10 African Countries with the Highest Military Spending in 2025   

In 2025, Africa’s defence budgets show very different priorities from buying new military hardware to dealing with internal security problems. 

A country’s location, regional tensions and its economic strength all affect how much it spends on its armed forces. 

Here are the top 10 African Countries with the Highest Military Spending in 2025:

1. Algeria – $25.0 Billion

Algeria spends about $25 billion on its military, more than any other country in Africa. It has a long history of strong armed forces and wants to remain a leading power in the region.

Much of this money goes toward building and maintaining advanced air-defence systems, fighter jets and other modern equipment.

Algeria also faces tensions with Morocco and instability in nearby Sahel countries, so it keeps a large and well-equipped army ready to respond.

2. Morocco – $13.4 Billion

Morocco’s defence budget is around $13.4 billion, making it the second-highest spender. The country uses most of that money to improve its air force, set up better border surveillance and secure its western border near Western Sahara.

Morocco often buys its weapons and technology from Europe and the United States. This spending helps Morocco protect its borders and strengthen its ties with Western allies.

3. Egypt – $5.9 Billion

Egypt sets aside nearly $6 billion for defence, putting it among Africa’s top military spenders. Its armed forces are one of the largest and most experienced on the continent.

Egypt focuses on keeping its navy strong in the Red Sea, fighting terrorism in the Sinai Peninsula and training with international partners. This spending also supports Egypt’s important role in both Middle Eastern and African security.

4. Nigeria – $3.1 Billion

Nigeria, the continent’s most populous country, budgets about $3.1 billion for defence in 2025. It faces ongoing challenges from Boko Haram in the northeast, high levels of armed banditry and threats to oil pipelines.

To tackle these issues, Nigeria invests in surveillance drones, rapid-response troops and better vehicles. However, the country still struggles with corruption and slow procurement processes, which can limit how effectively these funds are used.

5. Libya – $3.0 Billion

After years of civil war and divided governments, Libya plans to spend $3 billion on defence this year. The money is aimed at rebuilding a unified national army and securing its borders. L

ibya’s leaders want to reduce the power of foreign militias and bring all fighters under one central command. Funds also go toward fixing old equipment and bringing rival factions together under government control.

6. South Africa – $2.3 Billion

South Africa spends about $2.3 billion on defence, which is the largest budget in Sub-Saharan Africa after Nigeria’s. Although it faces fewer immediate threats, South Africa maintains a capable force for peacekeeping missions across the continent and for protecting its long coastlines.

The country has also begun investing more in cyber-defence. Budget limits, however, have led to ageing ships, aircraft and shortages in troop numbers.

7. Ethiopia – $2.1 Billion

Ethiopia’s defence spending is roughly $2.1 billion in 2025. After internal conflicts in recent years, the government is working to rebuild and strengthen its army. Most of the budget pays for supplies, new training programs and better border patrols,especially along borders with Sudan and Eritrea.

Ethiopia aims to have a professional force that can both keep peace at home and support regional stability.

8. Tanzania – $1.4 Billion

Tanzania sets aside around $1.4 billion for its defence forces. It focuses on securing its borders, keeping internal peace and taking part in African Union peacekeeping operations. Because Tanzania has a long coastline, it also funds its navy to fight drug trafficking and protect shipping lanes.

In recent years, Tanzania has worked with foreign partners to improve training and logistic support.

9. Tunisia – $1.4 Billion

Tunisia also budgets about $1.4 billion for defence in 2025. Most of this money goes to counterterrorism and intelligence services.

Tunisia has faced several extremist attacks in the past decade, so it has invested in special forces, surveillance units and better cybersecurity. The country works with European partners to train its troops and secure critical infrastructure.

10. Kenya – $1.3 Billion

Kenya rounds out the top ten with a defence budget of about $1.3 billion. Its military plays a key role in keeping peace in the region, especially through its involvement in Somalia as part of the African Union mission there.

Kenya’s spending supports border patrols, sea-patrol boats in the Indian Ocean and training programs to fight terrorism and protect its citizens.