Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria has failed to make the list of Africa’s five most powerful nations, according to the latest 2025 Power Sub-Ranking released by the U.S. News & World Report.
The ranking, which evaluates global influence across six key indicators—leadership, economic strength, political influence, international alliances, exports, and military power—placed South Africa and Egypt at the top of the continent.
Other countries that made the top five are Morocco, Ghana, and Algeria, underscoring a significant shift in Africa’s geopolitical and economic landscape.
The report notes that these nations “consistently shape global conversations, influence policy directions, and maintain strong international alliances,” positioning them as key players in regional development and diplomacy.
Nigeria’s absence from the list comes as the country grapples with economic instability, currency depreciation, and governance challenges, despite being Africa’s largest economy by GDP. Analysts suggest that internal insecurity, policy inconsistency, and weakened global perception may have contributed to its exclusion.
Globally, the ranking highlights that powerful countries are those whose “foreign and military policies attract international attention and whose economies drive global growth.”
Observers believe the findings should prompt Nigeria to reassess its international strategy and domestic priorities, especially in areas of governance, economic diversification, and regional leadership.
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