Africa's Militaries Have Always Relied On Imported Weapons - Why a Shift to Homegrown Defence Is Now Under Way
AllAfrica
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Africa's militaries have long relied on imported weapons, with major global powers dominating the continent's arms market. However, a growing shift towards homegrown defense capabilities is underway, driven by frustrations over the unreliability and high costs of foreign equipment. Countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Morocco are investing in local production, leveraging new technologies to reduce dependence on external suppliers.
The reliance on imported weapons has often led to poor outcomes, with equipment breaking down or requiring expertise that local forces lack. Insurgents have exploited these weaknesses, gaining the upper hand with basic arms and improvised tactics. Corruption and mismanagement within African militaries further compound these challenges, leaving even well-resourced forces struggling to maintain imported systems.
The shift towards domestic production is exemplified by Morocco, which has tripled its arms exports and is emerging as a regional defense hub. Other nations are following suit, focusing on innovation in areas like cyber defense and artificial intelligence. This move not only aims to enhance military effectiveness but also to boost local industries and capture value from the global arms market.
While some countries face hurdles—such as South Africa's decline in defense manufacturing due to financial and governance issues—the potential benefits of homegrown solutions are significant. By reducing reliance on imports, African nations can achieve greater self-sufficiency, foster economic growth, and project power more sustainably across the continent.
This quiet revolution marks a pivotal moment for Africa's security landscape, with implications not just for military effectiveness but also for broader economic and geopolitical dynamics. As more countries embrace local defense capabilities, they aim to overcome past limitations and assert greater control over their security destinies.
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Originally published on AllAfrica on 2/25/2026