The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has secured a major strategic partnership with UK-based dmg Events for the hosting of the inaugural Africa Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026. 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 MoU was signed by Major General BI Alaya, Director General of DICON, and Mr. Nick Ornstien, representative of dmg Events, a globally renowned organiser of defence and security exhibitions. The signing was witnessed by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, OFR, alongside several African Chiefs of Defence Staff, defence attachés, and distinguished delegates from across the continent.

AFRIDEX 2026, scheduled to take place from 26 to 29 October 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, is poised to become Africa’s largest and most influential defence and security exhibition. Co-hosted by DICON and dmg Events, the exhibition will showcase state-of-the-art defence technologies from around the world while reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa’s defence landscape.

Designed to foster collaboration and innovation, AFRIDEX 2026 will serve as a key platform for defence manufacturers, military leaders, government officials, and security experts to engage in meaningful dialogue, form strategic alliances, and explore cutting-edge solutions to Africa’s evolving security challenges.

Exhibitors will present a wide array of advanced defence products and systems, including armoured vehicles, naval vessels, aircraft, drones, weapons, ammunition, and surveillance technologies. The event will also highlight local and regional capabilities, providing a rare opportunity for Nigerian and African defence manufacturers to promote indigenous innovations and forge critical partnerships.

Beyond military collaboration, AFRIDEX 2026 aims to advance technology transfer, capacity building, and knowledge sharing, while enhancing the reputation and capabilities of Africa’s defence industry. It is also expected to contribute significantly to economic development through foreign investment, local manufacturing opportunities, and regional cooperation.

With an anticipated audience of military officials, industry professionals, business leaders, and policy makers from across the globe, AFRIDEX 2026 is set to become a defining moment in shaping the future of African defence and security.

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