In the wake of a recent attempted coup in Benin Republic, which was quickly foiled by the country’s armed forces, Nigeria, the African Union (AU), and ECOWAS condemned the act and emphasized the importance of regional security. The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that fighter jets were deployed to Benin under the ECOWAS Standby Forces (ESF) to support stability and coordinate with local authorities.

According to the 2025 Global Firepower Military Strength Index, which ranks 145 countries worldwide based on their military capabilities, Nigeria ranks third in Africa, behind only Egypt and Algeria.

Here are the ten African countries with the strongest militaries:

1. Egypt
   • Africa Rank: 1 | Global Rank: 19
   • The Egyptian Armed Forces include the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Air Defense. The country has heavily invested in modern equipment and infrastructure, maintaining a large arsenal of tanks, aircraft, and naval assets. Egypt also receives significant foreign military aid, including $1.85 billion annually from the U.S.
2. Algeria
   • Africa Rank: 2 | Global Rank: 26
   • Algeria’s military strength is supported by oil revenues, which fund advanced weaponry and training. The country focuses on border security, counterterrorism, and maintaining strong air and land forces.
3. Nigeria
   • Africa Rank: 3 | Global Rank: 31
   • Nigeria has invested significantly in its armed forces to combat insurgency and terrorism. Its military includes a large number of active personnel, armored vehicles, and aircraft.
4. South Africa
   • Africa Rank: 4 | Global Rank: 40
   • South Africa has an advanced defense industry that produces much of its military equipment. However, budget constraints have limited further expansion and modernization.
5. Ethiopia
   • Africa Rank: 5 | Global Rank: 52
   • Ethiopia maintains a large standing army focused on regional security, particularly conflicts in the Horn of Africa, despite economic challenges.
6. Angola
   • Africa Rank: 6 | Global Rank: 56
   • Funded by oil revenues, Angola has modernized its armed forces to address internal security challenges.
7. Morocco
   • Africa Rank: 7 | Global Rank: 59
   • Morocco has invested in modern military equipment, focusing on border security and counterterrorism. It also maintains strong defense cooperation with Western nations.
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
   • Africa Rank: 8 | Global Rank: 66
   • Despite internal conflicts, the DRC is stabilizing its military capabilities through international partnerships and increased investment.
9. Sudan
   • Africa Rank: 9 | Global Rank: 73
   • Sudan’s military faces challenges due to ongoing political instability but continues to prioritize territorial integrity.
10. Libya

• Africa Rank: 10 | Global Rank: 76
• Libya’s military strength has been affected by years of civil conflict but remains strategically important due to its geographic location and natural resources.

These rankings highlight the military capabilities of African nations amid regional security challenges, including recent coup attempts and ongoing conflicts across the continent.