By Bavoriat Clara
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has sealed a landmark partnership with dmg Events, a UK-based global exhibitions organiser, to co-host the maiden edition of the Africa Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026 in Lagos.
The agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the ongoing African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The Director General of DICON, Major General B.I. Alaya, signed on behalf of Nigeria, while dmg Events was represented by its Executive Vice President, Nick Ornstien.
Scheduled to hold from 26 to 29 October 2026, AFRIDEX will be the largest defence and security exhibition ever staged in Africa.
The event will showcase advanced military technologies and solutions from across the globe while providing a platform for Nigeria and other African nations to strengthen defence cooperation, innovation, and industrial growth.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Staff, Armed Forces of Nigeria, General C.G. Musa, OFR, alongside several African Chiefs of Defence Staff, defence attachés, and other dignitaries from across the continent.
AFRIDEX 2026 is envisioned as Africa’s premier defence and security marketplace uniting global leaders, innovators, and policymakers to address evolving threats and explore future opportunities.
The exhibition will feature armoured vehicles, aircraft, naval platforms, weapons, drones, ammunition, and other cutting-edge defence systems from both local and international manufacturers.
Beyond the display of hardware, the exhibition will foster strategic partnerships, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing that can boost Africa’s defence capabilities.
It will also provide Nigerian and African manufacturers with opportunities to showcase indigenous innovations, attract investment, and expand their global footprint.
Organisers project a strong turnout of military officials, defence industry professionals, government representatives, and business leaders.
In addition to strengthening continental security, AFRIDEX 2026 is expected to drive economic growth and position Africa as a key player in the global defence industry.
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