Africa International Defence Exhibition 2026: Nigeria’s Defence Corporation, dmg events partner to convene Africa’s Largest Security Exhibition in Nigeria
- Africa International Defence Exhibition 2026 will take place from October 26 to October29, 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Hosted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria and supported by the Ministry of Defence, Africa International Defence Exhibition 2026 is organised by dmg events in partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
- Africa International Defence Exhibition 2026 will welcome over 30,000 attendees, 500 exhibiting companies, 15+ international pavilions, and 200 expert speakers from more than 100 countries.
- The three-day event will feature live demonstrations across air, land, and sea; specialised exhibition zones for unmanned systems and special forces engagements; and a comprehensive strategic and technical conference programme.
- International delegations, senior military officials, government representatives, and the world’s leading defence manufacturers will gather in Lagos to showcase innovation, forge strategic partnerships, and address Africa’s most pressing security challenges.
Abuja, Tuesday, November 25, 2025 -- dmg events, in partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), today announced the launch of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX), to reinforce security in the region.
AFRIDEX, positioned as the continent’s most significant defence and security gathering, will be taking place from October 26 to October 29, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, uniting the full spectrum of the defence and security industry to advance Africa’s collective security and defence capabilities.
The event is backed by the Federal Government of Nigeria and Ministry of Defence.
The debut of AFRIDEX in Lagos reflects Nigeria’s position as Africa’s defence leader, with a proposed defence and security budget of N4.91 trillion (about US$3.16 billion) for 2025 and a sustained annual growth rate of 9.6 percent in defence expenditure since 1965.
Across Africa, defence markets are expanding rapidly, driven by heightened counter-terrorism efforts, increasing investment in cyber defence capabilities, modernisation programmes across land, sea, and air domains, and growing demand for advanced reconnaissance, unmanned systems, and peacekeeping support technologies.
As one of the continent’s largest economies and a pivotal regional power, Nigeria offers an unparalleled setting to convene governments, armed forces, and industry leaders to address evolving security threats and accelerate capability development through innovation and international cooperation.
Commenting on the expo, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, said: “Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing Africa’s collective security architecture. This Pan-African Defence and Security Exhibition in Lagos will serve as a vital setting for fostering collaboration, showcasing innovation and strengthening the bonds between our armed forces and strategic partners across the continent. Together, we can harness our shared strengths to safeguard peace, protect our people and build a secure future for Africa.”
More Than 30,000 Delegates Expected
AFRIDEX 2026 will host more than 30,000 attendees from over 100 countries, 500 international exhibiting companies, and 200 global expert speakers.
The exhibition will feature live demonstrations across air, land and sea, four on-floor presentation theatres, an innovation hub, hosted buyer programme, and a comprehensive strategic and technical conference.
There will also be three ministerial panels, multiple training sessions providing up-to-date knowledge and skills, and a gala dinner and awards ceremony to honour the best in class.
Also speaking, Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, Director General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, said: “The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria is proud to support this landmark Defence and Security event in Lagos, a vital setting for collaboration, innovation and capacity building across Africa. As the continent faces evolving security challenges, this gathering offers an opportunity to strengthen strategic partnerships, showcase indigenous capabilities and advance the shared goal of a safer and more secure Africa. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we can build the resilient defence infrastructure needed to safeguard our nations, promote stability and secure a future of lasting peace and shared prosperity for the African continent.”
On his part, Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, noted that AFRIDEX will be the destination for defence innovation and collaboration in Africa.
“In Lagos we will connect leaders and decision makers with the solutions, investment and cooperation required to meet complex security needs. Together with our Nigerian partners we are committed to delivering a world-class gathering that translates ideas into action and supports measurable progress for Africa’s defence and security community.”
AFRIDEX 2026 will serve as a truly global meeting place where innovation meets opportunity, where live demonstrations and international pavilions sit alongside strategic dialogue, and where governments and industry work together to strengthen security across the continent.
Other key stakeholders of the event are the Office of The National Security Advisor, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Interior, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Intelligence Agency.