A sovereign state’s military includes installations like the navy, air force and army. The countries with the strongest capabilities in these areas, strong air and naval fleets along with advanced ground forces, are influential in shaping decisions that impact the world.
Although Africa’s naval forces may not rival those of the world’s superpowers, many African nations have built capable fleets that can deliver their quota in maintaining security across the continent.
Nations dedicate much of their money, often allocated in the defence budget, to ensuring that armoury upgrades are improved and the fleet is maintained.
Those with a strong history in seafaring help keep Africa’s waterways safe. Today, these naval forces protect trade routes and fight piracy, keeping goods moving safely across the continent.
Kenyan engineer who washed dishes as first US job, now serving in US Navy
Several African nations have invested in developing their naval forces through modern vessels, aircraft and coastal surveillance.
Here is a list of the Top 10 African Countries with the strongest navies according to the Global Firepower Index:
| Rank | Country | Total Assets | Frigates | Corvettes | Submarines | Patrol Vessels | Mine Warfare |
| 1 | Algeria | 213 | 8 | 16 | 6 | 75 | 3 |
| 2 | Egypt | 140 | 13 | 7 | 8 | 42 | 23 |
| 3 | Nigeria | 133 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 109 | 2 |
| 4 | Morocco | 121 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 22 | 0 |
| 5 | Tunisia | 52 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 0 |
| 6 | South Africa | 47 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 31 | 2 |
| 7 | Angola | 40 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 2 |
| 8 | Kenya | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| 9 | Democratic Republic of Congo | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
| 10 | Sudan | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
