Stockholm International Peace Research Institute data shows that Nigeria, Senegal and Mali have emerged as the largest arms importers in sub Saharan Africa, reflecting growing defence spending by governments confronting insurgency, terrorism and rising regional instability. The new figures highlight a shift in the continent’s military procurement patterns as several countries strengthen their armed forces to respond to internal and cross border security threats.
According to the latest arms transfer data compiled by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, arms imports into sub Saharan Africa increased by about 13 percent between the 2016 to 2020 period and the 2021 to 2025 period. This rise occurred even as overall arms imports across the entire African continent declined by roughly 41 percent during the same timeframe. Analysts say the trend demonstrates that while North African countries are reducing purchases after years of heavy military spending, several sub Saharan nations are expanding their defence capabilities to combat insurgencies and extremist groups.
Nigeria emerged as the region’s largest arms importer, accounting for approximately 16 percent of all weapons imports in sub Saharan Africa. The country has significantly expanded defence procurement as it continues to confront multiple security challenges, including the long running insurgency by Boko Haram in the northeast, armed banditry in the northwest and maritime security threats in the Gulf of Guinea. The Nigerian government has invested heavily in modern military equipment, particularly in strengthening its air power and surveillance capabilities.
In recent months, the United States Department of State approved a $346 million arms sale to Nigeria, which includes precision guided bombs and rockets. Major defence companies such as Lockheed Martin, RTX Corporation and BAE Systems are involved in supplying the equipment. Nigeria is also expanding its aviation capabilities through a €1.2 billion agreement with the Italian aerospace company Leonardo S.p.A., which includes the acquisition of 24 M 346FA fighter aircraft as well as helicopters designed for combat and surveillance missions.
The Nigerian military has also incorporated advanced drone technology into its counter insurgency operations. Turkish made Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles have already been deployed to support surveillance and precision strike missions against insurgent groups operating in remote areas. Analysts say the growing reliance on drones reflects the changing nature of modern warfare in Africa, where governments increasingly use unmanned systems to monitor vast territories.
Senegal ranked as the second largest arms importer in sub Saharan Africa, accounting for about 8.8 percent of regional imports. The West African nation has significantly increased defence spending as it works to modernise its armed forces and respond to instability spreading across the Sahel region. Security concerns have grown in recent years as extremist groups expand their presence in neighbouring countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso.
To strengthen its defence capabilities, Senegal has acquired Puma M36 armoured personnel carriers from South Africa and purchased three offshore patrol vessels named Walo, Niani and Cayor. These vessels are intended to enhance maritime security and protect offshore oil and gas infrastructure, which has become increasingly important to the country’s economic future.
In 2025, Senegal also approved a €317 million defence agreement with a Turkish supplier aimed at improving operational readiness. As part of its long term strategy, the government has established its first military vehicle assembly plant in the city of Diamniadio. The facility represents an effort to build a domestic defence manufacturing capacity while reducing reliance on imported military vehicles.
Mali ranked third among sub Saharan Africa’s largest arms importers, accounting for about 8 percent of regional purchases. The country has dramatically strengthened its military partnerships in recent years as it battles insurgent groups linked to extremist networks operating across the Sahel. Since military authorities took power following coups in 2020 and 2021, Mali has deepened defence cooperation with new international partners.
One of Mali’s most significant defence relationships has been with Russia, which has supplied Sukhoi Su 25 ground attack jets, L 39 trainer aircraft and Mi 35M attack helicopters. Russia has also delivered Mi 8 transport helicopters, T 72 tanks and infantry fighting vehicles to support the Malian armed forces in counter insurgency operations. Reports indicate that a convoy carrying more than one hundred military vehicles arrived in the capital Bamako in early 2025 as part of ongoing defence cooperation.
At the same time, Mali has expanded defence ties with China, receiving mine resistant armoured vehicles and other ground equipment from the Chinese defence manufacturer Norinco. The country has also integrated Turkish drone systems such as the Bayraktar TB2 and reportedly acquired Akinci long range combat drones to improve aerial surveillance and strike capabilities.
The rise in arms imports across parts of Africa is also being shaped by ongoing conflicts on the continent. One major example is the civil war in Sudan, which erupted in 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. During the conflict, multiple countries have reportedly supplied drones, armoured vehicles and other equipment to the warring sides, illustrating the complex nature of arms flows into conflict zones.
The SIPRI data also highlights shifting geopolitical influence among global arms suppliers operating in Africa. China has emerged as the largest weapons supplier to sub Saharan Africa, accounting for about 22 percent of imports. Russia follows with approximately 12 percent, while Türkiye accounts for around 11 percent of arms transfers to the region. Analysts say these figures reflect a changing security landscape as African governments seek diverse defence partnerships to meet evolving military needs.
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