Lagos will host the first Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) from 26 to 29 October 2026, marking the continent’s largest gathering of military and security stakeholders at Eko Atlantic.
The event emerged from a strategic partnership between the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the UK-based firm DMG Events. Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, Director-General of DICON, and Nick Ornstien, Vice President of DMG Events, formalised the agreement during the African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja in late August 2025. This collaboration receives full backing from the Nigerian Ministry of Defence and aims to position Lagos as a primary hub for regional military innovation.
Organisers expect over 30,000 attendees and more than 500 exhibiting companies representing 100 nations. The four-day schedule focuses on high-level networking between African defence ministers, chiefs of staff, and global technology firms. The exhibition floor will feature a dedicated officers’ club to facilitate private discussions between senior military leaders and industry influencers who hold procurement authority.
The exhibition covers five primary domains, including land, maritime, air, space, and cyber warfare. Attendees will observe live demonstrations of advanced armoured vehicles, naval vessels, and unmanned aerial systems to assess their performance and interoperability. This technical focus aims to address the escalating security threats across African borders and maritime territories by showcasing next-generation weapons and munitions.
A primary goal of the summit involves advancing the localisation of defence manufacturing. By providing a platform for African producers to exhibit their hardware alongside international firms, the event encourages technology transfer and joint ventures. This approach helps reduce reliance on imports and strengthens the regional defence industrial base through practical collaboration.
The summit also includes a high-level Strategic Defence and Security Summit to discuss the integration of cyber warfare solutions. As digital threats to national infrastructure increase, African nations are seeking modern tools to defend their digital borders. These discussions will run parallel to hardware displays, ensuring that software and electronic warfare capabilities remain central to force modernisation.
The partnership with DMG Events brings international exhibition standards to the Nigerian defence sector. Early March 2026 indicates that the event has already secured participation from major global contractors looking to expand their footprint in the African market. This involvement suggests a growing international confidence in the continent’s defence procurement processes. Procurement officials must balance the need for high-end, sophisticated technology with the requirement for rugged, easily maintained equipment suited for diverse African terrains. The exhibition allows these decision-makers to evaluate hardware in scenarios that mimic actual field conditions.
The successful execution of AFRIDEX 2026 could lead to a regular biennial cycle for the event. This would provide a predictable schedule for regional procurement officers and international contractors. The October event will be the first major test of Nigeria’s capacity to host a defence exhibition of this magnitude.
