Top 20 most powerful countries in Africa in 2024: strongest and weakest military

The most powerful countries in Africa have the strongest militaries on the continent. The Globalfirepower.com's PowerIndex ('PwrIndx') score uses over 50 factors, including the military's defense budget, logistical capability, and geographical location, to determine a nation's military strength.

This article lists the most powerful countries in Africa, according to Globalfirepower.com's PowerIndex report. A country's PowerIndex score represents its military strength or conventional fighting capability. The images shared below are the countries' national flags and emblems.

Which are the most powerful countries in Africa?

Most African countries invest heavily in their military and defense systems. Moreover, strong political influence, economic stability and growth rate, and solid international alliances are also vital factors for determining the power of a nation. These are the most powerful countries in Africa:

The Globalfirepower.com's PowerIndex report comprises the world's developed and developing countries with the strongest military and fighting capacity. This article only picks out the most powerful African countries from the list and ranks them below:

20. Mali - 2.1115

• PowerIndex score - 2.1115
• Estimated defense budget - $555.00 million
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 44,800
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 0
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 550
• Army personnel (approx.) - 25,000

Mali has an estimated population of over 21 million and is the eighth-largest country in Africa, with an area of over 1,241,238 square kilometers. The Republic of Mali's 2.1115 PowerIndex rating makes it one of the most powerful African countries.

The national flag of Mali is a tricolor with three equal vertical stripes. The green stands for the fertility of the land, the gold for purity and mineral wealth, and the red for the blood shed for independence from the French.

19. Cameroon - 2.0599

• PowerIndex score - 2.0599
• Estimated defense budget - $398.00 million
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 52,500
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 1,000
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 3,500
• Army personnel (approx.) - 20,500

Cameroon is triangular and bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Atlantic Ocean.

The country has a population of over 30 million and is known for its varied terrain and wildlife. Globalfirepower.com estimates the Republic of Cameroon has about 52,500 military personnel and a defense budget of around $398.00 million.

Cameroon decided to use green-red-yellow on its flag. The green represents the vegetation of the country and a happy future, the red represents independence and unity, the yellow refers to the savannas and the sun (happiness), and the star symbolizes the unity of the Cameroonian people.

18. Tanzania - 2.0587

• PowerIndex score - 2.0587
• Estimated defense budget - $1.87 billion
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 113,500
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 1,200
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 800
• Army personnel (approx.) - 16,000

Tanzania is on the eastern coast of Africa and has an Indian Ocean coastline. The neighbors are Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.

The colors of their national flag were incorporated diagonally for distinctiveness. Black symbolizes the country's majority population, while green stands for the land's rich agricultural resources. The narrow yellow borders represent mineral wealth, while blue symbolizes the Indian Ocean.

The United Republic of Tanzania has a population of over 65 million, with approximately 113,500 military personnel and an estimated defense budget of $1.87 billion.

17. Zimbabwe - 2.0352

• PowerIndex score - 2.0352
• Estimated defense budget - $141.85 million
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 50,800
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 0
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 5,000
• Army personnel (approx.) - 25,000

The Republic of Zimbabwe has an estimated population of over 15 million, about 50,800 military personnel, and a defense budget of about $141.85 million.

The current flag of Zimbabwe has one of the most elaborate designs of all the national flags in Africa. It combines many design elements to represent many different aspects of the nation's culture and history.

Green represents vegetation and agriculture. Yellow/Gold represents the country's mineral wealth. Red means the bloodshed during the war of liberation. Black represents the black majority.

16. Ivory Coast - 1.9869

• PowerIndex score - 1.9869
• Estimated defense budget - $657.20 million
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 27,500
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 550
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 650
• Army personnel (approx.) - 20,000

The Republic of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) is a West African country with a French colonial legacy. Its major urban center, Abidjan, is on the Atlantic coast.

The Ivory Coast has a population of 29 million, about 27,500 military personnel, and a defense budget of about $657.20 million.

The flag of Ivory Coast reflects the flags of the nations that influenced it during its history. It also represents the modern Côte d'Ivoire and the history it shares with the rest of the world.

15. Zambia - 1.9851

• PowerIndex score - 1.9851
• Estimated defense budget - $262.77 million
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 16,350
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 0
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 5,300
• Army personnel (approx.) - 8,500

Zambia's population estimate is over 20 million. Its power index rating is 1.9851. The Republic of Zambia has about 116,350 active military personnel and a defense budget of over $262.77 million.

Every element of the Zambian national flag has a specific meaning. Red represents the struggle for freedom, black stands for the people of Zambia, orange symbolizes the country's mineral wealth, and green represents natural resources.

Lastly, the flying eagle on the Zambian national flag symbolizes the freedom in Zambia and the ability to rise above the country's problems.

14. Chad - 1.8607

• PowerIndex score - 1.8607
• Estimated defense budget - $290.00 million
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 38,250
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 0
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 350
• Army personnel (approx.) - 30,000

The Republic of Chad has an estimated population of about 17 million. It is a landlocked country at the crossroads of North and Central Africa. Chad borders Libya, Sudan, the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger.

Chad combined the French flag, which represented the country at the time, with the colors of the Pan-African movement to create a unique flag representing the nation's heritage with its hopes for the future.

13. Mozambique - 1.8377

• PowerIndex score - 1.8377
• Estimated defense budget - $1.05 billion
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 14,200
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 1,000
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 4,000
• Army personnel (approx.) - 10,000

The Republic of Mozambique is a southern African nation along the Indian Ocean coastline. Its coastline has famous beaches like Tofo and offshore marine parks.

Mozambique is among the most powerful countries in Africa, with a 1.8377 PowerIndex score and a defense budget of approximately $1.05 billion.

The Mozambican flag has been the subject of much debate. It is the only flag in the world with a modern weapon as a symbol, and many in the country want it to change.

12. Kenya - 1.7629

• PowerIndex score - 1.7629
• Estimated defense budget - $2.20 billion
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 75,000
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 2,500
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 6,500
• Army personnel (approx.) - 45,000

The Democratic Republic of Kenya is among Africa's most populous countries, with about 57 million people, a defense budget of around $2.20 billion, and almost 75,000 military personnel.

Kenya's main naval base is in Mtongwe, Mombasa (it covers Shimoni, Malindi, Msambweni, and Kilifi), and another is in Manda, Lamu. The Air Force headquarters is at Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi.

The Kenyan flag includes symbols of unity, peace, and the country's defense. Black represents the African continent, red represents the bloodshed during the fight for independence from British colonialism, and green represents the country's landscape and natural wealth.

11. Libya - 1.4449

• PowerIndex score - 1.4449
• Estimated defense budget - $3.40 billion
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 132,000
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 6,400
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 4,500
• Army personnel (approx.) - 100,000

The State of Libya is the fourth largest country in Africa and the 16th largest country globally. It has a population of about 7 million.

The country's defense budget is over $3 billion, and with over 48.36 billion barrels of oil reserves, Libya can fuel its 300 tanks, 2,890 vehicles, 10 self-propelled artillery, 65 towed artillery, and 55 MLRS (rocket artillery) for its military.

In addition, Libya's Air Force has 132 aircraft, while the Land Forces have seven assets. The country replaced Muammar Gaddafi's red-white-black flag with an all-green flag and later adopted a red-black-green flag.

10. Sudan - 1.4119

• PowerIndex score - 1.4119
• Estimated defense budget - $300.00 million
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 194,500
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 1,500
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 13,000
• Army personnel (approx.) - 92,000

Sudan is the third-largest country in Africa and the third-largest in the Arab world. Its population is over 49 million. The defense budget of the Republic of Sudan is around $300 million.

The country’s oil reserves produce almost 5 billion barrels of oil, which is essential for its military. Sudan's Air Force has 170 aircraft, while the Naval Forces have 12 assets. Meanwhile, the Land Forces have 233 tanks, 3,648 vehicles, 75 self-propelled artillery, 125 towed artillery, and 343 MLRS (rocket artillery).

The Sudanese flag is representative of pan-Arabism, which symbolizes the unity of Arab nations in the Middle East.

9. Tunisia - 1.2881

• PowerIndex score - 1.2881
• Estimated defense budget - $1.26 billion
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 101,800
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 7,500
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 4,500
• Army personnel (approx.) - 150,000

The Republic of Tunisia is among the top 10 most powerful African countries. It has an estimated population of 12 million. The Air Force has 155 aircraft, while the Naval Forces have 52 assets.

Meanwhile, the Land Forces have 140 tanks, 6,400 vehicles, 48 self-propelled artillery, and 60 towed artillery. They do not have MLRS (rocket artillery).

The flag of Tunisia strongly resembles that of the Ottoman Empire, representing the historical link between the two nations. The red color also represents the blood the Tunisian people shed when they fought against the Ottoman Empire in 1574.

8. Democratic Republic of Congo - 1.2491

• PowerIndex score - 1.2491
• Estimated defense budget - $300 million
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 207,580
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 6,500
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 4,000
• Army personnel (approx.) - 140,000

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the 15th most populous country globally. Its estimated population is 12 million. The Air Force has 155 aircraft, while the Naval Forces have 52 assets.

On the other hand, DRC's Land Forces have 210 tanks, 15 self-propelled artillery, 458 vehicles, 120 towed artillery, and 50 MLRS (rocket artillery). DRC's oil reserves have roughly 180 million barrels, which can comfortably serve the military machines.

Each color of the DRC flag symbolizes a historical aspect of the country. Blue represents peace, red stands for "the blood of the country's martyrs," yellow represents the country's wealth, and the star symbolizes the country's future.

7. Morocco - 1.0081

• PowerIndex score - 1.0081
• Estimated defense budget - $12.08 billion
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 395,800
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 7,800
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 13,500
• Army personnel (approx.) - 175,000

The Kingdom of Morocco is also among the most powerful countries in Africa, with an approximate population of 38 million.

Morocco has one of Africa’s best-trained armies. Its ground forces have 1,564 tanks, 565 self-propelled artillery, 13,710 vehicles, 306 towed artillery, and 208 MLRS (rocket artillery). The Air Force has 255 aircraft, while the naval force has 121 assets.

The flag of Morocco has a green pentacle star known as Sulayman's (Solomon's) seal. It represents the five pillars of Islam and signifies the association between God and the country. Meanwhile, the red represents unity and the blood of their ancestors. Moroccans proclaim to be descendants of the royal 'Alawid dynasty.

6. Angola - 0.8702

• PowerIndex score - 0.8702
• Estimated defense budget - $1.62 billion
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 117,000
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 1,000
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 6,000
• Army personnel (approx.) - 100,000

The Republic of Angola's estimated population is 36 million. It is the seventh-largest country on the continent, and its military is one of Africa's strongest.

The Republic of Angola's Air Force has 297 aircraft, the Navy has 40 assets, and the Land Forces have 310 tanks, 28 self-propelled artillery, 5,500 vehicles, 552 towed artillery, and 123 MLRS (rocket artillery).

The flag of Angola reflects that of its ruling political party. It is the only flag that the nation has used since it became independent of Portugal. Several proposed flags have gained some support during the nation's recent history.

The flag of Angola reflects that of its ruling political party. It is the only flag that the nation has used since it became independent of Portugal. Several proposed flags have gained some support during the nation's recent history.

The emblem's cogwheel represents laborers and industrial production; the machete symbolizes peasants, agricultural production, and the country's armed struggle; the star stands for international solidarity and progress; and the yellow color represents Angola's affluence.

5. Ethiopia - 0.7938

• PowerIndex score -0.7938
• Estimated defense budget - $888.10 million
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 162,000
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 10,000
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 5,000
• Army personnel (approx.) - 75,000

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has an approximate population of 116 million. The Land Forces have 680 tanks, 65 self-propelled artillery, 10,028 vehicles, 48 towed artillery, and 79 MLRS (rocket artillery). The Air Force has 91 aircraft.

Ethiopia has one of the most powerful militaries in Africa, and its flag design can trace its heritage back to the days of the Ethiopian Empire when Ethiopia was one of the few African nations to resist European attempts to take power.

4. Nigeria - 0.5619

• PowerIndex score - 0.5619
• Estimated defense budget - $4.00 billion
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 280,000
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 5,500
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 15,000
• Army personnel (approx.) - 65,000

The Federal Republic of Nigeria has the strongest military in West Africa. Its approximate population of 231 million makes it the seventh most populous nation globally.

The Air Force has 141 aircraft, while the Naval Forces have 133 assets. Meanwhile, the Land Forces have 343 tanks, 32 self-propelled artillery, 6,404 vehicles, 339 towed artillery, and 37 MLRS (rocket artillery).

The country's oil reserves produce 37.06 billion barrels of oil, which the military can comfortably rely on. The Nigerian flag is a vertical bicolor triband of green, white, and green. The two green stripes represent Nigeria's natural wealth, while the white band represents peace.

3. South Africa - 0.4632

• PowerIndex score - 0.4632
• Estimated defense budget - $2.70 billion
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 150,585
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 7,887
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 13,815
• Army personnel (approx.) - 62,800

The Republic of South Africa has the third strongest army in Africa. The country has over 58 million people. Its Naval Force has 47 assets, while the Air Force has 194 aircraft.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Land Forces have 195 tanks, 49 self-propelled artillery, 12,140 vehicles, 104 towed artillery, and 101 MLRS (rocket artillery).

SA is also among the wealthiest countries in Africa. It has many minerals, including diamonds, gold, and oil. Its oil reserves, which total around 15 million barrels, can adequately support its military machines.

2. Algeria - 0.3589

• PowerIndex score - 0.3589
• Estimated defense budget - $21.60 billion
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 610,000
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 6,000
• Air Force personnel (approx.) -14,000
• Army personnel (approx.) - 182,500

The People's Democratic Republic of Algeria has about 46 million people. The Algerian ground forces have 1,632 tanks, 224 self-propelled artillery, 35,990 vehicles, 483 towed artillery, and 236 MLRS (rocket artillery).

Meanwhile, the Air Force has 605 aircraft, and the Naval Forces have 213 assets. In addition, Algeria has enough oil to power its military machines. The country produces 12.2 billion barrels from its oil reserves.

The Algerian flag aims to highlight the country's cultural heritage. Green represents Islam, and white represents purity.

1. Egypt - 0.2283

• PowerIndex score - 0.2283
• Estimated defense budget - $9.40 billion
• Total military personnel (approx.) - 1,220,000
• Navy personnel (approx.) - 32,500
• Air Force personnel (approx.) - 50,000
• Army personnel (approx.) - 685,000

The Arab Republic of Egypt is the most powerful country in Africa in terms of military size and assets. The country has about 110 million inhabitants.

Egypt's military population is approximately 1,220,000. The Air Force has 1,080 aircraft, and the Navy has 140 assets. Meanwhile, the Land Forces have 5,340 tanks, 77,596 vehicles, 1,489 self-propelled artillery, 1,557 towed artillery, and 1,119 MLRS (rocket artillery).

The red band on Egypt's national flag symbolizes the Egyptians' blood in the war against colonization. White represents the purity of the Egyptians' hearts. The Black below the white symbolizes how they overcame the darkness.

What are the strongest militaries in Africa in 2024?

Egypt is the most powerful country in Africa in terms of military size and assets. It has approximately 1,220,000 military personnel.

Which country has the most powerful army in Africa?

Egypt has the strongest military in Africa. The Air Force has 1,080 aircraft, and the Navy has 140 assets. Meanwhile, the Land Forces have 5,340 tanks, 77,596 vehicles, 1,489 self-propelled artillery, 1,557 towed artillery, and 1,119 MLRS (rocket artillery).

Which country has the most powerful military in Africa?

According to Globalfirepower.com's PowerIndex report, Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ethiopia are the five most powerful African countries by military size and assets.

What was the most powerful African country ever?

Ancient Africa was dominated by some of the world's most influential civilizations. The most powerful states were the Kingdom of Kush in North Africa and the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai Empires in West Africa.

Who was the greatest king in African history?

Mansa Musa is the greatest king in African history. He was the ninth Mansa of the Mali Empire from 1312 to 1337, during which time the kingdom reached its territorial peak.

Who was the greatest African conqueror?

Shaka was the greatest conqueror in African history. He was born in 1787 and was the Zulu chief from 1816 to 1828. Shaka died on September 22, 1828, and is regarded as the founder of Southern Africa's Zulu Empire.

Which African kingdom was the most powerful?

The Songhai Empire was mighty between the years 1000 and 1591. Before colonization, it was the biggest state in Africa, and Timbuktu was one of its most notable cities. The city was a hub for education in the kingdom.

The most powerful countries in Africa have lots of oil and other minerals. They also have some of the best infrastructures and social amenities. The Internet and technological advancement are at their peak in these countries.

Briefly.co.za listed the best countries to immigrate to in Africa. Their governments have set up measures that promote foreign investors as workers.

These countries are endowed with opportunities that professionals can explore. They also have a great history of economic and political stability, which allows foreigners to thrive.

Source: Briefly News