Nigeria has secured the third position on the list of African countries with the strongest military forces in 2025, according to the latest rankings released by Global Firepower (GFP). The annual Global Military Strength Index assesses and ranks countries around the world based on the relative strength of their armed forces.

The GFP Index, which is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive military strength assessments globally, considers more than 60 different factors. These include troop numbers, equipment diversity, defense budget, logistical capabilities, and strategic positioning. Together, these indicators offer a realistic snapshot of each country's defense readiness and operational capacity.

Top Military Powers in Africa – 2025

Topping the African chart is Egypt, which maintains its long-held position as the continent’s dominant military power. With significant investments in modern hardware and a large standing army, Egypt ranks 19th globally.

Algeria comes in second, owing to its consistent defense spending and sizable arsenal, followed by Nigeria, which climbs into third place due to recent upgrades in training, equipment acquisition, and improved coordination within its armed forces.

South Africa, often praised for its military professionalism, ranks fourth in Africa, while Ethiopia, with its vast manpower potential, takes fifth.

Below is the full list of African countries featured in the 2025 Global Firepower Index, along with their global rankings in parentheses:

Africa’s Strongest Militaries in 2025 (GFP Ranking):

1. Egypt (19th globally)
2. Algeria (26)
3. Nigeria (31)
4. South Africa (40)
5. Ethiopia (52)
6. Angola (56)
7. Morocco (59)
8. Democratic Republic of the Congo (66)
9. Sudan (73)
10. Libya (76)
11. Kenya (83)
12. Chad (84)
13. Mozambique (89)
14. Tunisia (90)
15. Tanzania (92)
16. Cameroon (93)
17. Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) (102)
18. Mali (104)
19. Zambia (109)
20. Ghana (110)
21. Zimbabwe (111)
22. South Sudan (113)
23. Uganda (114)
24. Namibia (116)
25. Niger (119)
26. Eritrea (120)
27. Republic of the Congo (121)
28. Botswana (122)
29. Mauritania (123)
30. Senegal (125)
31. Burkina Faso (129)
32. Madagascar (130)
33. Gabon (133)
34. Liberia (138)
35. Sierra Leone (140)
36. Somalia (142)
37. Central African Republic (143)
38. Benin (144)

Nigeria's Rise in Military Ranking

Nigeria’s position at 31st globally and third in Africa reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense apparatus in the face of internal and regional security challenges. From counter-terrorism operations in the North-East to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, the Nigerian Armed Forces have remained engaged on multiple fronts.

In recent years, Nigeria has invested in modern equipment, enhanced recruitment, and increased collaboration with foreign partners for training and strategic support. These efforts appear to be yielding results, as reflected in the country's improved military posture.

About the Global Firepower Index

The Global Firepower Index is a widely cited annual report that evaluates the conventional military capability of nations across the globe. Unlike many other assessments that focus solely on budget size or nuclear capacity, the GFP takes a broader approach, giving attention to a country’s readiness, versatility, and sustainability in wartime scenarios.

With over 145 countries reviewed each year, the index provides valuable insight into how nations compare in terms of raw military strength, regardless of size or economic power.