Morocco increased its arms imports by 12 per cent between the 2016-2020 and 2021-2025 periods, ranking 28th globally with a one per cent share of total global arms imports. Across the African continent, arms imports fell by 41 per cent between the two periods. SIPRI stated that the long-running tensions between Morocco and Algeria remained a major driver of both countries' arms imports. Europe received 33 per cent of all global arms imports, making it the largest recipient region for the first time since the 1960s. United States arms exports rose 27 per cent, reaching 99 recipient states.

Source: The North Africa Journal March 26, 2026 12:47 UTC