Top 10 African countries with the most powerful militaries in 2026

From the ongoing, multifaceted campaigns to combat the persistent scourge of terrorism in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, to the localized conflicts stemming from internal disputes and cross-border skirmishes, the continent is experiencing more than its fair share of fighting.

Burkina Faso has arrested its former head of state for allegedly plotting to unseat the country’s current administration under the junta leader, Ibrahim Traore.

M23 rebels have reoccupied the small town of Uvira, which they seized and exited in December, at the request of the United States.

Ethiopia revealed its intent to go beyond not only being an economic and political partner in the BRICS alliance by pursuing a more significant position in military cooperation.

Nigeria received a new batch of military supplies from the United States, reinforcing bilateral security cooperation after Trump launched an attack against ISIS in the Northwestern state of Sokoto.

These complications and more necessitate an examination of which African country possesses the most formidable military, one optimally equipped to counter terrorist threats, repel foreign incursions, and engage in conventional warfare if the situation demands it.

Global Firepower (GFP) has released its 2026 Global Firepower ranking, utilizing over 60 different factors to determine which countries have the strongest military power.

Below are the 10 African countries with the strongest military power according to GFP’s index.

Egypt dominates Africa’s military ranks, with one of the continent’s most formidable and well-organized armed forces.

The North African nation has a Power Index score of 0.3651, ranking 19th globally, reflecting its solid mix of people, equipment, and strategic capabilities.

Egypt’s military strength is bolstered by its huge available manpower of 45.611,372 million people, making it one of the continent’s most robust recruitment pools.

Together with its regionally influential air and naval forces, Egypt’s personnel advantage enables it to sustain large-scale operations, maintain preparedness, and project influence both inside Africa and throughout the Middle East.

Another North African country, Algeria, has one of Africa’s most formidable armed forces, bolstered by a robust defense posture and a focus on territorial security.

The North African country has a Power Index score of 0.4849, ranking 27th globally, indicating its capacity to maintain a powerful and well-organized military force.

Algeria’s military strength is built on its large available workforce of 22.570,787 million people, which provides the country with a strong recruitment base to support both active service and long-term force sustainability.

Nigeria is one of Africa’s most powerful military powers, thanks largely to its size and strategic importance.

The West African giant has a Power Index score of 0.6097, ranking 33rd globally, reflecting its expanding defense capabilities and operational reach in West Africa.

Nigeria’s military edge is bolstered by its massive available manpower of 125,475,979 people, the greatest on the continent.

This enormous recruitment pool enables Nigeria to support prolonged operations and maintain a central role in regional security and peacekeeping efforts.

South Africa remains an important military power on the African continent, with a professional force structure and advanced defensive capabilities.

The country’s 2026 Power Index score comes in at 0.6843, making it rank 40th globally, demonstrating its emphasis on quality, training, and technological sophistication over mere numbers.

South Africa’s military might is bolstered by a personnel pool of 27,803,618 people, which provides enough depth to continue operations while keeping a highly trained core.

Ethiopia is one of Africa’s most powerful militaries, thanks to its vast population and strategic location in the Horn of Africa.

Ethiopia boasts a Power Index score of 0.8525, ranking 47th globally, indicating its ability to field and sustain large armed forces.

Ethiopia’s military strength is bolstered by its available manpower of 56,904,143 people, which is one of the continent’s largest.

Morocco has one of Africa’s most significant armed forces, which is supported by consistent investment and a well-structured defense architecture.

The North African country has a Power Index score of 1.0368, ranking 56th globally, reflecting its balanced military capabilities and key position in North Africa.

Morocco’s armed forces are supported by a manpower pool of 17,946,041 personnel, which provides the depth required to maintain operational readiness in the larger Middle East and North African (MENA) region.

Despite having a relatively small military force, Angola is one of Africa’s strongest.

The Southern African nation has a Power Index score of 1.1045, ranking 59th globally, reflecting its ability to retain credible military strength in relation to its size.

However, Angola’s available manpower of 7,440,412 people is one of the lowest among Africa’s leading military forces.

This makes force efficiency and equipment strength even more important, as the country relies on organization and capacity rather than sheer troop numbers to maintain its defense posture.

The country has a Power Index score of 1.3051, ranking 64th globally, indicating its relative military strength despite ongoing security threats.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s armed forces are supported by a manpower pool of 39,237,029 people, providing them tremendous human depth when compared to their peers.

Sudan maintains a strong military presence in Northeast Africa, with forces shaped by both historical experience and regional security demands.

The country has a Power Index score of 1.3563, ranking 66th globally, demonstrating its capacity to project power despite persisting internal issues.

Sudan’s military has an accessible manpower pool of 26,747,657 individuals, which is sufficient to support both active and reserve forces.

Tunisia rounds out Africa’s most formidable military, retaining a professional force despite its relatively small size.

The country has a Power Index score of 1.7823, ranking 79th globally.

Tunisia’s available manpower of 6,024,424 personnel is the lowest among the continent’s top ten military forces, making efficiency, training, and technological competence crucial to maintaining its defense posture.