Should Europe turn to Africa to address its shrinking military ranks?
European militaries facing recruitment shortfalls may look to Africa’s growing labor force as a potential solution, mirroring a strategy reportedly used by Russia in its war in Ukraine.
Across Europe, armed forces are shrinking and aging, with Germany abandoning plans to recruit 20,000 additional troops by 2031 amid declining volunteer numbers.
In the United Kingdom, the regular army has fallen from 110,000 personnel in 2010 to 73,000 in 2024. British Defence Minister Al Khan has warned that the army, at its current size, could be depleted within six months to a year in a major conflict.
Russia, despite facing similar demographic pressures, has intensified overseas recruitment.
According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, about 1,400 African nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces. While some joined for ideological reasons, many were reportedly drawn by higher pay amid limited job prospects at home.
Africa’s labor force is projected to expand by 541 million over the next 25 years, even as the European Union’s workforce is expected to shrink by 24 million.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
