Nigeria, Senegal and Mali have emerged as the biggest arms importers in sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting rising defense spending as governments grapple with insurgency, terrorism and regional instability.
Sub-Saharan Africa’s arms imports increased by 13% between 2016 and 2020 and between 2021 and 2025, despite a decline in imports across Africa. Increased defense spending to combat insurgency and instability has made Senegal and Mali the major arms importers in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria is the region’s largest arms importer, expanding its air power and purchasing advanced weapons from the United States, Italy and Italy. Turquier. Reflecting changing global influence and Africa’s evolving security needs, China is now the largest arms supplier to the region, followed by Russia and Turkiye.
Arms imports to sub-Saharan Africa increased by 13% between 2016-2020 and 2021-2025, even as overall arms imports across Africa fell by 41%, according to new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Unlike traditional North African arms importers such as Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria, which often procure advanced weapons to maintain regional military supremacy, many sub-Saharan African countries have increased military purchases primarily to address internal security threats and insurgencies.
Nigeria expands air power
Nigeria has emerged as sub-Saharan Africa’s largest arms importer, accounting for 16% of the region’s imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
The country is ramping up defense procurement in the face of insurgency, banditry and maritime security threats.
About six months ago, the U.S. State Department approved $346 million in arms sales to Nigeria, including precision-guided bombs and rockets, in a deal involving Lockheed Martin, RTX, and BAE Systems.
Nigeria is also expanding its airpower through a €1.2 billion agreement with Leonardo, which includes 24 M-346FA fighter jets from the United States, 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, and 10 AW-109 Trekker helicopters from Italy.
The Nigerian military also deployed Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkiye in counterinsurgency operations.
Senegal strengthens defense capabilities
Senegal ranks as the second largest arms importer in sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 8.8% of regional imports.
The country is modernizing its military and increasing defense spending to address instability across the Sahel.
Recent acquisitions include a Puma M36 armored personnel carrier and three marine patrol vessels from South Africa. Waro, Niani and Kaiyor will strengthen maritime security and protect marine energy infrastructure.
In 2025, Dakar approved a 317 million euro defense deal with Turkish suppliers to improve operational readiness, according to the African Intelligence Agency.
Senegal also opened its first military vehicle assembly plant in Diamniadio as part of its efforts to build up its domestic defense industry.
Mali diversifies military supplies sources
Mali ranks as the third-largest arms importer in sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for about 8% of the region’s imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
According to a defense report, Mali has strengthened its defense ties with Russia, receiving Sukhoi Su-25 ground attack aircraft, L-39 trainer aircraft, Mi-35M attack helicopters and Mi-8 transport helicopters.
Russia is also supplying T-72 tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and other armored systems, and there are reports that a convoy of more than 100 military vehicles arrived in Bamako in early 2025.
At the same time, Mali expanded its cooperation with China, receiving mine-resistant armored vehicles and other ground equipment from Chinese defense manufacturer Norinco.
The country has also strengthened its aviation capabilities with Turkiye’s Bayraktar TB2 drone, while a defense report said Mali has reportedly acquired the Akinci long-range combat drone to improve surveillance and strike operations.
Conflicts reshape arms demand
Several conflicts are impacting arms flows into Africa, including the Sudanese civil war that broke out in 2023 between the Sudanese National Army and Rapid Support Forces.
The RSF reportedly received artillery systems and at least one air defense system from an unidentified supplier in the period 2021-2025.
At the same time, Sudan’s military received drones, armored vehicles, and transport aircraft from several countries, including Belarus, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as fighter jets from an unidentified supplier.
SIPRI notes that it is often difficult to track arms transfers to areas of active conflict, as many military transactions remain secret.
China brings suppliers to sub-Saharan Africa
The data also highlights the growing competition between world powers for defense partnerships across Africa.
According to SIPRI data, China has become the largest arms supplier to sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 22% of the region’s imports.
Russia follows with 12%, followed by Turkiye with 11%.
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