Between the pursuit of sovereignty and emerging dependencies
Drones have firmly established themselves as indispensable tools within African military strategies. A recent chapter in the Annual Report on the Geopolitics of Africa (RAGA 2026), authored by researcher Djenabou Cissé, offers a compelling analysis of the profound transformation occurring in conflicts across the continent. While this widespread adoption of drone technology significantly enhances the operational capabilities of states, it concurrently highlights a substantial technological reliance on foreign powers and introduces new complexities concerning security, governance, and the protection of civilian populations.
Initially deployed primarily for surveillance and intelligence gathering, drones now play a pivotal role in Africa’s security frameworks. According to Cissé, their rapid proliferation signals a fundamental shift in the nature of warfare on the continent, as both state actors and non-state armed groups increasingly integrate these advanced technologies.
The pace of drone acquisitions has accelerated dramatically over the past two decades. In 2001, only one drone acquisition agreement was recorded in Africa; by 2021, this number had surged to twenty-one. Between 1980 and 2024, more than 1,500 military drones were acquired by 31 African nations, with a notable spike observed from 2020 to 2023. North Africa accounts for over half of these acquisitions, and Nigeria stands out as one of the continent’s leading purchasers.
This rise in drone usage is primarily a response to Africa’s deteriorating security landscape. In the face of persistent armed groups and internal conflicts, drones provide states with crucial capabilities for surveillance, intelligence, and remote strikes, thereby mitigating risks to soldiers on the ground.
Conflicts in Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Somalia, and Ethiopia exemplify this evolving trend. Drones have become preferred instruments for military operations, as well as potent tools for communication and propaganda, employed by both regular armies and various armed factions.
Accessible technology for armed groups
One of the most significant developments highlighted is the democratization of these technologies. Readily available civilian drones are now being repurposed into weapons by organizations such as Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, and the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).
This appropriation fundamentally alters power dynamics. Drones are no longer solely used for observation; they are now employed to conduct targeted attacks, coordinate ground operations, and disseminate imagery designed to amplify the psychological impact of military actions.
Despite this growing reliance, the analysis underscores that African states remain heavily dependent on foreign suppliers. China, Israel, the United States, and, more recently, Turkey, largely dominate the African drone market. Beyond merely selling the equipment, these international partners also provide crucial training, maintenance, software updates, and spare parts, thereby fostering a lasting strategic dependency.
This situation also raises critical questions regarding digital sovereignty and the safeguarding of data collected by these sophisticated systems.
In response to these dependencies, several countries are investing in local production. South Africa continues to be the continent’s primary industrial hub in this sector. Morocco is also pursuing a strategy that combines national production with international partnerships, while Nigeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Tunisia, and Algeria are all stepping up initiatives aimed at bolstering their industrial capabilities.
Sénégal is also recognized for the work of Ndobine, a company specializing in developing drones tailored for maritime surveillance, cartography, and precision agriculture. However, local production still constitutes only about 12% of the African market.
Tactical gains, not conflict resolution
Djenabou Cissé emphasizes that drones do not represent a strategic revolution capable of resolving Africa’s complex conflicts.
While they enhance states’ military capabilities and alter combat tactics, they do not address the underlying causes of crises. On the contrary, their proliferation can sometimes exacerbate violence.
The report indicates that in 2024, 484 drone strikes resulted in the deaths of 1,176 civilians across thirteen African countries. In Sudan alone, nearly 700 civilians reportedly perished during the first three months of 2026 due to drone strikes, according to data cited in the analysis.
In conclusion, Cissé urges African states to complement this technological surge with appropriate public policies. Her recommendations include developing operational doctrines compliant with international humanitarian law, enhancing operator training, ensuring greater transparency in acquisitions, fostering a robust local industry, and progressively harmonizing regulations at the continental level under the guidance of the African Union.
For Djenabou Cissé, the crucial challenge is no longer merely gaining access to drones, but rather African states’ capacity to effectively control their deployment and usage. Failing this, she warns, the widespread adoption of drones risks further entrenching dependencies and fueling cycles of violence, rather than establishing lasting security for the continent.