# ARMSCOR, Ivory Coast strengthens defence relations

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/04/armscor-ivory-coast-strengthens-defence-relations/
- Published: 2025-04-25T09:34:13+01:00
- Author: Sarah Lesedi

The South African government’s defence and security acquisition and project management
company, Armscor, recently hosted a delegation from Côte d’Ivoire to strengthen 
defence relations between the two nations.

Several South African defence companies presented their catalogue of military equipment
to an Ivorian delegation visiting Johannesburg.

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The visit, spanning five days, featured a tailored programme designed to align with
Côte d’Ivoire’s specific defence needs. The delegation was welcomed at Armscor headquarters
in Pretoria by the company’s board chair, Alex Mahapa, before embarking on a tour
of Armscor’s facilities.

They also visited several South African defence industry (SADI) companies to explore
the country’s capabilities. According to Armscor’s latest _Inside Out_ newsletter,
the programme focused on key areas of interest for Côte d’Ivoire, including unmanned
aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, vessel manufacturing, ammunition production, and
weapon systems.

On the final day of their tour, the delegation visited the Gerotek test facilities,
located west of Pretoria. There, they were joined by South African National Defence
Force (SANDF) Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, who engaged with the West African
visitors.

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General Maphwanya expressed his satisfaction with the strengthened ties between 
Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa, stating that the collaboration provided “some surety”
that Côte d’Ivoire was “on the right path in collaborating towards enhancing peace
on the continent and thus, silencing the guns,” a reference to the African Union’s
peace initiative.

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Following the visit, a subsequent meeting in Côte d’Ivoire led to a significant 
development: the signing of a letter of cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry
of Defence and Armscor. This agreement formalizes the intent of both parties to 
work together in exploring potential business opportunities, marking a milestone
in their growing partnership.

As highlighted in the Armscor publication, “This milestone once again reassures 
Armscor’s commitment to assist with procurement needs and other requirements, using
its decades of acquisition experience,” underscoring the company’s dedication to
supporting Côte d’Ivoire’s defence objectives while fostering stability across the
continent.

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