic product (GDP).