3 ouest-africains apparaissent comme les principaux acheteurs d’armes
Nigeria, Senegal and Mali are major arms importers in sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting increased defense spending as governments respond to insurgency, terrorism and regional instability.
According to new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, arms imports to sub-Saharan Africa increased by 13% between 2016-2020 and 2021-2025, even though overall arms imports to Africa fell by 41%.
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 their arms purchases primarily to address internal security and insurgency threats.
Nigeria strengthens air power
Nigeria has become 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 expanding its defense equipment in the face of insurgency, banditry and threats to maritime security.
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 increasing its air power through a €1.2 billion contract with Leonardo, which includes 24 US M-346FA fighter jets, 12 US AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and 10 Italian AW-109 Trekker helicopters.
The Nigerian military also deployed Bayraktar TB2 drones from Turkiye in counterinsurgency operations.
Senegal strengthens defense capabilities
Senegal is 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 combat instability in the Sahel region.
Recent acquisitions include a Puma M36 armored personnel carrier and three marine patrol vessels from South Africa. Waro, Niani and Kayor will strengthen maritime safety and protect marine energy infrastructure.
Dakar has approved a 317 million euro defense deal with Turkish suppliers in 2025 to improve its operational capabilities, according to the African Intelligence Agency.
Senegal also opened its first military vehicle assembly plant in Diamniadio as part of its defense industry development efforts.
Mali is diversifying its sources of military supplies
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Mali ranks third among sub-Saharan African arms importers, accounting for about 8% of the region’s imports.
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 reports say a convoy of more than 100 military vehicles will arrive in Bamako in early 2025.
At the same time, Mali has strengthened its cooperation with China, receiving mine-resistant armored vehicles and other ground equipment from Chinese defense equipment manufacturer Norinco.
The country is also strengthening its aviation capabilities with Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 drone, while a defense report said Mali acquired the Akinci long-range combat drone to enhance surveillance and strike operations.
Conflict is reshaping demand for weapons
Several conflicts have affected arms flows to Africa, most notably the Sudanese civil war that erupted in 2023 between the Sudanese National Army and Rapid Support Forces.
During the period 2021-2025, Russian security forces reportedly received artillery systems and at least one air defense system from unidentified suppliers.
At the same time, Sudan’s military received drones, armored vehicles, and transport aircraft from several countries, including Belarus, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, 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 agreements remain secret.
China is a major supplier to sub-Saharan Africa.
The data also highlights the growing competition between world powers for defense partnerships across Africa.
China has become the main arms supplier to sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 22% of the region’s imports, according to SIPRI data.
Russia follows with 12%, followed by Türkiye with 11%.
Author: Afrimag
Publication date: Samedi March 14, 2026
