As Western sanctions tighten around Moscow, Russia has doubled down on its military partnerships with African nations, solidifying its role as the continent’s largest arms supplier. Over the past two decades, Russian weapons have flowed into Africa at an unprecedented rate, influencing security dynamics and geopolitical alliances.
Between 2016 and 2020, Russia accounted for 45.2% of Africa’s total arms imports, far surpassing other suppliers such as the United States and China. The arms trade between Russia and Africa is not merely transactional; it is embedded in broader military cooperation agreements. Currently, 28 African countries have signed military pacts with Moscow, deepening their defense ties with the Kremlin.
Leading the list of Russian arms customers is Algeria, which spent approximately $7 billion on Russian weaponry from 2000 to 2021. This long-standing relationship has made Algeria Moscow’s top defense partner in Africa, with purchases including fighter jets, tanks, and air defense systems. Egypt follows closely, having spent about $4 billion on Russian military equipment. Cairo has diversified its arsenal over the years, acquiring advanced fighter aircraft, helicopters, and missile systems.
Other major buyers include Angola, Sudan, and Uganda, each securing deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars. These countries rely on Russian arms to bolster their security forces and, in some cases, support military operations. Sudan, for instance, has used its Russian-supplied aircraft and artillery in internal conflicts and border disputes.
The Wagner Group, a Russian paramilitary organization, has also played a significant role in expanding Moscow’s military influence in Africa. The group has been active in Mali, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Libya, providing not just training but direct combat support. While Moscow insists that Wagner operates independently, its presence aligns closely with Russia’s broader strategic interests, ensuring that governments relying on its services remain closely tied to the Kremlin.
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However, not all African countries are eager to deepen military ties with Russia. Some have either abstained from purchasing Russian arms or have done so at minimal levels. According to recent data, CAR and Guinea rank among the African nations with the lowest volume of Russian weapons imports, reflecting their limited defense budgets and alternative sources of military support.
Despite its strong presence in Africa, Russia’s defense trade faces challenges. The ongoing war in Ukraine has strained Russia’s production capacity, raising questions about its ability to meet future arms commitments. Additionally, Western sanctions have restricted Russian access to the international financial system, complicating payment processes for African buyers who traditionally conduct transactions in U.S. dollars or euros.
The geopolitical implications of Russia’s growing military footprint in Africa are profound. As tensions between Moscow and the West escalate, African nations that maintain close military ties with Russia risk diplomatic pressure from the U.S. and European allies. Washington has already warned some governments about deepening security cooperation with Russia, citing concerns over human rights abuses linked to Wagner and the broader destabilization risks posed by unchecked arms proliferation.
Moscow’s influence in Africa extends beyond arms deals. In many cases, weapons sales are accompanied by broader economic and political engagements, including infrastructure projects, mining contracts, and diplomatic backing in international forums. Russia’s ability to blend military cooperation with economic incentives has made it an attractive partner for governments seeking alternatives to Western assistance.
As African nations weigh their defense procurement strategies, they must navigate a complex landscape of shifting global alliances, economic constraints, and domestic security needs. While Russian arms remain a critical component of many African military arsenals, the long-term sustainability of this partnership remains uncertain in the face of evolving geopolitical realities. For the time being, the numbers speak for themselves. With nearly half of Africa’s imported arms coming from Russia and 28 military agreements in place, the Kremlin’s grip on African defense remains firm. But with the war in Ukraine reshaping global security priorities, African nations might soon find themselves reassessing their reliance on Moscow’s weaponry and military expertise.
