10 African countries with the largest militaries in 2024

Business Insider Africa 10 African countries with the largest armies in 2024.
This list is courtesy of Global Firepower, a platform that annually updates statistics of militaries across the globe.
Egypt is number one on this list, with a total military personnel of 1.2 million.

In the geopolitical landscape of Africa, the presence of a formidable military force is not merely a symbol of sovereignty but a critical factor in ensuring national security, safeguarding territorial integrity, and promoting regional stability.

The military in African countries typically consist of a 3 primary branches which incudes the army, the navy and the air force. Depending on the country, there are other important military units.

At the forefront of any military force are its active personnel – the men and women who undergo rigorous training and stand ready to defend their nation at a moment's notice. African countries with large active military forces demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a strong defense posture and deterring potential adversaries.

However, there are also reserve personnel who are ready to answer the call of duty, should the need arise, and of course, there is the paramilitary, which consists of gendarmerie, border security agencies, and coast guards, all of which complement the efforts of the regular military in maintaining law and order and protecting national borders.

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The importance of these military units extends beyond traditional defense functions to encompass broader geopolitical interests and regional stability.

Additionally, a large military plays a pivotal role in supporting peacekeeping efforts and regional stability. African nations have contributed significantly to United Nations and African Union peacekeeping missions, undertaking complex operations in conflict zones such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mali.

With that said, it is a wonder which African countries have the largest militaries. According to Global Firepower, a platform that annually updates statistics of militaries across the globe, several African countries boast a robust and capable military, and below are 10 of the most standout militaries in Africa in relation to their sheer size.

10 African countries with the largest militaries in 2024

Rank	Country	Total military personnel	Active personnel	Reserves	Paramilitary
1.	Egypt	1,220,000	440,000	480,000	300,000
2.	Algeria	610,000	325,000	135,000	150,000
3.	Morocco	395,800	195,800	150,000	50,000
4.	Nigeria	280,000	230,000	-	50,000
5.	Eritrea	250,000	120,000	130,000	-
6.	Democratic Republic of Congo	207,580	166,580	31,000	10,000
7.	Sudan	194,500	92,000	85,000	17,500
8.	South Sudan	185,000	185,000	-	-
9.	Ethiopia	162,000	162,000	-	-
10.	South Africa	150,585	71,235	29,350	50,000