Top 10 Countries With The Strongest Navy In Africa

Africa has several navies, each with varying degrees of strength and capabilities. The strength of a navy is usually determined by the number of vessels it possesses, as well as the level of training and preparedness of its sailors.
It's important to note that naval strength is not the only factor that determines a country's overall military power. Other factors such as air power, land forces, and technology also play a significant role.
In addition to the countries mentioned above, other African countries have naval capabilities, but they may not have made the top 10 due to the size and strength of their navy. For example, countries such as Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Senegal have relatively small navies with fewer vessels than the countries mentioned above.
Here are the top 10 countries with the strongest navy in Africa, based on their naval capabilities, number of vessels, and overall strength.
Countries With The Strongest Navy In Africa 2024
- Egypt
- Algeria
- South Africa
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Tunisia
- Kenya
- Angola
- Libya
- Ghana
1. Egypt

Egypt has one of the most formidable navies in Africa. With a total of 314 vessels, including six submarines and two helicopter carriers, Egypt has the largest navy in North Africa. The Egyptian navy is also well-equipped with modern equipment, including anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and surface-to-air missiles.
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The Egyptian Navy is one of the Egyptian Armed Forces Main Branches and it was established in 1928 as it considered as one of the oldest naval forces in the history, The navy’s missions include the protection of more than 2,000 kilometers of coastline of the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, defense of approaches to the Suez Canal, and support for army operations. The majority of the Egyptian Navy was established with the help of the Soviet Union in the 1960s.
Egypt navy was always playing an important role during history in facing threats & occupation forces attempts, but now the role of the naval forces had been changed upside down as it may be considered as one of the most powerful naval forces among Arab & African countries, and in the middle east after Turkey.
2. Algeria

Algeria has a strong navy that ranks second in Africa. The Algerian navy has 95 vessels, including four submarines and two frigates. It also has a number of coastal patrol vessels, minehunters, and missile boats. The Algerian navy has been undergoing modernization in recent years, and its vessels are equipped with modern weapons and sensors.
Mination of a longer term procurement project, Italy’s Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN) delivered Algeria’s new flagship, an 8,800-tonne amphibious assault ship called the Kalaat Beni-Abbes. But newer projects than OSN’s are currently underway. A shipyard in Saint Petersburg, Russia is building two new Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines for Algeria, while two MEKO A200-class frigates, three F-22P Zulfiquar-class frigates, and two Tigr-class corvettes are being produced for service in the Algerian National Navy at shipyards ranging from Kiel to Karachi.
3. South Africa

South Africa has one of the strongest navies in Africa, with 79 vessels, including four frigates and three submarines. The South African navy is well-trained and has participated in several international peacekeeping operations. Its vessels are equipped with modern weapons and sensors, including anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and radar systems.
4. Morocco

Morocco has a relatively strong navy, with 121 vessels, including four frigates and two submarines. Its naval forces are well-equipped and have modern weapons and sensors, including anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and surface-to-air missiles. The Moroccan navy also has a number of coastal patrol vessels and minehunters.
The Royal Navy of Morocco is a branch of the military of Morocco responsible for conducting naval operations. The Royal Moroccan Navy is administratively managed by the Administration of Defence, which is (de facto) commanded by King Mohammed VI, the commander-in-chief of the Moroccan Armed Forces.
5. Nigeria
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Nigeria has a strong navy, with 75 vessels, including one frigate and two submarines. The Nigerian navy is well-trained and has participated in several international peacekeeping operations. Its vessels are equipped with modern weapons and sensors, including anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and radar systems.
6. Tunisia

Tunisia has a relatively small navy, with 34 vessels, but it is still considered one of the strongest in Africa. Its vessels are equipped with modern weapons and sensors, including anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and radar systems. Tunisia's navy also has a number of coastal patrol vessels and minehunters.
The Tunisian Navy has commissioned two new vessels into service: its second Multi Service Offshore Patrol Vessel from Damen and a third locally manufactured patrol boat.
The vessels were commissioned at the port of La Goulette on 25 June by President Beji Caid Essebsi, according to the Tunisian Presidency, to coincide with the 62nd anniversary of the national army. The ceremony included demonstrations by the Tunisian Navy which saw boarding operations by Navy RHIBs and the deployment of sailors onto a vessel by UH-60 helicopter.
7. Kenya

Kenya has a relatively small navy, with 14 vessels, but it is well-trained and equipped with modern weapons and sensors. Its vessels include two frigates and two submarines. The Kenyan navy has participated in several international peacekeeping operations and has been involved in counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia.
8. Angola

Angola has a relatively small navy, with 26 vessels, but it has been undergoing modernization in recent years. Its vessels are equipped with modern weapons and sensors, including anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and radar systems. The Angolan navy also has a number of coastal patrol vessels and minehunters.
9. Libya

Libya has a relatively small navy, with 28 vessels, but it has been undergoing modernization in recent years. Its vessels are equipped with modern weapons and sensors, including anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and radar systems. The Libyan navy also has a number of coastal patrol vessels and minehunters.
The Libyan Navy is the naval warfare branch of the Libyan Armed Forces. Established in November 1962, Libyan Navy has been headed by Admiral Mansour Bader, Chief of Staff of the Libyan Naval Force. Before the First Libyan Civil War it was a fairly typical small navy with a few missile frigates, corvettes and patrol boats to defend the coastline, but with a very limited self-defence capability.
10. Ghana

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Ghana has a relatively small navy, with eight vessels, but it is well-trained and equipped with modern weapons and sensors. Its vessels include two frigates and one submarine. The Ghanaian navy has participated in several international peacekeeping operations and has been involved in counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Guinea.
Overall, having a strong navy is crucial for countries that have access to a coastline or waterways. A strong navy allows a country to protect its territorial waters, ensure maritime security, and project power beyond its borders. With the ongoing modernization efforts of African navies, we can expect to see even more significant improvements in their naval capabilities in the coming years.