As Africa enters 2026, the continent continues to witness significant military developments, reflecting ongoing regional conflicts, counter-terrorism campaigns, and strategic security operations. From North Africa to the Horn of Africa, countries are investing heavily in personnel, equipment, and technology to strengthen their armed forces.

Global Firepower (GFP) has ranked African militaries using a Power Index, which considers over 60 factors including manpower, equipment, financial resources, and strategic capability.

Here are the 10 most powerful militaries in Africa in 2026:

1. Egypt

Egypt leads Africa’s military ranking with a Power Index score of 0.3651, placing it 19th globally.

  • Manpower: 45,611,372 available personnel

  • Strength: A balanced military with advanced air and naval forces, strategic location, and strong international defense partnerships with the US, France, and Russia.

2. Algeria

Algeria is a major North African military power with a Power Index score of 0.4849 (27th globally).

  • Manpower: 22,570,787

  • Strength: Robust territorial security, Russian-sourced aircraft and equipment, and an emphasis on regional surveillance and counterterrorism.

3. Nigeria

Nigeria ranks 33rd globally with a Power Index score of 0.6097.

  • Manpower: 125,475,979 (largest in Africa)

  • Strength: A well-resourced military for internal security, counter-insurgency, and regional peacekeeping.

4. South Africa

South Africa is 40th globally with a Power Index score of 0.6843.

  • Manpower: 27,803,618

  • Strength: Professional force, advanced training, technology-focused military, and key regional peacekeeping role.

5. Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a Power Index score of 0.8525, ranking 47th globally.

  • Manpower: 56,904,143

  • Strength: Large population pool, strategic Horn of Africa location, and growing influence in regional security initiatives.

6. Morocco

Morocco ranks 56th globally with a Power Index score of 1.0368.

  • Manpower: 17,946,041

  • Strength: Well-structured military supported by steady investment and strategic importance in North Africa.

7. Angola

Angola ranks 59th globally with a Power Index score of 1.1045.

  • Manpower: 7,440,412

  • Strength: Relatively small but highly organized and efficient force relying on equipment strength over sheer numbers.

8. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

DRC is 64th globally with a Power Index score of 1.3051.

  • Manpower: 39,237,029

  • Strength: Vast territory, mineral resources, and human depth despite security challenges.

9. Sudan

Sudan ranks 66th globally with a Power Index score of 1.3563.

  • Manpower: 26,747,657

  • Strength: Historical experience, regional security focus, and a significant force structure in Northeast Africa.

10. Tunisia

Tunisia closes Africa’s top 10 with a Power Index score of 1.7823, ranking 79th globally.

  • Manpower: 6,024,424

  • Strength: Professional, highly efficient, and technologically competent military despite smaller size.

Africa’s most powerful militaries are concentrated in North and West Africa, with Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria leading the continent. These rankings reflect a combination of manpower, equipment, strategic influence, and operational readiness across different terrains and security challenges.