In Summary
- Egypt and Algeria continue to represent Africa’s most advanced and capable military forces, combining manpower and defense industry through a foreign-backed model.
- In the past two years, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ethiopia have moved quickly to enhance their military capabilities and prepare for potential internal conflict in their regions.
- The military scores represented in the Power Index now include an overall picture of military operational capability based on the country’s regional operational and strategic depth of military human resource competencies
Deep Dive!!
Military power has always been an integral part of national security in Africa and globally. However, in current contexts, military power has also become an instrument of diplomacy or coercion, an internal control mechanism, and peacekeeping. In 2025, Africa’s most significant armies will not be identified solely by size and firepower. The continent’s most powerful militaries now harness military power using modernized military capabilities, regional coalitions, defense reform, and influence.
The Global Firepower Index measures military power using over 60 categories, including weapon systems, logistics, geography, and international partnerships. The latest rankings show the top dependent military powers in Africa. They have not only demonstrated their military operational capabilities, but they have also invested their military resources to take technological leaps to protect their military future.
10. Libya
Libya’s military capability is currently reflected in the Power Index score 1.4449. After years of civil conflict Libya’s military strength is slowly improving in 2025, and the government is trying to unite disparate armed groups into a cohesive force. Turkish-supplied drones and Russian-backed artillery units have increased Libya’s air and ground capabilities. Libya continues to struggle with the continued reliance on militias and other foreign forces for operational support.
9. Sudan
Sudan’s Power Index score is 1.4756. Even in ongoing political instability, Sudan still has one of the largest standing armies in Africa. Sudan’s defense sector is uncertain about how to transition away from reliance on Russian military equipment and has recently begun to produce domestic manufacturing. Sudan’s military operations have focused on the protection of the Red Sea corridor, and new rapid deployment units are key in managing mild border incursions and internal conflict.
8. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
The DRC’s Power Index of 1.3111 reflects its huge potential in manpower and territory. Compared to other nations on the continent, it is a challenging piece of business to manage logistically. The DRC has increased its training programmes in 2025, as it explores new relationships with both China and South Africa to target militia-controlled parts of the country. New investments in light helicopters and mobility units will assist in evolving the DRC’s counterinsurgency strategy in the east of the country.
7. Morocco
Morocco has a Power Index score of 1.1273. The country has made continuous investment in its air force, naval capability, and cyber defence infrastructure. Morocco is using modern F-16 aircraft, and its navy patrols both the Atlantic and Mediterranean routes. Morocco has developed strong relations with NATO and possesses an increasing ability to use remote surveillance capabilities. Morocco is increasingly becoming a varied military actor in North Africa.
6. Angola
Angola maintains its Power Index at 1.0961 from its post-war investments in diverse capabilities, including basic tanks, airlift logistics, and coastal defense. Angola’s historic ties to Russia and Brazil offer a solid armored division on which to build. In 2025, Angola focused on protecting its infrastructure and spent resources developing mobile units to protect its oil-rich Atlantic coastline.
5. Ethiopia
Ethiopia has a Power Index score of 0.9305 and has the most battle-ready force in East Africa. Following instability from battles within the country, Ethiopia’s military force has been significantly reorganized with an emphasis on partnering with other military services, including domestic training, urban combat training, and drone warfare. With assistance from a relatively newly minted partnership with Iran, while also being provided assistance with drone warfare by Turkey, Angola’s military position remains strong.
4. South Africa
South Africa ranks third with a Power Index score of 0.6889, relying on defence technological advancement and investment. Homegrown military manufacturers like Denel, produce the helicopters and vehicles to support national defence and peacekeeping. South Africa’s navy and air force are the dominating air and naval forces in Southern Africa. South African cyber capabilities are a core pillar and an emerging defence build within the country.
3. Nigeria
Nigeria has a Power Index score of 0.5771, reflecting its capability to maintain a growing fleet of ships and semi-modernize its operating force. In 2025, Nigeria will deepen its naval presence operations in the Gulf of Guinea through growing fleets from China and new air medical evacuation fleets from the United States. Nigeria’s focus on civilizing the continent brings direct conflict and regional counter-terrorism equipping Nigeria with more capable drone capabilities, command centre investments, and response preparedness.
2. Algeria
Algeria, with a Power Index of 0.3589, remains a heavyweight in North Africa’s defense architecture. The country maintains a robust fleet of Russian-made tanks and aircraft, supported by one of the continent’s most extensive conscription systems. Algeria’s naval modernization and growing aerospace partnerships further boost its operational reach across the Mediterranean and Sahel.
1. Egypt
With a Power Index of 0.3427, Egypt provides the most extensive capacity on the continent, thanks to having a very large, competent, and structured military force of significant size, as well as having an advanced and developed defence industry. El Sewedy and other local manufacturers produce military-grade electronics and vehicles. Egypt’s navy dominates the Red Sea and Mediterranean, while its U.S. and Russian military ties ensure a steady flow of advanced equipment and tactical training.
