African arms market to grow by 50% over five years
Africa's arms market is likely to grow by 50% over the next five years, analyst Stephane Konan said at a four-day trade show in Ivory Coast.
'The African market in defence represents only a drop of water in relation to the world market: $42.6 billion out of $1,731 billion in 2017,' Konan told AFP, citing figures from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
'But it is in steady growth and should increase by 50% over the next five years. That's why the principal providers of defence equipment are here,' added Konan, the manager of the Shield Africa event and a key adviser to Ivory Coast's defence minister.
The fifth defence trade fair in Africa has attracted 113 exhibitors from 29 countries, together with 50 official delegations. Organisers said turnout is four times that of the first show in 2013, for companies and official teams alike.
Among nations leading the world's arms industry, the US, China, France and Israel all have stands at Shield Africa, but so do vendors from smaller powers such as South Africa, Turkey, Belarus, South Korea and Australia.
'Africa is undergoing strong economic growth, but also new threats. It's the continent that suffered the most terrorist attacks in 2017, and threats to the environment are increasing, like poaching and illegal fishing... so the need for defence and security material is growing,' Konan said.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat]()
Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat
Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.
-
![UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens]()
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
![White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production]()
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
![India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict]()
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
