AFRIDEX 2026 to feature tactical live demonstrations in Lagos on Oct 26-29

The Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) will take place from October 26 to 29, 2026, at Eko Atlantic in Lagos, Nigeria. The event will bring together governments, military leaders, policymakers, and representatives of the global defence industry to address shared security challenges and promote long-term stability and growth.

According to its organisers, AFRIDEX will be the largest defence exhibition in Africa.

Operational Immersion and Integrated Event Design

AFRIDEX claims to create one of the world's most operationally immersive environments for defence exhibitions by combining:

• Large-scale outdoor capability presentations
• Cross-domain live demonstrations
• High-level industry exchange

These elements are integrated within a single, unified event landscape. The scope and focus of the programme position AFRIDEX as one of the world's most operationally focused defence exhibitions.

Exhibition Domains and Focus Areas

The exhibition is designed to foster capability development, interoperability, and resilience through structured exchange across the following domains:

• Land
• Sea
• Air
• Space
• Cyber

Outdoor Static Display Area

The outdoor static display area is within walking distance of the main halls and offers exhibitors a dedicated open-air environment to present significant defence and security assets beyond the traditional exhibition stand format.

This area is expected to feature a broad spectrum of capabilities from the land, air, and sea sectors, including:

• Armoured vehicles and battle tanks
• Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Statically displayed aircraft
• Maritime platforms
• Mobile command centres
• Communication systems
• Robotics and autonomous technologies
• Advanced sensor systems

Live Demonstration Area

Complementing the static presentations, AFRIDEX introduces a dedicated live demonstration area. This provides exhibitors with a platform to showcase their systems and technologies in front of:

• Industry representatives
• Official delegations
• Procurement teams
• Media representatives

AFRIDEX 2026: Live Demonstrations by Sector

The live demonstration programme includes presentations from various sectors:

• Vehicle mobility
• VTOL drone systems
• Robotics
• Counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) simulations
• C4ISR technologies
• Communication systems
• Surveillance capabilities
• Maritime security technologies
• Disaster response scenarios

Approved demonstrations will take place on multiple event days as part of the official AFRIDEX live programme. Exact schedules will be published via official event communication channels, digital platforms, and in the AFRIDEX event guide.

Drone and Maritime Demonstrations

Drone demonstrations will focus on approved VTOL systems. All flight activities are subject to operational approval, technical review, and regulatory clearances in coordination with relevant authorities.

The maritime and water-based demonstration programme utilises the venue's direct waterfront location to present:

• Maritime surveillance systems
• Smaller watercraft
• Unmanned surface vessels
• Coastal security technologies

These demonstrations take place in a real operational environment.

Statement from Organisers

Odiri Umusu, Portfolio Director AFRIDEX at dmg events, stated:

"AFRIDEX represents a significant advancement in creating a global defence and security exhibition platform in Africa. The integration of live demonstrations and large-scale capability presentations provides exhibitors, delegations, and procurement decision-makers with a far more immersive understanding of operational performance, innovations, and defence technology.

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"By linking the exhibition experience with real operational environments, AFRIDEX positions itself as one of the most internationally mission-oriented defence exhibitions. At the same time, it strengthens opportunities for industry collaboration, defence force modernisation, and strategic partnerships across the region."

Host Country: Nigeria

As the host country, Nigeria reflects Africa's increasing focus on modern defence capabilities, industrial growth, and coordinated approaches to shared regional and international security challenges.

All static exhibitions and live demonstrations are subject to approval.