Ranking the 10 least militarily powerful African countries in 2025

Military strength across African countries varies due to factors such as defence budgets, personnel, equipment, and strategic capabilities. The Global Firepower Index ranks countries based on a Power Index score, where a lower score indicates stronger military capability.

Many African nations allocate limited budgets to defence, prioritising healthcare, education, and infrastructure. As a result, some countries face internal security challenges, including terrorist activity and political instability. A report by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies highlights that militant Islamist violence in Africa reached record levels in 2024, with the Sahel region accounting for over half of such incidents. Fatalities in the region nearly tripled since 2020 to around 11,000.

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North African countries prioritise military strength more than other regions. The Global Firepower formula considers technological advancements alongside force size. A perfect Power Index score of 0.0000 is unattainable, with lower scores indicating stronger military capabilities.

Here are the 10 least militarily powerful African countries in 2025

1. Benin – Power index score: 4.31

Benin ranks as the African country with the weakest military strength. The country’s defence sector operates with limited resources and personnel. Benin’s military primarily focuses on internal security and border protection rather than large-scale defence operations.

2. Central African Republic (CAR) – Power index score: 4.23

CAR continues to face security challenges, with ongoing internal conflicts affecting military development. The armed forces struggle with limited funding and equipment, making them dependent on international support for peacekeeping and stability efforts.

3. Somalia – Power index score: 4.20

Somalia’s military strength remains weak despite efforts to rebuild its armed forces. The country faces persistent threats from armed groups, and its military operations heavily rely on international support and African Union peacekeeping missions.

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4. Sierra Leone – Power index score: 3.97

Sierra Leone’s military operates with a small force and limited resources. The armed forces focus primarily on national security, humanitarian missions, and regional peacekeeping efforts rather than large-scale defence operations.

5. Liberia – Power index score: 3.77

Liberia’s military was restructured following years of civil conflict. It remains small in size, with emphasis on maintaining internal security and supporting United Nations peacekeeping missions rather than external defence capabilities.

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6. Gabon – Power index score: 3.18

Gabon’s military has a modest number of personnel and limited combat capabilities. The country prioritises internal security and stability, with its defence forces largely focused on peacekeeping and national security operations.

7. Madagascar – Power index score: 3.06

Madagascar’s military strength is limited by its geographic location and economic constraints. The country maintains a small defence force, mainly focusing on internal security, maritime surveillance, and disaster response efforts.

8. Burkina Faso – Power index score: 2.97

Burkina Faso’s military strength is affected by ongoing insurgencies and security threats. The armed forces focus on counterterrorism operations but face significant challenges due to resource limitations and external threats.

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9. Senegal – Power index score: 2.81

Senegal maintains a relatively small military force with a focus on national security and regional stability. While the country engages in peacekeeping missions, its overall defence capability remains lower compared to other African nations.

10. Mauritania – Power index score: 2.79

Mauritania’s military faces structural limitations, focusing mainly on border security and counterterrorism efforts. The country relies on external support for security operations and military training.