A recent global power ranking of 145 nations shows no direct link between a nation’s economy or population size and its military or defence budget. A list showing African countries with the largest armies in 2024, with a focus on the current count of active soldiers, has been released.
Smaller economies can allocate substantial budgets to defence or maintain significant numbers of active soldiers, as different countries prioritize different aspects of strengthening their peacekeeping efforts.
The Global Fire Power Index 2024 assesses countries’ rankings by considering over 60 individual factors, such as military unit quantities, financial capabilities, logistics, and geography. This means smaller, technologically advanced nations can effectively compete with larger, less developed ones. They include;
- Egypt
Located in North Africa, Egypt has the largest army population on the continent. With 440,000 active soldiers, the country ranks 10th globally. Egypt has 300,000 paramilitaries and 480,000 personnel in the reserve, bringing the total military personnel to 1.2 million.
The country’s annual defence budget is US$9.4 billion
In total, the country is ranked as the 15th global military power out of 145 countries. - Algeria
Algeria is the second largest military power in Africa, with 325,000 active military personnel, 135,000 reserve soldiers, and 150,000 paramilitary personnel, making a total of 610,000 military personnel. The nation’s defence budget amounts to US$21.6 billion annually. - Nigeria
Nigeria’s military comprises 280,000 personnel, of which 230,000 are on active duty and 50,000 are paramilitary. There are no reserve forces in the country. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and is ranked sixth worldwide in terms of military personnel, with 4.15 million individuals reaching military age annually. Globally, Nigeria is ranked 39th and has an annual defence budget of US$4 billion. - Morocco
Morocco has 395,800 military personnel, including 195,800 active soldiers, 150,000 in the reserve, and 50,000 in the paramilitary. Its global military ranking is 61st, and its annual budget is US$12 billion. - South Sudan
This nation has 185,000 active soldiers and it does not have reserve forces or paramilitary units. It is not among the top 10 military powers in Africa, but it is among the countries with the largest armies. South Sudan is ranked 24th in Africa and 119th globally, and its defence budget is US$302 million. - Democratic Republic of Congo
DR Congo boasts a total military force of 207,580 personnel, comprising 166,580 active members, 31,000 reservists, and 10,000 paramilitary personnel. Globally, the country ranks 73rd in defence capabilities, supported by a budget of US$300 million. Annually, DR Congo sees 2.46 million individuals eligible for military service, placing it among the top 10 nations globally in terms of significant military manpower potential. - Ethiopia
The nation’s active military personnel total 162,000 and it does not possess reserve units or paramilitaries. With 2.67 million individuals, Ethiopia is ninth worldwide in terms of the number of people reaching military age. Ethiopia’s annual defense budget, amounting to US$888 million, places it 49th globally in ranking. - Angola
Angola’s military comprises 117,000 personnel, with 107,000 serving actively and an additional 10,000 in paramilitary roles, while no reservists are reported. Globally, Angola holds the 55th position in military strength rankings. - Sudan
The total number of military personnel in the country is 194,500, with 92,000 serving actively, 85,000 in reserve, and 17,500 in the paramilitary forces. Sudan, which is currently experiencing a severe civil conflict, also has a high number of young men reaching military age annually, with 1.27 million, ranking 17th globally. Sudan’s military strength is currently ranked 76th globally, and its annual defense budget amounts to US$300 million. - Tunisia
Tunisia’s armed forces consist of 101,800 personnel, of whom 89,800 are actively serving and 12,000 are part of the paramilitary. The country does not maintain reserve forces. Globally, Tunisia is ranked 74th in military capability, supported by an annual military budget of US$1.26 billion.