Research shows that African nations are importing fewer arms over the last decade.

Arms export across the world is currently the highest it has ever been since the Cold War ended in 1991.

This is according to new research from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) which found a 23 per cent increase in 2014–18 compared to the international transfer of major arms in 2004–2008.

Despite this general spike, the new report titled 'Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2018,' showed a 6.5 per cent decrease in arms imports in Africa over the last decade.

This could be attributed to the fact that more local manufacturers are joining the lucrative industry, which made over $25 billion last year.

Africa Facts reports that at least 11 nations currently produce some of the weapons used by the military and police.

These manufacturing and distribution factories can be found in South Africa, Nigeria Egypt, and other parts of the continent.

Here are the seven African countries that produce their own weapons and even export to other nations:

1.South Africa



Coming out of the cruel apartheid regime, South Africa’s locally manufactured weapons were at the time described as crowd-control equipment, consisting of attack helicopters, military trucks, security vehicles, assault rifles, handguns and armoured personnel cars. Considered as a country with one of the most advanced weaponry in the world today, South Africa has, in recent times, made some light armoured vehicles and anti-tank missiles. Its weaponry is demanded in several countries across the world. In 2016 and 2017, South Africa supplied arms to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates including heavy artillery guns and assault rifles, ammunition, armoured vehicles, surveillance and military technology, according to the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC).

2.Ethiopia



A report released by Agence France-Presse (AFP) confirms that Ethiopia is home to perhaps one of the most powerful armies in Africa. Though weapon production began in the 1800s under Emperor Tewondros, today, the country also has a pretty lucrative industry pertaining to weapon production. Ethiopia produces small arms, rifles and grenades propelled by rockets. According to the AFP report, Ethiopia has a defense budget of roughly $400 million dollars.

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