Will Russia’s focus on resupplying troops in Ukraine open an arms export door for China in Africa?
- Many African countries that buy most of their arms from Russia could be forced to look for alternative suppliers
- China likely to be a major beneficiary, as it already accounts for 13 per cent of African arms imports
As the war enters its second year and Russia prioritises its front-line military needs over exports, Algeria and many other African countries that buy most of their arms from Russia could be forced to look for alternative suppliers.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Algeria is the largest African importer of Russian arms and weapons – including aircraft, air defence systems, missiles, ships and armoured vehicles – but the country also sources some of its arms from China, France and Germany.
SIPRI data showed that between 2008 and 2021, Algeria accounted for 12 per cent of Russian arms exports, trailing only China and India.
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Ukraine parades destroyed Russian tanks and guns in Kyiv ahead of Independence Day
Egypt, Nigeria, Uganda, Sudan and Angola are other top African importers of Russian arms. Across the African continent, nearly half of the military equipment, including tanks, warships, fighter aircraft and combat helicopters, comes from Russia.
