Top 10 African countries that acquired the least Russian weapons
Russia has remained one of Africa’s top arms suppliers, with its weapons, ranging from helicopters to anti-aircraft systems, playing a key role in shaping military forces across the continent.
Between 2000 and 2021, Russian arms exports to Africa rose steadily, largely due to geopolitical ties and the presence of private military contractors like the Wagner Group. Many of these exports occur under military cooperation agreements, which often precede the deployment of Wagner operatives.
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According to the Grey Report, “illicit arms sales to Africa from Russia, illegal mining, and resource smuggling could increase as forms of sanctions-busting.” Sanctions linked to the Ukraine conflict have disrupted Russia’s trade globally, affecting its financial systems and limiting its access to international payment networks such as SWIFT. This has strained commercial and defence ties with several African countries.
Despite these challenges, about 45.2% of Africa’s arms imports between 2016 and 2020 came from Russia, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation reports. Algeria led the continent, spending nearly $7 billion on Russian weapons, followed by Egypt with about $4 billion. Yet, some countries have limited or no defence transactions with Russia.
The Grey Report also notes that “28 African countries have military cooperation agreements with Russia, 15 of which either abstained or did not vote on the UN resolution on Ukraine.”
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According to data from the Grey Report, here are the top 10 African countries with the highest Russian arms purchases
1. Central African Republic – 1 Unit
Despite hosting Wagner forces in recent years, the Central African Republic has imported just one unit of arms from Russia within the period under review. The country’s limited purchases may reflect its reliance on non-conventional military arrangements or support received outside official arms deals.
2. Guinea – 1 Unit
Guinea, a country with a long-standing military presence, also recorded a single arms import from Russia. This minimal defence procurement ties with Moscow, despite Russia’s broader engagement in West Africa.
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3. Djibouti – 3 Units
Djibouti, which hosts military bases of various global powers, including the US and China, has sourced only three units of military equipment from Russia. Its strategic partnerships may explain its limited procurement from Russian suppliers.
4. Democratic Republic of Congo – 7 Units
The DRC, a country facing recurring conflict in its eastern region, has bought seven arms units from Russia. It continues to depend largely on other international and regional partners for its defence equipment and security assistance.
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5. Mozambique – 7 Units
Mozambique, where Russian mercenaries were briefly active during a counter-insurgency mission in the north, has also purchased only seven arms units from Russia over the two-decade span.
6. Equatorial Guinea – 14 Units
Equatorial Guinea has imported 14 units from Russia. The country’s relatively low volume may reflect its prioritisation of other arms sources or its cautious approach to international defence partnerships.
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7. Zambia – 19 Units
Zambia, which maintains a modest military profile in the region, imported 19 Russian arms units between 2000 and 2021. The country has focused more on internal security than external military engagement.
8. Chad – 20 Units
Chad, situated in a region prone to security threats, bought 20 arms units from Russia. The figure is relatively small compared to other nations in Central Africa that have closer military ties with Moscow.
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9. Kenya – 20 Units
Kenya, a key player in East Africa’s security framework, has also purchased only 20 Russian arms units. This is low given its involvement in regional peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations.
10. Niger – 21 Units
Niger rounds out the list with 21 units. The country is currently facing increased security challenges and political instability, but Russian arms sales remain limited so far.
