THE AFRICA INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE EXHIBITION
A PLATFORM FOR COOPERATION, CAPABILITY AND STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT.
Taking place from 26–29 October 2026 in Eko Atlantic, Lagos, Nigeria. the Africa International Defence Exhibition convenes government decision-makers, senior military leadership, prime contractors, and solution providers across the defence and security community.
The Africa International Defence Exhibition is designed to support capability development, interoperability and resilience through structured engagement across Land, Maritime, Air, Space, Cyber, and Digital domains.
Through a world-class exhibition, live showcases, and a strategic forum, the Africa International Defence Exhibition enables meaningful dialogue and practical collaboration between governments, armed forces and industry, supporting procurement pathways, partnership formation, and long-term security priorities across the continent.
Hosted in Nigeria, The Africa International Defence Exhibition reflects Africa’s accelerating focus on modern capability, industrial capacity, and coordinated approaches to shared security challenges.
SUPPORTING AFRICAN NATIONS
Event Features
FLAGSHIP EXHIBITION
A world-class showcase of defence and security technologies and services across Land, Naval, Air, Space, Cyber, and Digital domains, connecting primes, OEMs, SMEs and emerging innovators.
STRATEGIC DEFENCE AND SECURITY SUMMIT
A high-level forum bringing together senior leaders, policymakers, programme managers, and operators to address shared priorities, challenges and the frameworks that enable cooperation and innovation.
HOSTED DELEGATION PROGRAMME
A structured programme designed to support official delegations and procurement stakeholders with targeted briefings, curated meetings and solution alignment against national and regional priorities.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PAVILIONS
Dedicated pavilions highlighting sovereign capability, industrial strength and innovation, connecting participating nations and partners with the wider defence and security ecosystem.
LIVE CAPABILITY SHOWCASES
Displays and demonstrations focusing on performance, readiness and interoperability, delivered within a controlled environment.
DEFENCE CLUB
An invitation-only engagement space designed for discreet dialogue and senior-level relationship building among defence leaders, government officials and industry principals.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR
President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Sen. Kashim Shettima
Vice President
Federal Republic of Nigeria
General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) OFR
Honourable Minister of Defence
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON
Honourable Minister of State for Defence
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Gen OO Oluyede
Chief of Defence Staff
Armed Forces of Nigeria
LT Gen W Shaibu
Chief of Army Staff
Vice Admiral I Abbas
Chief of The Naval Staff
SK Aneke
Chief of The Air Staff
Nigeria Air Force
Maj Gen BI Alaya DSS NHWC Egypt psc(+) pslc(+) Canada FNSE
Director General
Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria
Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria
The Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Federal Republic of Nigeria
Ministry Of Defence
Nigerian Army
Nigerian Navy
Nigerian Air Force
Ministry of Interior
Office Of The National Security Adviser
Nigeria Police Force
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
Department of State Services (DSS)
National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
Civil Defence Corps
INTERNATIONAL PAVILIONS
ADVANCING CAPABILITY.
STRENGTHENING ALLIANCES.
ENABLING STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT.
Across Africa, nations are investing in modernisation, regional partnerships, defence manufacturing and technology-driven solutions to strengthen stability and long-term resilience.
The Africa International Defence Exhibition exists to turn that momentum into structured outcomes: credible dialogue, coordinated approaches, and partnerships that strengthen defence and security capability across Africa.
Africa military expenditure in 2024.
Africa military expenditure increase from 2022 to 2023.
Global year-on-year increase (2024), steepest rise since at least 1988.
Projected drone industry jobs by 2030
of large organisations found supply-chain interdependencies as the biggest barrier to cyber resilience
Official Message from the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is proud to support this landmark Defence and Security event in Lagos.
A vital platform for fostering collaboration, promoting innovation, and advancing capacity building across Africa. As the Continent faces evolving security challenges, this gathering offers an opportunity to strengthen strategic partnerships, showcase indigenous capabilities, and drive forward the shared goal of a safer and more secure Africa.
By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we can build the resilient defence infrastructure needed to safeguard our nations, promote stability, and secure a future of lasting peace and shared prosperity for the African continent.
2026 MEDIA PARTNERS
