The Political Economy of Drone Warfare in Africa: Private Actors, State Sponsors, and the New Airpower Networks

The emergence of drone warfare across African conflicts is closely tied to transnational networks of military assistance, private security actors, and global technology supply chains. While drones are often presented as tools of national military modernisation, their acquisition and operational use frequently depend on external actors who provide training, financing, technical support, and logistical infrastructure. This article analyses the political economy of drone warfare in Africa, examining how state sponsors, regional patrons, and private military contractors contribute to the proliferation and operationalisation of unmanned aerial systems. Drawing on open-source intelligence, investigative reporting, and academic research, the study explores the roles of exporting states such as Türkiye, China, and Iran, as well as regional actors including the United Arab Emirates. It also examines the involvement of private military networks and aviation contractors in supporting drone-enabled operations. The analysis argues that drone warfare in Africa is embedded within a broader transnational system of military production and political influence. As a result, the spread of unmanned systems reflects not only technological diffusion but also evolving patterns of geopolitical competition and security outsourcing.