List of 10 African Countries with Strongest Naval Fleets in 2026
- Nigeria boasts of the strongest naval fleet in Africa with 152 vessels, ranking 22nd globally
- Egypt and Algeria follow closely, with 149 and 111 naval vessels, respectively
- The list highlights the critical role of naval power in national sovereignty and trade security
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
The list of the top ten African countries with the strongest naval fleets on the continent in 2026 has emerged.
A naval fleet is the largest operational formation of warships and submarines in a nation’s navy.
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These warships are used to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, secure its trade, and sustain long-term growth in an uncertain global context.
According to Global Firepower, Nigeria has the strongest naval fleet on the African continent, with 152 fleets.
Nigeria is ranked 22nd globally on the ranking of naval power and fleet strength.
According to Business Insider Africa, naval strength is crucial to national security due to the proliferation of non-state actors operating at sea.
These non-state actors, such as pirates, traffickers, and militant groups, have blurred the distinction between criminal activity and security issues.
It is important to note that naval fleets are critical for intelligence gathering, rapid response, and collaboration with regional and international allies in areas like the Gulf of Guinea and the Horn of Africa.
10 African countries with the strongest naval fleets
Below is the list of the top 10 African countries with the strongest naval fleets in 2026, according to Global Firepower.
- Nigeria – 152 naval vessels and occupies the 22nd position globally.
- Egypt – 149 naval vessels, and it is ranked 23rd globally.
- Algeria – 111 naval vessels, making it the 34th strongest globally.
- Morocco – 100 naval vessels, becoming the 38th in the world.
- South Africa – 63 naval vessels takes the 52nd position globally
- Tunisia – 37 naval vessels sit in the 61st position globally
- Mozambique – 36 naval vessels and 62nd globally.
- Angola – 32 naval vessels and 65th globally.
- Kenya – 27 naval vessels and 72nd globally.
- Eritrea – 23 naval vessels and 76th globally.
Estimated monthly salaries of Nigerian Navy ranks
Recall that the Nigerian Navy stands as one of the country’s most vital security agencies, safeguarding its waters and maritime interests.
Its commissioned officers carry responsibilities, ranging from commanding fleets to shaping the nation's naval strategy.
Their estimated salaries reflect the hierarchy of ranks, with pay going up in line with leadership duties and operational demands.
Nigerian Navy: 7 things Its history, commands
Legit.ng also reported that the Nigerian Navy was described as one of Africa’s largest maritime forces, with roots stretching back to colonial times.
Its evolution from the Lagos Marines of 1887 to a modern naval institution reflected Nigeria’s growing need for coastal defence and maritime security.
Over the decades, the Navy expanded its constitutional role, taking on responsibilities that ranged from port administration to safeguarding the nation’s oil and gas sectors.
Source: Legit.ng
