Reference works offer background information, give you a grounding in a particular topic, provide keywords and often link to additional research. In short, they're a great place to start to get an overview of the conversation happening around your topic.
All reference works are located on the main floor of the library on the Beck Hall side of the building. The following is a representative sample; be sure to browse the shelves nearby each call number to find additional related reference books.
There are many one-volume reference books about individual countries. They can all be found in the DT 75 - DT 3337 in the Reference area. Examples are given below, but if you don't see your country listed, browse the call number range above (or ask a librarian for help!). Africa South of the Sahara (listed below) is an excellent one-volume book with detailed entries about African countries, too.
Africa South of the Sahara 2020 by 
Historical Dictionary of Eritrea by 
Ghana by 
Historical Dictionary of the Central African Republic by 
Historical Dictionary of South Africa by 
Africa by 
The Cambridge History of Africa by 
African Kingdoms by 
African Statistical Yearbook 2018 by 
The Companion to African Literatures by 