Morocco is significantly increasing its military spending amid rising tensions with neighboring Algeria, signaling a deepening regional rivalry that could reshape North Africa’s security landscape. In its 2026 draft budget, Morocco has allocated 157 billion dirhams, approximately $17.1 billion, for defense, marking an 18% increase from the previous year. This sharp rise follows Algeria’s announcement that it will dedicate nearly a quarter of its national budget to defense, intensifying concerns about a potential arms race between the two countries. The escalation reflects long-standing diplomatic and territorial disputes, particularly over Western Sahara, and a broader competition for influence in the region.
Over the past seven years, Morocco’s defense budget has grown by nearly 40%, rising from 96.7 billion dirhams in 2019. The kingdom has focused on modernizing its military capabilities, diversifying its sources of weaponry, and strengthening strategic partnerships with global powers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, defense spending now accounts for 4.2% of Morocco’s GDP, underscoring the government’s prioritization of national security in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.
The surge in military investment is closely tied to Morocco’s efforts to assert control over Western Sahara, a disputed territory where Algeria is widely seen as a key supporter of the Polisario Front. Diplomatic relations between the two nations have deteriorated in recent years, with both sides hardening their positions and engaging in increasingly aggressive rhetoric. The United Nations has acknowledged Algeria’s central role in the conflict, challenging long-standing narratives and further complicating efforts to reach a peaceful resolution.
As both Morocco and Algeria continue to expand their defense budgets, regional analysts warn of the risks associated with unchecked militarization. The growing rivalry could undermine efforts at regional cooperation, disrupt trade and migration flows, and heighten the potential for direct confrontation. Morocco’s latest budget move not only reflects its strategic defense priorities but also highlights the broader implications of unresolved political tensions in North Africa. Without renewed diplomatic engagement, the region may face escalating instability driven by competing national interests and expanding military ambitions.