Defense Budgets in Africa 2025: North Africa Leads the Arms Race
Algeria Tops Africa in Defense Spending for 2025
According to the Global Firepower report for 2025, Algeria ranks first among African countries in defense budgets, with expenditures reaching $25 billion. This figure represents 21% of the country’s GDP, placing Algeria 21st globally. The 10% increase compared to the previous year underscores Algeria’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities, despite the absence of direct threats along its borders.
Sefrou Press
Morocco Secures Second Place with a Strategic Budget
Morocco ranks second in Africa with a defense budget of $13.4 billion, positioning it 27th globally. Morocco’s defense strategy emphasizes quality in military equipment, with significant investments in domestic defense industries and the establishment of industrial acceleration zones to attract global companies.
Egypt’s Decline Despite Its Military Strength
Egypt comes in third with a defense budget of $5.9 billion, despite having the largest army on the continent. This decline is attributed to economic challenges and rising debt from large-scale infrastructure projects.
Defense Budgets of Other African Nations
Other African countries follow with smaller budgets: Nigeria ($3.16 billion), Libya ($3.06 billion), South Africa ($2.27 billion), Ethiopia ($2.1 billion), along with Tanzania, Tunisia, and Kenya. These budgets reflect responses to security challenges such as terrorism, border disputes, and armed insurgencies.