This systematic review examined the characteristics of community-based HIV prevention interventions, specifically the theoretical underpinning, type and number of components, dose, mode of delivery, and teaching method; and explored the effects of the intervention characteristics on HIV-related knowledge and engagement in risk behaviour among young persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years of age residing in Africa. A total of 5 studies were included in this review. The overall results of this study showed variability in theoretical underpinning, dose, and mode of delivery of interventions. Multi-component interventions using mixed teaching method produced the desired effect on knowledge and risk behaviour. The examination of community based HIV prevention intervention characteristics provides direction for the development of efficient future interventions to decrease the transmission of HIV among young persons in Africa.