A recent global power ranking of 145 nations reveals that there is no direct correlation between a country’s economy, population size, and its military strength. Some nations with smaller economies allocate significant resources to their defense, prioritizing military strength as a key aspect of their national security.
The 2024 Global Fire Power Index assesses military rankings based on over 60 factors, including unit numbers, financial capabilities, logistics, and geography. This means that technologically advanced but smaller nations can compete with larger, less developed ones. Below is a list of the top 10 African countries with the largest armies in 2024, based on active military personnel.
1. Egypt
As Africa’s most formidable military force, Egypt boasts an army of 440,000 active soldiers. In addition to this, it has 300,000 paramilitary personnel and 480,000 reserve troops, bringing its total military personnel to 1.2 million.
- Global Rank: 15th
- Annual Defense Budget: $9.4 billion
2. Algeria
Algeria follows closely behind Egypt in terms of military strength, with 325,000 active soldiers. It also maintains 135,000 reserve forces and 150,000 paramilitary personnel, bringing its total military strength to 610,000 personnel.
- Global Rank: Not specified
- Annual Defense Budget: $21.6 billion
3. Nigeria
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has a total of 280,000 military personnel. This includes 230,000 active soldiers and 50,000 paramilitary personnel, with no reserve force.
- Global Rank: 39th
- Annual Defense Budget: $4 billion
- Military-Age Population Annually: 4.15 million individuals
4. Morocco
Morocco’s armed forces include 195,800 active soldiers, 150,000 reserve troops, and 50,000 paramilitary personnel, totaling 395,800 personnel.
- Global Rank: 61st
- Annual Defense Budget: $12 billion
5. South Sudan
Despite being a relatively young nation, South Sudan maintains an army of 185,000 active soldiers. However, it does not have reserve forces or paramilitary units.
- Global Rank: 119th
- Annual Defense Budget: $302 million
6. Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo)
The DR Congo has a total military force of 207,580 personnel, consisting of 166,580 active soldiers, 31,000 reserves, and 10,000 paramilitary personnel.
- Global Rank: 73rd
- Annual Defense Budget: $300 million
- Military-Age Population Annually: 2.46 million individuals
7. Ethiopia
Ethiopia maintains an active military force of 162,000 personnel, with no reserve units or paramilitaries. The country has one of the largest pools of individuals reaching military age annually.
- Global Rank: 49th
- Annual Defense Budget: $888 million
- Military-Age Population Annually: 2.67 million individuals
8. Angola
Angola has a military force comprising 117,000 personnel, including 107,000 active soldiers and 10,000 paramilitary personnel. The country does not have any reserve forces.
- Global Rank: 55th
9. Sudan
With 194,500 total military personnel, Sudan’s armed forces consist of 92,000 active soldiers, 85,000 reserves, and 17,500 paramilitary personnel. Despite the ongoing civil conflict, the country has a large number of young men reaching military age annually.
- Global Rank: 76th
- Annual Defense Budget: $300 million
- Military-Age Population Annually: 1.27 million individuals
10. Tunisia
Tunisia rounds out the top ten with 101,800 military personnel. Of these, 89,800 serve actively, while 12,000 belong to paramilitary forces. The country does not maintain any reserve troops.
- Global Rank: 74th
- Annual Defense Budget: $1.26 billion
Conclusion
Africa’s military landscape is diverse, with countries investing in defense according to their national priorities. While Egypt leads the continent in sheer numbers and strength, countries like Algeria and Nigeria continue to build formidable forces. Despite economic constraints, many nations maintain large military personnel numbers to bolster national security and defense capabilities. The Global Fire Power Index highlights how different factors contribute to military strength, emphasizing the strategic importance of well-equipped and sizable armed forces in maintaining stability and sovereignty.
