Nigeria has been named the third most powerful military force in Africa, according to the latest Global Firepower Military Strength Index released this week. The ranking, which assesses 145 nations worldwide, analyzes factors such as troop size, weaponry, defense budgets, supply chains, and geographic conditions.
Egypt retained its position as Africa’s top military power, with Algeria taking second place. Nigeria’s climb to third reflects increased defense spending, expanded troop training, and intensified counter-terrorism operations. South Africa followed closely in fourth.
The 2025 index places Egypt at 19th globally, Algeria at 26th, and Nigeria at 31st. South Africa ranks 40th, followed by Ethiopia at 52nd, Angola at 56th, and Morocco at 59th. Other African countries included in the index are the Democratic Republic of the Congo at 66, Sudan at 73, Libya at 76, Kenya at 83, Chad at 84, Mozambique at 89, Tunisia at 90, Tanzania at 92, and Cameroon at 93.
Ivory Coast ranks 102nd, Mali 104th, Zambia 109th, Ghana 110th, Zimbabwe 111th, South Sudan 113th, and Uganda 114th. Namibia appears at 116, Niger at 119, Eritrea at 120, and the Republic of the Congo at 121. Botswana is ranked 122nd, Mauritania 123rd, Senegal 125th, Burkina Faso 129th, Madagascar 130th, Gabon 133rd, Liberia 138th, Sierra Leone 140th, Somalia 142nd, the Central African Republic 143rd, and Benin 144th.
The report highlights Nigeria’s strengthened military profile amid ongoing security challenges, though it still trails North African giants Egypt and Algeria in overall capability.
