Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt are Africa’s largest economies. They are all regional powers, and their diplomatic strength, economic and military might varies among each other.


NIGERIA

It has an oil-export driven economy; a military ranked #41 in 2015, relatively little or no influence in international affairs, except within West African Region. Nigeria has a vast population (significantly more than Russia or Japan), but its economic growth and development has been lagging; a volatile exchange rate, coupled with the drop in oil prices threaten Nigeria’s global position, growth and developments. Also, rampant and out of control corruption exist, plus simmering tribal conflicts and insurgency war with Boko Haram.


SOUTH AFRICA

It has a diversified economy and industry, with substantial technology. Militarily, South Africa is ranked #32 (after Mexico) and does not need a stronger military, as it does not face major threats. Diplomatically, South Africa is working with the BRICS block, but dominated by the much larger economies of China. The challenges of massive inequalities, infrastructure, and poverty in the distribution of wealth remain its greatest draw back.


EGYPT

It has a very active military (ranked #18), allied with the US and in no conflicts with immediate neighbors (such as Israel, ranked #11). Egypt has a large population – a little bigger than Germany (2015), and hence larger than France and the UK. Egypt is a regional power and a power-broker. However, it is not as rich as the Gulf States monarchies. In the last few years, Egypt has experienced dangerous political instability, with massive clashes between secular and Islamic political movements. Egypt is punching above its weight internationally – it has an adamant voice in the Middle East – but weak in Africa.


WINNER

Egypt is currently more powerful militarily than Nigeria & South Africa. However, Egypt has to compete for significance with its small but more powerful neighbor Israel and Saudi Arabia. Nigeria and Egypt suffer significant internal conflicts which limit long-term economic development and international influence of each country.



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Egypt is to North Africa
What Nigeria is to west Africa
And South Africa to Southern Africa

Egypt is more powerful militarily than both,but significantly less stable and democratic.
South Africa is more stable and has a more advanced economy,government and infrastructure system.
Nigeria has the biggest economy and population.
The thing is,Egypt will likely never be a superpower in Africa,it is more of an arab country,and therefore more concerned with the middle-east.
South Africa is mostly disinterested in Pan-African politics,except when it is directly affected.
That leaves Nigeria.