Federal Ministry of Defence, DICON, dmg Events Announce Launch of AFRIDEX 2026 to be held in Lagos

The Federal Ministry of Defence, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and dmg events announced the launch of the Africa International Defence Exhibition, taking place from 26–29 October 2026 at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The launch reflects the rapid expansion of Africa’s defence and security environment, supported by rising investment across the air, land, maritime, cyber and space domains, as well as the continent’s growing emphasis on industrial growth, capability development and long-term security cooperation.

Nigeria holds one of the most influential positions in Africa’s defence landscape. With a proposed 2025 defence and security budget of N4.91 trillion and an average annual growth rate of 9.6 per cent in defence expenditure since 1965, the country continues to strengthen its capabilities in response to evolving regional challenges.

Ongoing modernisation programmes, enhanced counterterrorism operations and greater adoption of reconnaissance technologies, unmanned systems and homeland security solutions reinforce this progress. As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria offers a natural host location for an international defence gathering that connects global manufacturers, suppliers and service providers with governments and armed forces across the continent.

Developed through a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Defence, DICON and dmg events, the Africa International Defence Exhibition is expected to host more than 30,000 attendees, 500 exhibiting companies, 200 expert speakers, and official delegations representing over 100 countries.

The event will present a comprehensive showcase of defence and security capabilities from international manufacturers, regional industries and emerging innovators.

Live demonstrations across air, land and sea, on-floor theatres, a hosted-buyer programme, and a strategic and technical conference will reflect the full spectrum of defence domains and operational requirements. The exhibition will also enable direct engagement between global suppliers and African governments seeking new technologies, industrial partnerships and long-term capability development.