Africa’s evolving defence and security landscape will take centre stage in Lagos as the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AIDEX) holds from October 26 to 29, 2026, bringing together governments, armed forces, industry leaders, policymakers and technology innovators from across Africa and beyond.
The exhibition is expected to provide a high-level platform for more than 20,000 industry leaders, ministers, service chiefs, procurement authorities and other key stakeholders involved in shaping the continent’s defence and security future.
Hosted in Nigeria with formal host-nation support, AIDEX is designed to facilitate strategic engagement around emerging security challenges, defence technologies, capability development, supply-chain resilience and security cooperation.
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The event will provide participants with opportunities to explore technologies and solutions across Land, Maritime, Air, Cyber and Space domains, while creating avenues for governments, defence organisations and industry players to develop partnerships and strengthen operational capabilities.
According to the organisers, the exhibition is structured as a state-grade, protocol-led platform aimed at accelerating credible engagement between governments, armed forces and the defence industry. Curated meeting schedules, hosted delegations and dedicated programme tracks will support focused discussions and business engagements.
AIDEX will also promote dialogue on Africa’s drive towards greater defence self-reliance, industrial development and technological innovation. By bringing together global leaders, policymakers and industry innovators, the exhibition seeks to encourage investment, knowledge exchange and partnerships capable of strengthening security and stability across the continent.
Nigeria’s role as host reflects its position as Africa’s most populous country and one of its largest economies, as well as its longstanding involvement in regional peace, security and cooperation.
A key institution supporting Nigeria’s defence industrial ambitions is the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the country’s premier defence manufacturing organisation. Established in 1964, DICON is responsible for producing, innovating and supplying defence equipment while supporting the modernisation and self-reliance of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
Through strategic partnerships and technological advancement, DICON has also played a role in promoting industrial growth and strengthening Nigeria’s contribution to Africa’s emerging defence ecosystem.
The exhibition will provide an avenue for stakeholders to engage with decision-makers, capability planners and technology providers on the full defence supply chain, ranging from innovation and systems integration to logistics, sustainment and lifecycle support.
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Participants will also be able to examine capability priorities across multi-domain requirements, including dual-use technology pathways, while engaging in procurement and capability-development conversations designed around confidentiality, security and compliance.
The programme is expected to feature scenario-driven workshops, mission-critical simulations and operator-to-industry exchanges aimed at strengthening readiness, interoperability and the adoption of international standards.
With Lagos serving as the host city, the Africa International Defence Exhibition is positioning itself as a major meeting point for Africa’s defence and security community, providing a platform where governments, military leaders and industry can collaborate on the technologies, partnerships and capabilities needed to build a more secure, resilient and self-reliant Africa.
