2026 African Defence Budget Rankings: Nigeria Misses Top 3 Spot
New projections for 2026 reveal the top ten African nations with the highest military expenditures, with Nigeria notably absent from the leading three positions. North African countries overwhelmingly dominate the upper echelons of this list, showcasing their substantial defence allocations and long-term modernisation strategies.
Continental Defence Spending Trends
Africa's military expenditure continues to mirror a complex interplay of security challenges, political objectives, and economic capabilities. While the continent's total defence outlay remains modest on a global scale, the spending patterns of its largest military investors highlight how strategic threats—including terrorism, border insecurity, internal conflicts, and maritime risks—are actively shaping national defence policies.
Based on the most recent compiled estimates and forward-looking trends from 2024–2025 data, North African nations command the highest ranks. Meanwhile, several Sub-Saharan states maintain significant budgetary commitments, primarily driven by insurgencies, terrorism, and regional peacekeeping obligations.
Top 10 African Countries by Military Budget in 2026
- Algeria — $25+ billion
Algeria retains its position as Africa's foremost defence spender by a considerable margin. The nation continues to channel substantial investments into air power, land forces, and border security infrastructure. This considerable military allocation also underpins readiness operations and counter-terrorism initiatives across its extensive desert frontiers. - Morocco — $13.4 billion
Morocco secures the second spot, maintaining a robust emphasis on defence modernisation. Its spending priorities encompass air capabilities, coastal surveillance systems, and national security enhancements. Analysts associate Morocco's consistent defence investments with long-term regional security assessments and international partnerships. - Egypt — $6–9 billion
Egypt continues to command one of Africa's most substantial defence budgets. This funding sustains one of the continent's most experienced military forces, which plays a broad role in regional security matters and international engagements. - Nigeria — $3–4 billion
Despite being Africa's most populous nation, Nigeria does not feature among the top three. Nevertheless, its military spending remains among the continent's highest, largely propelled by operations targeting insurgency, terrorism, piracy, and persistent border security threats. Nigeria's defence resources are frequently divided between internal security demands and conventional military requirements. - South Africa — $2.3–3.1 billion
South Africa's defence expenditure reflects a delicate balance between strategic military aspirations and fiscal constraints. The country invests in training, peacekeeping duties, and equipment maintenance, while simultaneously managing competing national priorities. - Libya — $3 billion
Libya remains among Africa's top military spenders despite ongoing political instability and internal divisions. Defence spending continues to claim a significant portion of national resources, primarily due to internal security concerns and power struggles. - Ethiopia — $2.1 billion
Ethiopia's military budget corresponds to the scale of its armed forces and the nation's focus on internal stability and border defence. It also supports Ethiopia's continued involvement in regional peacekeeping and security operations. - Kenya — $1.3–2.2 billion
Kenya's defence spending bolsters its regional security posture, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts and its peacekeeping contributions in Somalia. The budget also strengthens maritime surveillance and border operations. - Tanzania — $1.4 billion
Tanzania's defence allocation supports internal security, regional cooperation, and steady capability development. The nation's military spending has grown in tandem with broader government expenditure. - Tunisia — $1.4 billion
Tunisia rounds out the top ten list, maintaining defence funding primarily for border protection and counter-terrorism. Its military allocation remains steady despite economic challenges and increasing domestic pressures.
Nigeria's Security Context and Initiatives
Nigeria's position outside the top three underscores the complex security landscape it navigates. The country's substantial spending is directed at multifaceted threats, including insurgency, terrorism, piracy, and border security issues. This allocation reflects the ongoing need to address both internal security demands and conventional military preparedness.
In related developments, the Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to deploy military veterans to help secure ungoverned spaces and stimulate economic activities. The Minister of Defence inaugurated an 18-member committee tasked with reclaiming ungoverned areas and repositioning the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans. This initiative aims to complement military operations, enhance intelligence gathering, and strengthen community-based security frameworks.
Furthermore, recent military operations have yielded significant results. Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, uncovered mass graves containing the bodies of approximately 20 terrorists killed during recent engagements in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State. This discovery, made as troops sustained offensive operations across the volatile axis, reveals the scale of casualties inflicted on terrorist groups operating in the region.
The 2026 defence budget rankings illustrate a continent where military spending is closely tied to specific security imperatives and regional dynamics. While North African nations lead in expenditure, Sub-Saharan countries like Nigeria continue to allocate significant resources to address pressing security challenges, shaping the defence landscape across Africa.
