The African military landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. According to the latest report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) published on March 9, 2026, while arms imports across the continent fell by 41% between 2021 and 2025, this overall decrease masks a contrasting reality: a frenzied arms race in sub-Saharan Africa.

1. Morocco, the continent's new leader

Rabat has overtaken Algiers to become the leading arms importer in Africa. With a 12% increase, Morocco now ranks 28th globally . To modernize its arsenal, the Kingdom is strategically diversifying its suppliers.

1. United States: 60%
2. Israel: 24%
3. France: 10%

Conversely, Algeria has recorded a spectacular collapse in its imports ( -78% ), slipping to 33rd place worldwide following the end of its major historical contracts.

2. The breakthrough of Guinea and the Sahel

One of the major surprises of this report is Guinea's entry into 6th place on the continent . Under the impetus of the military transition, Conakry has increased its acquisitions to meet its internal and border security challenges.

In sub-Saharan Africa (a region where imports have jumped by +13% ), the ranking is dominated by:

1. Nigeria (16% of regional shares)
2. Senegal (8.8%)
3. Mali (8%) — sharp increase in the fight against jihadism.

Note: Burkina Faso, Chad and the DRC complete this picture, driven by contexts of active conflict or political instability.

3. Geopolitics of Suppliers: The Offensive of New Partners

The report highlights a shift in policy among countries in transition (Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso). These countries are turning to partners offering rapid deliveries without major political conditions:

Supplier	Market share (Global Africa)	Key area of influence
UNITED STATES	19%	Morocco, Nigeria
China	17%	Sub-Saharan Africa (22%)
Russia	15%	Algeria, Sahel
France	8.3%	Morocco, Senegal
Türkiye	—	Sharp increase in the Sahel (11%)

Conclusion: A continent moving at two speeds

This shift in arms flows is reshaping the balance of power. While Morocco consolidates its position as a regional power, sub-Saharan Africa is sinking into accelerated militarization. SIPRI, however, warns that these figures could be underestimated due to opaque contracts (particularly Russian ones) and transfers to non-state groups.