The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and DMG Events have said the upcoming Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 will unlock new defence-industrial opportunities across the continent.

The Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, and President of DMG, Christopher Hudson, made this known while briefing journalists about the event on Friday in Abuja.

They said the exhibition would strengthen Africa’s position in the global security ecosystem.

The DICON boss said the event represents a landmark initiative designed to serve as a global platform for defence, security, and technology stakeholders to provide excellent ideas and to suggest cutting-edge innovations.

According to him, the event is poised to become Africa’s premier defence and security exhibition, reflecting Nigeria’s growing influence as a hub for industrial innovation, strategic cooperation, and global security collaboration.

He stated, “The exhibition will attract participants from across Africa, Europe, and Asia, including leading defence manufacturers, policymakers, security experts, and technocrats from the advanced industries.

“Over the four days, participants will engage in strategic forum, high-level discussions, programme demonstrations, and exhibitions featuring the latest technologies in land, air, maritime, and sabotage defense systems.

“The event will serve as a meeting point for government agencies, armed forces, research institutions, and private investors, providing a vital ground for public-private partnership and cross-continental cooperation.

“For Nigeria, it presents an opportunity to demonstrate our readiness to lead Africa’s industrial defence; and it aligns perfectly with the federal government’s vision, and agendas.”

Also, Mr Hudson said Nigeria was hosting the event not only because the country is Africa’s largest economy, but also a regional leader in defence capabilities, industrial ambition and security cooperation across the continent.

According to him, defence investments and capability development are accelerating at a remarkable pace.

He said that African nations allocated about $52 billion, noting that it was projected to increase an expanding programme, maritime, cyber and space domains.

“These efforts are driving modernisation, strengthening corporation and opening opportunities for industrial collaboration. It is within that context that we are creating the African international Defence Exhibition,” he said.

Mr Hudson said that the four-day event would attract 30,000 attendees from over 100 companies, and over 500 companies as exhibitors. 

He added, “It will offer access to global technologies, sovereign capability partners and regional solutions aligned with Africa’s operational realities.”

 (NAN)