Egypt has been ranked as the most powerful military force in Africa and the 15th globally, according to the 2024 Global Firepower Index, which measures the military capabilities of 145 countries.
The index, which was released on January 9, 2024, uses over 60 individual factors to determine a nation’s PowerIndex score, ranging from quantity and quality of manpower, equipment, natural resources, finances, and geography.
The index also takes into account the influence of alliances, diplomatic ties, and technological advancements on a country’s military scene, as well as the diversity of weapons rather than the total number of weapons available.
According to the index, Egypt has a PowerIndex score of 0.2283, with 0.0000 being considered ‘perfect’. Egypt’s military strength is attributed to its large and well-equipped army, navy, air force, and air defence force, as well as its strategic location and access to the Suez Canal.
Egypt is followed by Algeria, which ranks second in Africa and 26th globally, with a PowerIndex score of 0.3589. Algeria’s military prowess is based on its large and diverse inventory of land, naval, and aerial systems, as well as its significant oil and gas reserves.
South Africa comes in third in Africa and 33rd globally, with a PowerIndex score of 0.4632. South Africa’s military capabilities are supported by its advanced domestic defence industry, its participation in the African Union, and its status as a top global producer of coal.
Nigeria ranks fourth in Africa and 39th globally, with a PowerIndex score of 0.5619. Nigeria’s military strength is derived from its huge population, its membership in the OPEC, and its role as a regional power in West Africa.
The top 10 most powerful African countries in terms of military power are:
- Egypt: Ranked 15th globally, the nation holds a PwrIndx* score of 0.2283 (a score of 0.0000 is considered ‘perfect’).
- Algeria: Ranked 26 out of 145 countries considered for the annual GFP review globally. The nation holds a PwrIndx* score of 0.3589 (a score of 0.0000 is considered ‘perfect’).
- South Africa is ranked number 4 in Africa and 33rd globally, holding a PwrIndx* score of 0.4632 (a score of 0.0000 is considered ‘perfect’).
- Nigeria sits 39 globally with a PwrIndx* score of 0.5619 (a score of 0.0000 is considered ‘perfect’).
- Ethiopia, the oldest independent African country, sits 6th in the continent and 49th globally with a PwrIndx* score of 0.7938 (a score of 0.0000 is considered ‘perfect’).
- Angola With a PwrIndx* score of 0.8702 (a score of 0.0000 is considered ‘perfect’), Angola ranks 6th in Africa and 55th globally.
- Morocco occupies seventh in Africa and 61st in the world. The nation holds a PwrIndx* score of 1.0081 (a score of 0.0000 is considered ‘perfect’).
- Democratic Republic of the Congo ranks eighth and 73rd in Africa and the world respectively, holding a PwrIndx* score of 1.2491 (a score of 0.0000 is considered ‘perfect’).
- Tunisia is 9th on the African military power chart. The North Africans rank 74th globally with a PwrIndx* score of 1.2881 (a score of 0.0000 is considered ‘perfect’).
- Sudan ranks 10th in Africa and 75th globally. The nation holds a PwrIndx* score of 1.4119 (a score of 0.0000 is considered ‘perfect’).
The index also reveals that the United States remains the world’s most powerful military force, followed by Russia, China, India, and South Korea.
The index is updated annually and aims to provide an interesting glimpse into the changing balance of power in the world.
