Through comparing the geological characteristics between the East and West Africa margins, some differences in their evolution history, structural styles and textures can be concluded. The hydrocarbon-forming conditions of these two margins are discussed, too. The rifting on the East Africa margin commenced and ended earlier. It mainly happened from Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. Under the influence of this rifting and subsequent drifting, the continental margin in East Africa was partitioned to several different segments represented by the dextral-and sinistral-type shear margins and the oblique-type shear margin. Therefore, the shelves were narrower and the slopes were steeper and a series of ridges or arches formed and controlled by the major transform zones on the East Africa margin, which definitely confined or limited the extension of sediments seaward.