Global Defence Industry Leaders Gather in Nigeria as President Sends Representative, Firms from China, US and Türkiye Showcase Advanced Technologies

AFRIDEX 2026 highlights defence modernisation, local manufacturing and regional security cooperation in Africa

The 2026 Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX 2026) opened in Lagos on Oct. 26, bringing together international defence manufacturers, senior government officials, military leaders and industry representatives to explore opportunities in defence modernisation, technological innovation and industrial cooperation across Africa.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented at the opening ceremony by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Senior Nigerian government officials, including defence ministry representatives, military commanders and Lagos State officials, also attended the event.

Organised through a partnership involving the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and international exhibition organisers, AFRIDEX 2026 provides a platform for African governments, military institutions and global defence companies to exchange expertise and explore industrial partnerships.

The exhibition features defence technologies and equipment across several sectors, including armoured vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, military communications, electronic defence, maritime security and advanced surveillance solutions.

Defence companies and industry representatives from China, the United States, Türkiye, India and several European countries are participating in the exhibition and related business engagements.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, emphasised the importance of strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing and regional industrial cooperation.

He highlighted the need for West African countries to develop sustainable defence capabilities in response to terrorism, transnational organised crime and emerging security threats.

Nigeria has continued to prioritise military modernisation and the development of its domestic defence industry, with growing attention to local production, technology transfer, technical training and equipment maintenance.

The participation of Chinese defence companies also presents opportunities for further engagement between Africa and China in equipment manufacturing, unmanned systems, technical services and industrial capacity development.

However, specific procurement agreements, investment commitments and technology-transfer arrangements remain subject to official confirmation.

As African countries seek to strengthen their security capabilities, defence cooperation is increasingly extending beyond equipment procurement to include local manufacturing, maintenance infrastructure, workforce development and long-term industrial partnerships.

AFRIDEX 2026 therefore serves not only as a showcase for international defence technologies but also as a platform for advancing Nigeria's defence industrial ambitions and strengthening regional security cooperation.