Report

Africa defense weapons market is projected to maintain a strong pace of expansion during the coming years due to increased terror attacks from neighboring countries, technological advancements in defense weapons, and a rise in defense expenditures.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, African military spending was valued at USD 51.6 billion in 2023, 22% higher than in 2022 and 1.5% higher than in 2014. In addition, rising investment by the African government in defense weapons to combat terrorism will propel the Africa defense weapon market growth in the forecast period. African countries are now working on decreasing their dependence on other suppliers and developing their capabilities and solutions.
The African defense industry has accomplished different milestones and successes that have improved credibility and reputation in the international arena. Also, the industry has created a large number of jobs and contributed to the socio-economic development of different African countries. Furthermore, many neighboring countries from other regions are trying to export weapons to African countries to diversify their supply chains. For instance, in May 2024, India went abroad to raise its military footprint in Africa and tried to accomplish its target of USD 5 billion worth of supplies abroad by 2025. African nations need to increase their purchase of defense articles from more suppliers as the military landscape in Africa continues to evolve.
Rise in Terrorism Drives Africa Defense Weapons Market Growth
An increase in the rate of terrorism has increased the use of defense weapons, propelling the growth of the market. Africa witnessed several terror attacks carried out by extremist groups varying from Nigeria and Burkina Faso to Somalia. In July 2023, West Africa recorded over 1,800 terrorist attacks in the first six months, resulting in approximately 4,600 deaths along with disastrous humanitarian consequences. African governments are planning to import or produce defense weapons due to an increase in terror-related incidents and dangerous casualties, propelling Africa defense weapons market demand. According to the Africa Center for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT), Africa observed an average of 8 terror-related incidents and 44 daily casualties during 2023.
Integration of AI in Different Defense Equipment Drives Africa Defense Weapon Market Demand
The significant integration of AI in defense equipment propels the demand for defense weapons as it increases the autonomy of weapon systems and other unmanned systems. In Africa, artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting the dynamism of armed conflict and violence as it has proved to be an essential feature in influencing combat operations and battlefield tactics. In different areas of Africa, AI is widely utilized with high levels of violence to increase the potential and coordination of domestic and law enforcement security services. In addition, integrating AI into defense weapon systems offers real-time sensor data. African governments are planning to launch new centers concerning the integration of AI in the defense sphere.
For instance, in May 2024, South Africa announced the launch of its latest venture discovering the potential of artificial intelligence in the defense sphere. In Africa, it is the first center to represent strategic leveraging of AI on behalf of national security.
Government Actions and Regulations Drive the Growth of the Africa Defense Weapon Market
In Africa, due to an increase in terror, the government is formulating different regulations and taking varied initiatives, surging the demand for defense weapons. The neighboring companies are planning to make deals to offer more weapons and military-equipment-related services to the African government. For instance, in November 2023, Central European defense companies planned to negotiate new deals to sell more military equipment, weapons, and related services across Africa as they looked to get customers seeking alternatives to Russia. In addition, the governments of African countries are passing bills to lead the commercialization and the development of new military technology. For instance, in November 2023, the President of Nigeria signed the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria bill to repeal and replace the initial law that empowered the defense corporation to store, produce, and dispose of ordnance.
Missile Segment Registers the Largest Africa Defense Weapon Market Share
The missile segment dominates the largest market share due to the African government investing significantly in missile and production facilities. Africa has different production units for air defense, anti-armor, strike, and anti-ship missiles, which have won different export orders and launched different cooperative programs with foreign partners. Rising political instability and increased terror attacks are projected to drive the missile segment growth in the forecast period. The government of Africa is collaborating with countries to focus on developing infrared-guided air-to-air missiles.
For instance, in February 2024, South Africa announced a collaboration with Brazil on a revolutionary A-Darter Missile. The A-Darter, equipped with thrust vectoring and ECM endurance, marks a technological rise, with a production contract signed in 2024.
Egypt Registered the Largest Africa Defense Weapon Market Size
Egypt holds the largest market size in the Africa defense weapon market, as in the Arab world or Africa, Egypt's armed forces number went over 300,000 men. The United States and Egyptian Governments prioritize maintaining political assistance of the military through a considerable rearmament program, predominantly backed by U.S. Foreign Military Sales loans. These loans have now accumulated to USD 3.5 billion, with Egypt ordering more than USD 4 billion in equipment. The United States military help is set to continue at the current level of USD 1.3 billion yearly for at least the next five years. Thereby, the total cost of the United States rearmament program for Egypt will surpass USD 10 billion in future repayments. Furthermore, Egypt has placed over USD 1 billion worth of extra arms orders with European firms, primarily French.
Future Market Scenario (2024 - 2031F)
- Increase in terror activities and advancements in technology to drive the Africa defense weapons market growth.
- Rapid government investment in producing weapons is contributing to the market size of defense weapons.
- Government regulations, favorable initiatives, and collaboration with private companies to develop weapons are expected to foster market growth.
- A significant increase in terrorism and the integration of advanced technologies is expected to drive the growth of Africa defense weapon market.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
Companies in the market are efficiently working on introducing new defense weapons to address the rising demand. Key participants are investing in different research and development activities to enhance the functioning of weapons and dominate the largest market share. In addition, market players are adopting various market growth strategies, including joint ventures, new product launches, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, and others to expand their product portfolio and footprint. Governments of other countries are taking initiatives and offering different types of services to African countries.
In April 2023, India announced proposed massive weapon sales to African countries. India has proposed to supply a host of indigenously produced weapons to African countries.