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Top 10 African Countries With The Strongest Military

Published

10 months ago

November 4, 2024

Nigeria, boasting Africa’s largest population and a rapidly advancing defense sector, sits in the fourth position among the countries on the continent with the strongest military forces.

This is highlighted in a recent Global Firepower (GFP) index.

The GFP index measures military strength by evaluating elements such as technological sophistication, defense budget, equipment quality, logistics, natural resources, and force numbers.

Here are the top 10 African countries with the strongest military

1. Egypt

Egypt currently holds Africa’s most powerful military due to its production of cutting-edge technology weapons, its sizable workforce, exceptional naval and aircraft capabilities, and substantial defense budget.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi oversaw a significant upgrade in the country’s military capabilities and weapon modernization. Strong international partnerships boost the armed forces, allowing for increased preparedness and flexibility. Together with its vast resources and connections, the country ranked 15th in the world and first in Africa

2. Algeria

The North African country ranked 26th in the world, and 2nd in Africa acquired the Russian Iskander-E short-range ballistic missile system has been seen for the first time in Algeria, ahead of the military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Algerian Revolution. This sighting confirms Algeria’s acquisition of the Iskander after years of speculation and marks the first time this missile system has appeared in the arsenal of an Arab country. The Arab country received four regiments of the Iskander-E between 2014 and 2017, comprising around 50 vehicles and 48 missiles per regiment, including 12 launchers, 12 transporter-loaders, 11 command vehicles, and various support vehicles to add to its arsenal in 2024.

3. South Africa

According to the most recent numbers from the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), the South African defense sector exported R3.3 billion worth of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment to 67 nations worldwide in 2022.

Despite having a relatively small defense budget in contrast to other major African countries, South Africa’s military ranks 33rd in the world and third in Africa. South Africa is known for its cutting-edge equipment and highly skilled soldiers because it uses its resources to maintain a strong military force while prioritizing internal security and peacekeeping activities.

4. Nigeria

Nigeria, ranked 39th in the world and 4th in Africa, is a key player in the security environment of West Africa because of its continuous investment in its armed forces and modernization. Nigeria is actively involved in internal security, especially in the fight against insurgencies in the northeast, and has been crucial in regional peacekeeping.

The country has spent no less than N63.6 billion to procure various equipment and ammunition for the Nigerian military and the Office of the National Security Adviser between January and July 2024. Allotted N11.72bn in 2020, N10.78bn in 2021, N9.64bn in 2022, N47.02bn, and a supplementary budget of N184.25bn in 2023, making a total of N231.27bn.

5. Ethiopia

Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) recently enhanced its defence capabilities by taking delivery of hundreds of Calidus MCAV-20 armored vehicles provided by the United Arab Emirates in 2024.

Ethiopia’s military has a wealth of combat experience thanks to its continuous border disputes with its neighbours despite having a lower defense budget than other highly ranked African countries. Ethiopia, known for its strong ground capabilities, is ranked 49th in the world and 5th in Africa, and its concentration on a powerful land military allows it to successfully address regional security challenges.

6. Angola

Angola’s well-funded military, ranked 55th in the world, prioritizes air and ground defence assets.
The nation’s large investments in updating military hardware are made possible by its huge oil earnings. In June 2024, the county purchased defense logistics vehicles, General Motors Defence light tactical vehicles, and other equipment from the United States. Angola’s military readiness and operational capacity are further enhanced by its comparatively high active manpower numbers.

7. Morocco

Morocco’s military, which is ranked 61st in the world, is highly skilled and well-equipped, with specializations in the ground and air forces thanks to its collaboration with U.S. Security. Morocco’s air force has 255 aircraft, including 83 fighters, 71 training aircraft, two fleets of air tankers, and 70 helicopters. Also, 1,564 tanks, 13,710 military vehicles, 565 self-propelled artillery elements, 306 towed artillery elements and 208 rocket artillery elements.

The United States works closely with Morocco to promote regional stability, and counter-terrorism, with a shared goal of a stable, secure, and prosperous Middle East and North Africa.

8. Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo received military equipment from Turkey in 2024, shortly after the UN arms embargo was abolished, allowing Congo to purchase weapons on the worldwide market. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), rated 73rd in the world, has recently increased its military fleet to meet the demands of its ground forces despite several challenges, such as internal wars and regional instability.

9. Tunisia

Tunisia is ranked 74th in the world with support from the US and the acquisition of the Chinese-made Dongfeng Mengshi CSK-131 armoured tactical vehicles to enable its skilled and well-trained military that prioritizes preserving internal security and combating regional threats.

The Tunisia army has a total of 84 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) including 30 American M60A1 and 54 M60A3. A total of 48 Austrian light tank SK-105 Kürassier armed with a 105mm cannon are also part of the current combat tracked vehicles in service with the Tunisian armed forces.

The military’s dedication to security and stability is essential to Tunisia’s continuous attempts to protect its interests as a nation and promote peace in the region.

10. Sudan

Sudan has received weapons from companies in China, Iran, Russia, Serbia, and the UAE to strengthen its artillery since the crisis escalated in April 2023, according to HRW.

Sudan, rated 76th in the world, has a substantial standing army with extensive ground combat experience as a result of internal conflict and regional instability. Sudan’s military forces’ capacity to undertake both air and ground operations allows them to respond quickly to emerging threats. Despite dealing with complex political and security difficulties, Sudan maintains a significant military presence in the region due to its extensive experience and manpower.

Headline

Ex-World Boxing Champion, Ricky Hatton, Is Dead

Published

8 hours ago

September 14, 2025

Editor

Former world boxing champion, Ricky Hatton, has died at the age of 46.

Hatton’s body was found at his home in Manchester on Sunday.

Speaking on the incident, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said, “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today (Sunday) where they found the body of a 46-year-old man.

“There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances,” the spokesperson said.

Hatton, who won 45 of his 48 professional bouts across an esteemed 15-year career, last fought professionally in 2012.

He earned notable world title wins over Russia’s Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, before defeats by Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio.

Hatton, who announced his comeback in July was scheduled to fight Eisa Al Dah at middleweight on 2 December in Dubai.

Headline

Nigerians Who Have Broken Guinness World Records

Published

1 day ago

September 13, 2025

Editor

Over the years, Nigerians have made their mark on the global stage by setting and breaking Guinness World Records across diverse fields.

Here are ten Nigerians who have earned a place in the Guinness World Records:

1. Hilda Baci – Longest Cooking Marathon

Celebrity chef Hilda Baci captured national and international attention in May 2023 after cooking for 100 hours, setting the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. Though her record was later surpassed, Baci has remained at the forefront of culinary challenges.

At the time of writing this report, Baci is attempting to cook the largest pot of Jollof rice in collaboration with a food brand.

2. Tunde Onakoya – Longest Chess Marathon

Chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, etched his name in history on April 17, 2025, after playing non-stop chess for 64 hours in New York, USA. His successful attempt came a year after an earlier effort, which, though unsuccessful in breaking the record, raised over $100,000 for his charity initiative. The 64-hour duration was symbolic, representing the total number of squares on a chessboard.

3. Ojumola Bello – Longest Acting Marathon

Nollywood actress
Ojumola Bello made history in September 2024 when she completed 139 hours and 19 minutes of non-stop acting. The marathon, held at Pent View Hotel in Ikorodu, ran from September 22 to 27, making her the first Nigerian actress to secure such a feat in the global records.

4. Helen Williams – Longest Handmade Wig

Helen Williams is a professional wig maker based in Lagos who turned her craft into a world-class achievement. At just 31, she entered the Guinness World Records in July 2023 with the longest handmade wig, measuring 351.28 metres longer than the Eiffel Tower. Her record reflects not only skill and creativity but also Nigeria’s growing influence in the global beauty and fashion industry.

5. Divine Ikubor (REMA)

Divine Ikubor, professionally known as Rema, is a Nigerian Afrobeats star whose global rise has redefined the country’s music scene. In May 2023, he made history as the first artist to top the MENA charts, earning a Guinness World Records title. His breakout hit Calm Down, released on February 11, 2022, quickly became one of the fastest songs to surpass 100 million streams on Spotify, cementing his status as one of Africa’s most influential young artists.

6. Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau – Longest Dance Party

Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, is Nigeria’s most celebrated dancer, choreographer, and fitness coach. She rose to international fame in 2006 after leading a team to break the Guinness World Record for the longest dance party during the Nokia Silverbird Danceathon. Today, she remains a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and a role model for young African performers.

7. Wizkid – One Billion Streams

Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, one of Nigeria’s most internationally recognized musicians, came to the Guinness World Record spotlight when he featured on Drake’s hit single One Dance, which became the first track to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. The song was released on December 16, 2016.

One Dance marked a significant moment in global music, further solidifying Wizkid’s place in the international music scene. With the song, Wizkid became the first Afrobeats artist to achieve one billion streams on Spotify.

8. Lucy Ejike – Heaviest Powerlifter

Lucy Ejike is a decorated Nigerian Paralympian and one of the country’s most celebrated powerlifters. She made history at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games by lifting 142 kg in the -61 kg category, setting a Guinness World Record for the heaviest powerlift by a female athlete in that division. Her dominance in the sport stretches back to the Athens 2004 Paralympics, where her 127.5 kg lift in the -44 kg class secured gold and established a record that still stands today.

9. Fela Kuti – Most Studio Albums Recorded By A Solo Artist

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the legendary Afrobeat pioneer, holds a Guinness World Records title for the most studio albums recorded by a solo artist. Between 1969 and 1992, he released 46 albums over a 23-year career, leaving behind a body of work that continues to shape global music and political activism.

10. Adeoye Ajibola – Paralympic Athletes

Adeoye Ajibola, a Nigerian Paralympic sprinter, made history at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympic Games when he ran the men’s 100 metres in 10.72 seconds. Competing in the T46 classification for athletes with limb impairments, he set a Guinness World Records mark and remains celebrated as one of Nigeria’s greatest Paralympic athletes.

11. Joy Onaolapo – Paralympic powerlifter

Joy Onaolapo was a Nigerian Paralympic powerlifter who delivered an unforgettable performance at the London 2012 Games. On September 1, she won a gold medal in the women’s -52 kg category after lifting 131 kg, a feat that secured her place in the Guinness World Records, among Nigeria’s sporting legends and inspired future generations of para-athletes.

Headline

What To Know About Albania’s AI Minister, Diella

Published

1 day ago

September 13, 2025

Editor

Albania’s government has introduced Diella, an AI-generated virtual cabinet member tasked with public procurement. A world-first move that’s already drawing big praise and big questions.

Nigerian Tribune reports that Prime Minister Edi Rama unveiled Diella on Friday as a virtual member of the government, describing her as a cabinet member “not present physically but created virtually,” adding that she would help ensure public tenders remain free of corruption while making government operations more efficient and transparent.

Below are ten most important, sourced facts and the key open questions to watch out for.

1. Diella as an AI

Diella is a computer system presented as an animated avatar (shown in traditional Albanian dress) and introduced by Prime Minister Edi Rama as a cabinet “member” created by AI rather than a flesh-and-blood minister.

2. Official role and timing

The government
appointed Diella to take responsibility for public procurement when the new cabinet was presented in mid-September 2025. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Edi Rama.

3. Where Diella came from

Diella evolved from a virtual assistant on the government e-Albania portal (AKSHI’s platform). The system was developed by Albania’s National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI) and expanded into a cabinet-level AI.

4. What the government promises

Officials say Diella will make public procurement “100% free of corruption” by removing political discretion from awarding tenders and applying algorithmic decision-making. That is the reform pitch from PM Rama.

5. Legal and constitutional controversy

The appointment has sparked immediate debate. The presidency and opposition have expressed concern about constitutionality and who is accountable for ministerial decisions; some opposition figures have called the move political theatre.

6. Practical authority and human oversight unclear

Reports say procurement responsibilities are intended to be transferred gradually, but the government has not (publicly) published the full operational rules, human-in-the-loop safeguards, or the audit framework that would show who can override or audit Diella’s decisions.

That lack of detail is a major practical question.

7. Tech partnerships and the avatar

News reports say Diella was developed by Albania’s AI lab at AKSHI and Associated Press reports mention collaboration with Microsoft; the avatar’s likeness and voice have also been linked to a local actress in public reporting.

8. Innovation vs. democratic/ethical worries.

Domestic and international reaction is mixed. Supporters call it bold tech innovation to fight endemic corruption; critics warn about democratic accountability, potential for hidden biases, and the optics of “putting AI in power.” International outlets have also shown interest in how Diella will be deployed and analysts are watching closely.

9. Top technical and governance risks to watch

Key risks flagged by observers: how decisions will be explained to losing bidders; whether procurement datasets contain historical bias; who is responsible if the system is manipulated or hacked; and whether legal frameworks allow algorithmic substitution for political decision-making.

These issues drive both legal challenges and practical audit needs.