Nigeria has fallen in rank to the third position on the list of the most powerful military force in Africa, according to the 2025 Global Military Strength Index released by Global Firepower (GFP).
The yearly index evaluates the military capabilities of countries around the world using over 60 indicators, including manpower levels, equipment holdings, financial stability, logistical capability, and geographical factors. The rankings aim to provide a comprehensive measure of each nation’s military posture.
Egypt retained its position as the most powerful military in Africa, followed by Algeria. Nigeria placed third, with South Africa and Ethiopia rounding out the continent’s top five in the 2025 rankings.
The top 10 African countries in the 2025 GFP Index, along with their global positions, are listed below:
- 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)
