The Global Firepower Index for 2025 has ranked countries based on military strength, considering factors like personnel, equipment, financial resources, and geopolitical positioning.
Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria lead the continent in military power, reflecting significant investment in defence budgets to modernise infrastructure and acquire advanced weaponry.
Economically stable nations such as Egypt and South Africa have prioritised defence spending to maintain security, while others face challenges from internal conflicts, military juntas, and underfunded forces combating insurgencies. Despite the regional potential, African militaries lag behind developed nations due to disparities in budget allocation, technology, training, and strategic reach.
Read also: Top 10 African countries with strongest military strength in 2024
The ranking formula allows smaller but technologically advanced nations to compete with larger powers. A perfect Power Index (PwrIndx) score is 0.0000 (unattainable), with lower scores indicating stronger capabilities.
According to the Global Firepower Index, here are the top 10 African countries with the strongest military strength in 2025
1. Egypt — PwrIndx: 0.34
Egypt is recognised as the strongest military power in Africa and ranks 19th globally. The Egyptian Armed Forces consist of four main branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Air Defense Forces. The country has heavily invested in modernising its military equipment and infrastructure, maintaining a large arsenal of tanks, aircraft, and naval assets. Egypt also benefits from significant foreign military aid, including $1.85 billion annually from the United States.
2. Algeria — PwrIndx: 0.35
Algeria ranks second in Africa and 26th globally. Its military strength is supported by substantial oil revenues, enabling it to acquire advanced weaponry and maintain a well-trained force. Algeria focuses on border security and counterterrorism operations while maintaining strong air and land forces.
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3. Nigeria — PwrIndx: 0.57
Nigeria is ranked third in Africa and 31st globally. It has made significant investments in its armed forces to combat insurgency and terrorism within its borders. The Nigerian Armed Forces include a large number of active personnel and a growing inventory of armoured vehicles and aircraft.
4. South Africa — PwrIndx: 0.68
South Africa is ranked fourth in Africa and 40th globally. Known for its advanced defence industry, South Africa produces much of its own military equipment. However, budget constraints have limited the further development of its armed forces in recent years.
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5. Ethiopia — PwrIndx: 0.93
Ethiopia ranks fifth in Africa and 52nd globally. Despite economic challenges, Ethiopia maintains a large standing army focused on regional security issues, particularly conflicts in the Horn of Africa.
6. Angola — PwrIndx: 1.09
Angola holds the sixth position in Africa and ranks 56th globally. Its military strength is bolstered by oil revenues that fund its defence sector. Angola has invested in modernising its armed forces to address internal security challenges.
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7. Morocco — PwrIndx: 1.12
Morocco is ranked seventh in Africa and 59th globally. The country has focused on modernising its military equipment, particularly for border security and counterterrorism operations. Morocco maintains strong diplomatic ties with Western nations for defence cooperation.
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) — PwrIndx: 1.30
The DRC ranks eighth in Africa and holds the global position of 66th. Despite internal conflicts, the country has been working to stabilise its military capabilities through international partnerships and increased investment.
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9. Sudan — PwrIndx: 1.47
Sudan is ranked ninth in Africa and holds the global rank of 73rd. Its military faces significant challenges due to ongoing political instability but remains focused on maintaining territorial integrity.
10. Libya — PwrIndx: 1.44
Libya rounds out the top ten list for Africa with a global rank of 76th. The country’s military strength has been affected by years of civil conflict but retains strategic importance due to its location and natural resources.
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