IN THE GEOPOLITICAL LANDSCAPE OF AFRICA, THE PRESENCE OF A FORMIDABLE MILITARY FORCE IS NOT MERELY A SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY BUT A CRITICAL FACTOR IN ENSURING NATIONAL SECURITY, SAFEGUARDING TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY, AND PROMOTING REGIONAL STABILITY…
The military in African countries typically consist of a 3 primary branches which incudes the army, the navy and the air force. Depending on the country, there are other important military units, The military in African countries typically consist of a 3 primary branches which incudes the army, the navy and the air force. Depending on the country, there are other important military units.
At the forefront of any military force are its active personnel – the men and women who undergo rigorous training and stand ready to defend their nation at a moment’s notice. African countries with large active military forces demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a strong defense posture and deterring potential adversaries.
However, there are also reserve personnel who are ready to answer the call of duty, should the need arise, and of course, there is the paramilitary, which consists of gendarmerie, border security agencies, and coast guards, all of which complement the efforts of the regular military in maintaining law and order and protecting national borders.
10 African countries with the largest militaries in 2024
| Rank | Country | Total military personnel | Active personnel | Reserves | Paramilitary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Egypt | 1,220,000 | 440,000 | 480,000 | 300,000 |
| 2. | Algeria | 610,000 | 325,000 | 135,000 | 150,000 |
| 3. | Morocco | 395,800 | 195,800 | 150,000 | 50,000 |
| 4. | Nigeria | 280,000 | 230,000 | – | 50,000 |
| 5. | Eritrea | 250,000 | 120,000 | 130,000 | – |
| 6. | Democratic Republic of Congo | 207,580 | 166,580 | 31,000 | 10,000 |
| 7. | Sudan | 194,500 | 92,000 | 85,000 | 17,500 |
| 8. | South Sudan | 185,000 | 185,000 | – | – |
| 9. | Ethiopia | 162,000 | 162,000 | – | – |
| 10. | South Africa | 150,585 | 71,235 | 29,350 | 50,000 |
