The Escalating Military Expenditure in North Africa
In an era marked by geopolitical tensions, military expenditures in North Africa are experiencing unprecedented surges, transforming the region into a potential powder keg. The rivalry between Algeria and Morocco is particularly pronounced, prompting Spain to embark on a significant rearmament initiative to safeguard its interests. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending reached a staggering $2.9 trillion in 2025, with North Africa emerging as the epicenter of continental rearmament. The Maghreb countries alone account for more than half of the $58.2 billion spent across Africa, dwarfing Nigeria's modest allocation of $2.1 billion aimed at combating extremism.
Algeria's Dominance and Morocco's Strategic Shift
Algeria is leading the charge with astronomical military budgets, reaching a record high of $25.4 billion—an 11% increase from the previous year. This obsession with security absorbs a quarter of the state’s budget and 8.83% of its gross domestic product (GDP), making it the highest military burden globally, second only to war-torn Ukraine. Fueled by hydrocarbon revenues, Algeria's strategy appears aimed at establishing regional hegemony, even at the expense of its populace, which suffers from unemployment, inflation, and water shortages. In contrast, Morocco opts for quality over quantity in its military strategy. With a budget of $6.3 billion, Rabat spends significantly less than its neighbor. The Moroccan government is focusing on asymmetrical modernization, investing in drones, intelligence systems, cutting-edge fighter jets, and developing its local defense industry. Solid alliances with the United States position Morocco as the second-largest military power on the continent in terms of financial capabilities.
Across the Strait of Gibraltar, Spain is responding to these escalating tensions with a massive increase in its defense budget. Under pressure from NATO requirements, Madrid has crossed the milestone of dedicating 2% of its GDP to defense for the first time since 1994, with its budget soaring by 50% to reach $40.2 billion. While Spain's economic power significantly eclipses that of its North African neighbors, the country is also benefitting directly from this arms race, with military exports to Morocco increasing by 40%, fueled by the construction of a substantial ocean-going patrol vessel set for delivery in mid-2026.
As reported by bladi.net.
