Africa's complex security landscape, marked by internal conflicts, terrorism, and insurgency, has led to a strategic rethink of defense budgets across the continent. According to Global Firepower's 2025 rankings, the top 10 African countries with the highest defense budgets have been revealed, with Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt leading the pack.

The list highlights the significant investments made by North African nations in their defense capabilities, with a focus on advanced military capabilities and regional stability. Algeria, with a defense budget of $25 billion, tops the list, followed by Morocco with $13.4 billion, and Egypt with $5.9 billion. These investments are driven by their strategic geopolitical roles and security challenges, including terrorism and territorial disputes.

In contrast, many sub-Saharan countries allocate lower defense budgets, limiting their ability to modernize equipment and address security threats effectively. Nigeria, with a defense budget of $3.1 billion, ranks fourth, while South Africa, with a budget of $2.3 billion, ranks sixth. The disparity in defense budgets has a significant impact on regional military balance and underscores the need for equitable resource allocation to strengthen security cooperation across Africa.

The continent faces a dual threat: external aggression, including border disputes, and internal security challenges, such as terrorism and insurgency. The situation worsened in 2024, with escalating crises in Sudan, rising tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, and militant expansion in the Sahel region. In West Africa, the long-standing conflicts in Mali, ongoing for over a decade, are now spilling across its borders as military-led governments expel French and U.S. troops from their territories.

Nigeria continues to grapple with attacks from Boko Haram and ISWAP-linked terrorists, which its security agencies have steadily repelled. A well-funded military remains critical in enabling nations to respond swiftly and effectively to such threats, reducing the risk of destabilization. Enhancing defense budgets will enable African nations to strengthen their military capabilities, safeguard sovereignty, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain internal peace.

The ranking highlights the importance of defense budgets in maintaining regional stability and addressing internal security challenges. As the continent continues to navigate its complex security landscape, it is essential for African nations to prioritize their defense capabilities and work towards strengthening security cooperation across the region.

Below is the complete list of the top 10 African countries with the highest defense budgets in 2025:

1. Algeria - $25 billion

2. Morocco - $13.4 billion

3. Egypt - $5.9 billion

4. Nigeria - $3.1 billion

5. Libya - $3.0 billion

6. South Africa - $2.3 billion

7. Ethiopia - $2.1 billion

8. Tanzania - $1.4 billion

9. Tunisia - $1.4 billion

10. Kenya - $1.3 billion

The full report by Global Firepower provides a comprehensive analysis of defense spending budgets for each country, encompassing funds allocated for procurement, maintenance, support, and pensions within their defense forces.