Registration opens for AFRIDEX 2026 defense exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria

The trade fair will take place from October 26 to 29, 2026, at Eko Atlantic in Lagos, Nigeria.

Event Overview

AFRIDEX 2026 is organized with the official support of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and brings together governments, armed forces, policymakers, defense manufacturers, technology innovators, and security experts. The event aims to explore the capabilities, technologies, and partnerships shaping the future of defense and security across Africa.

Designed as a protocol-based defense and security platform, AFRIDEX was created to accelerate exchange between public sector decision-makers, military organizations, and industry through targeted conference programs, delegation visits, and strategic conferences aimed at achieving concrete results.

Addressing Complex Threats

Given the increasingly complex threats facing nations across the continent—spanning land, sea, air, cyberspace, and space—AFRIDEX provides a dedicated forum for capability development, partnership building, and long-term resilience.

General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Ret.) OFR, Minister of Defense of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, stated:

"Africa's defense and security priorities are determined by Africa's realities and implemented through African-led measures. Across the continent, nations face dynamic and multifaceted threats in land, sea, air, cyberspace, and space. Addressing these challenges requires not only coordination but also a critical evolution of capabilities, stronger interoperability, and sustainable industrial growth. AFRIDEX 2026 is more than just an exhibition; it is a strategic meeting point to drive alignment of critical capability needs, accelerate partnerships, and translate intentions into concrete outcomes that strengthen readiness and resilience across Africa. Nigeria is proud to host AFRIDEX, clearly demonstrating its commitment to expanding indigenous capacity, deepening continental cooperation, and shaping a secure, self-reliant, and strategically focused Africa."

Strengthening Africa's Defense Industry Profile

Industry leaders welcomed AFRIDEX as a key initiative to strengthen the profile of Africa's growing defense industry and create new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and exports.

Major General (Ret.) Abbas, Managing Director of Bufalo Engineering and Technical Services Limited, stated:

"We need an organization like this to make African countries aware of our potential. If people don't know what we do, we will hardly sell our products. We need an organization like this that showcases companies and enables them to demonstrate their competencies and grow their business."

AFRIDEX 2026 is expected to bring together government representatives, military leaders, defense ministries, security agencies, industry representatives, and technology innovators from across Africa and the world, creating a powerful platform for dialogue, collaboration, and capability development. The event showcases technologies and capabilities in land, sea, air, cyber, and space, offering participants access to the latest innovations, operational capabilities, and forward-looking solutions tailored to Africa's evolving defense and security needs.

The exhibition provides defense technology companies with a platform to demonstrate their operational readiness, engage directly with military end-users, and present the latest innovations for future defense requirements.

Rear Admiral (Ret.) S. S. Lassa, CEO of Epsilon Unmanned Systems and Advisor to the Armed Forces, said:

"Everything begins with seeing; seeing is believing. If you don't showcase your capabilities, it's hard for others to understand what you can achieve. AFRIDEX, the first of its kind, is a step in the right direction, bringing together the defense industry from around the world, including from Nigeria, to showcase their competencies."

Event Features

In addition to an extensive exhibition, AFRIDEX offers:

• Strategic conferences
• Guided delegation programs
• Networking opportunities
• Live demonstrations of land, sea, and air forces

Visitor Opportunities

Visitors to AFRIDEX 2026 will have the opportunity to:

• Pursue priorities in defense and security requirements
• Explore new technologies and dual-use technologies