The management of stockpiles of small arms, light weapons, ammunition and other conventional weapons must be enhanced in order to ensure civilian safety as well as to preserve the quality and shelf-life of the weapons. Throughout the African continent, governments have purchased weapons in the cause of national security for use by the military and the police. This has led to the establishment of armories and the continued purchase of weapons to revamp and supply state arsenals. Many armories throughout Africa were built during the colonial period or in the early days of independence and have not been updated since then. In light of this, it is important to investigate the current state of stockpile management in Africa and to work towards its improvement.

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