The top 10 militarily powerful nations in Africa

Written by Lawrence Agbo
Nigeria ranks fourth among the nations with the greatest armed forces on the continent, despite having the largest population in Africa and a rapidly developing defence industry.

A recent Global Firepower (GFP) index emphasises this.

By assessing factors such technological sophistication, defence budget, equipment quality, logistics, natural resources, and force size, the GFP index calculates military strength.

These ten African nations have the most powerful militaries.

1. Egypt
   Due to its large workforce, remarkable naval and aviation capabilities, significant defence budget, and manufacturing of cutting-edge weapons, Egypt currently has the most potent military in Africa.

The nation’s military capabilities and weaponry were significantly upgraded during President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s leadership. The military is strengthened by solid foreign alliances, which provide greater readiness and adaptability. The nation was ranked first in Africa and fifteenth in the globe thanks to its extensive resources and connections.

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2. Algeria
   Ahead of the military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the Algerian Revolution, the North African nation, which is ranked second in Africa and 26th in the world, received the Russian Iskander-E short-range ballistic missile system for the first time in Algeria. This sighting is the first time the Iskander missile system has been seen in an Arab nation’s arsenal and validates Algeria’s purchase of the weapon following years of conjecture. Between 2014 and 2017, the Arab nation was given four regiments of the Iskander-E, each with about 50 vehicles and 48 missiles. Each regiment also included 12 launchers, 12 transporter-loaders, 11 command vehicles, and other support vehicles to be added to the arsenal in 2024.

3. The Republic of South Africa
   In 2022, the South African defence industry exported R3.3 billion worth of guns, ammunition, and military equipment to 67 countries throughout the globe, according to the most recent figures released by the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC).

South Africa’s military ranks third in Africa and 33rd in the world, despite having a comparatively small defence expenditure when compared to other major African nations. Because it prioritises domestic security and peacekeeping operations while using its resources to maintain a robust military force, South Africa is renowned for its highly skilled soldiers and state-of-the-art equipment.

4. Nigeria
   Nigeria, which is ranked fourth in Africa and 39th in the globe, is a major actor in West Africa’s security landscape due to its ongoing modernisation and investment in its military. Nigeria has played a key role in regional peacekeeping and is actively involved in internal security, particularly in the battle against insurgencies in the northeast.

Between January and July 2024, the nation spent a minimum of N63.6 billion to acquire ammunition and other equipment for the Nigerian military and the Office of the National Security Adviser. allocated a total of N231.27 billion, which includes N11.72 billion in 2020, N10.78 billion in 2021, N9.64 billion in 2022, N47.02 billion, and a supplemental budget of N184.25 billion in 2023.

5. Ethiopia
   By receiving hundreds of Calidus MCAV-20 armoured vehicles from the United Arab Emirates in 2024, the Ethiopian National defensive Force (ENDF) recently improved its defensive capabilities.

Despite having a smaller defence budget than other highly ranked African nations, Ethiopia’s military has a plethora of battle experience because of its ongoing border disputes with its neighbours. Ethiopia, which ranks fifth in Africa and 49th in the world, is renowned for its strong ground capabilities. By focussing on building a strong land military, Ethiopia is able to effectively handle security issues in the region.

6. Angola

The well-funded military of Angola, which is ranked 55th in the world, places a high priority on land and air defensive capabilities.
The country’s enormous oil profits enable it to make significant investments in modernising its military equipment. The county acquired General Motors Defence light tactical vehicles, defence logistics trucks, and other equipment from the United States in June 2024. Angola’s relatively large active manpower numbers further bolster its military readiness and operational capacity.

7. Morocco
   Because of its cooperation with U.S. Security, Morocco’s military, which is ranked 61st in the world, is extremely talented and well-equipped, with specialisations in the ground and air forces. There are 255 aircraft in Morocco’s air force, comprising 70 helicopters, two fleets of air tankers, 83 fighters, and 71 training aircraft. There are also 13,710 military vehicles, 1,564 tanks, 306 towed artillery pieces, 208 rocket artillery pieces, and 565 self-propelled artillery pieces.

With a common objective of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Middle East and North Africa, the United States collaborates closely with Morocco to advance regional stability and counterterrorism.

8. The Democratic Republic of the Congo
   Shortly after the UN arms embargo was lifted in 2024, Turkey sent military equipment to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, enabling the country to buy weapons on the international market. Despite a number of obstacles, including internal conflicts and regional instability, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which is ranked 73rd in the world, has recently expanded its military fleet to match the demands of its ground forces.

9. Egypt
   With US assistance and the purchase of the Chinese-made Dongfeng Mengshi CSK-131 armoured tactical vehicles, Tunisia, which is ranked 74th in the world, is able to maintain its highly qualified and experienced military, which places a high priority on maintaining internal security and thwarting regional threats.

Thirty American M60A1s and fifty-four M60A3s are among the 84 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) in the Tunisian army. The current combat tracked vehicles in use by the Tunisian military also include 48 Austrian light tanks, known as SK-105 Kürassier, equipped with a 105mm cannon.

Tunisia’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its national interests and advance regional peace depend heavily on the military’s commitment to security and stability.

10. Sudan
    According to HRW, since the conflict intensified in April 2023, Sudan has bolstered its artillery with weaponry from businesses in China, Iran, Russia, Serbia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Due to internal strife and geographical volatility, Sudan, which is ranked 76th in the world, has a sizable standing army with a wealth of ground combat experience. The ability of Sudan’s military forces to conduct both land and air operations enables them to react swiftly to new threats. Due to its vast experience and manpower, Sudan maintains a sizable military presence in the region despite facing challenging political and security issues.