10 African countries you probably didn’t know produce their own weapons

Sudan

With its locally-made mortars, rocket launchers, and associated ammunition that continue to appear in conflict zones within and beyond Sudan, the country boasts of being one of the largest weaponry manufacturers in Africa. In 1959, El Shajara ammunition plant was established to produce small arms ammunition. In 1993, production was expanded when the then President Omar Al Bashir opened the Military Industry Corporation (MIC). The MIC has eight main categories: ammunition, conventional weapons, armoured vehicles and main battle tanks, gear, outfits, and equipment, electronics, aviation, marine, and vehicles, reports Dabanga.

Producing military products in at least seven distinct manufacturing plants, including Yarmouk Industrial Complex, El Shajara Ammunition Plant, and El Shahid Ibrahim Shamseldin Complex, the MIC, in 2013, participated in the IDEX weapons convention, held bi-annually in Abu Dhabi.

“It was the first time Sudan put its weapons on public display, showcasing a variety of infantry and crew-served weapons, including general-purpose and heavy machine guns, RPGs, a copy of the Chinese CQ assault rifle, rocket launchers and ammunition, mortars, and one 4×4 vehicle. It also offered military communication devices, optical equipment, and laser devices,” reports Dabanga.