The launch of the first ever Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) has been officially announced. The event will be held from October 26 to October 29 this year at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria. The announcement was jointly made by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Defence, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and exhibition organiser dmg events.

“This event represents a significant step in advancing defence cooperation and industrial growth across Africa,” affirmed federal Defence Minister Dr Bello Matawalle. “Nigeria is committed to strengthening its defence capability and supporting wider regional progress. By hosting [AFRIDEX], we are creating an important environment for collaboration, innovation and partnership that will support security and stability across the continent.”

Nigeria’s defence budget has grown at an average annual rate of 9.6% since 1965. The proposed defence budget for 2025-2026 is ₦4.91-trillion (about $3.46-billion). The Nigerian armed forces are benefitting from modernisation programmes as they undertake counter-insurgency operations. These programmes include the adoption of reconnaissance and homeland security technologies, including uncrewed systems.

“[AFRIDEX] provides an important occasion to highlight Nigeria’s defence-industrial potential and to promote collaboration with international partners,” pointed out DICON director-general Major-General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya. “It will strengthen engagement, support indigenous capability and contribute to the shared goal of building a safer and more resilient Africa.”

AFRIDEX 2026 is expected to have more than 30 000 visitors. There will be 500 or more exhibitors, including international and regional companies as well as emerging innovators. There will be 200 expert speakers. The exhibition will also be attended by official delegations from more than 100 countries. It will include a strategic and technical conference and have live demonstrations on the land, on the sea, and in the air.   

“We are honoured to partner with the federal government, the Ministry of Defence and DICON to bring [AFRIDEX] to Lagos,” highlighted dmg events president Christopher Hudson. “Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to capability development place it at the centre of Africa’s defence and security future. This event will connect leaders and decision-makers with the ideas, innovation and cooperation required to support modernisation and deliver meaningful progress for Africa’s defence and security community.”