In the recently released 2025 Global Firepower Military Strength Index, Nigeria has been ranked as the third most formidable military force on the African continent. The index, which assesses 145 countries worldwide, uses over 60 parameters such as manpower, available weaponry, financial resources, logistical efficiency, and geographical factors to determine each nation’s military strength.
Egypt retains its position as Africa’s top military power, followed by Algeria in second place. Nigeria’s climb to third place, surpassing South Africa which now holds fourth, signals a notable enhancement in its defense capabilities. This progress is largely attributed to Nigeria’s increased investments in military personnel, advanced equipment, and focused counter-terrorism initiatives.
The Global Firepower report ranks African countries as follows: Egypt (19th globally), Algeria (26th), Nigeria (31st), South Africa (40th), Ethiopia (52nd), and others. Nigeria’s improved ranking reflects its growing role in regional security and its efforts to modernize its armed forces.
The Nigerian military’s strengthened position comes amid ongoing challenges, including insurgency and terrorism in the northeast. These security threats have prompted the government to prioritize military reforms and procurement of modern defense assets, contributing to the country’s elevated status in the index.
The full list of African countries in the 2025 Global Firepower Index includes:
-
Egypt (19)
-
Algeria (26)
-
Nigeria (31)
-
South Africa (40)
-
Ethiopia (52)
-
Angola (56)
-
Morocco (59)
-
Democratic Republic of the Congo (66)
-
Sudan (73)
-
Libya (76)
-
Kenya (83)
-
Chad (84)
-
Mozambique (89)
-
Tunisia (90)
-
Tanzania (92)
-
Cameroon (93)
-
Ivory Coast (102)
-
Mali (104)
-
Zambia (109)
-
Ghana (110)
-
Zimbabwe (111)
-
South Sudan (113)
-
Uganda (114)
-
Namibia (116)
-
Niger (119)
-
Eritrea (120)
-
Republic of the Congo (121)
-
Botswana (122)
-
Mauritania (123)
-
Senegal (125)
-
Burkina Faso (129)
-
Madagascar (130)
-
Gabon (133)
-
Liberia (138)
-
Sierra Leone (140)
-
Somalia (142)
-
Central African Republic (143)
-
Benin (144)
This ranking highlights the strategic importance of Nigeria’s military in Africa’s security landscape.