Africa’s militaries have always relied on imported weapons: why a shift to homegrown defence is now under way

Across Africa, governments are finding ways to reduce dependence on foreign arms suppliers and building capabilities they can control, maintain and adapt.

By: Nate Allen, National Defense University and Joel Amegboh, National Defense University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 25, 2026

Words: 1,298

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 1 day ago

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By Nate Allen, National Defense University and Joel Amegboh, National Defense University

Africa’s militaries are built on imported power. Foreign countries such as China, Russia, the United States, Turkey and France dominate Africa’s weapons market. Between them they supply everything from small arms to attack helicopters, unmanned systems and communications equipment.

The results are often quite poor. From the Sahel to Somalia, weapons and equipment supplied from abroad breaks down quickly, sits …

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