Nigeria to Host Africa International Defence Exhibition in Lagos from October 2026
ABUJA, Nigeria, January 19, 2026 — The Federal Ministry of Defence, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), and dmg events have announced the launch of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AIDE), scheduled to take place from 26–29 October 2026 at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The launch of AIDE reflects the rapid evolution of Africa’s defence and security landscape, underpinned by rising investment across the air, land, maritime, cyber and space domains, as well as the continent’s growing focus on industrial development, capability enhancement and long-term security cooperation.
Nigeria occupies a pivotal position in Africa’s defence ecosystem. With a proposed ₦4.91 trillion defence and security budget for 2025, and an average annual defence spending growth rate of 9.6% since 1965, the country continues to expand and modernise its military capabilities. Ongoing initiatives include force modernisation programmes, strengthened counter-terrorism operations, and increased deployment of reconnaissance technologies, unmanned systems and homeland security solutions.
As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria provides a natural platform for an international defence exhibition that brings together global manufacturers, technology providers and service companies with governments, armed forces and security agencies from 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 attract over 30,000 attendees, 500 exhibiting companies, 200 expert speakers, and official delegations from more than 100 countries.
The exhibition will deliver a comprehensive showcase of defence and security capabilities, featuring international manufacturers, African defence industries and emerging innovators. Highlights will include live demonstrations across air, land and maritime domains, on-floor technology theatres, a hosted-buyer programme, and a high-level strategic and technical conference. These elements are designed to facilitate direct engagement between global suppliers and African governments seeking advanced technologies, industrial partnerships and sustainable capability development.
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, MON, said:
“This event represents a significant step forward in advancing defence cooperation and industrial growth across Africa. Nigeria remains committed to strengthening its defence capabilities while supporting broader regional security objectives. By hosting the Africa International Defence Exhibition, we are creating a vital platform for collaboration, innovation and partnership that will contribute to peace and stability across the continent.”
Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, Director General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, added:
“The Africa International Defence Exhibition offers a unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s defence-industrial capacity and deepen collaboration with international partners. The event will strengthen engagement, support indigenous capability development and advance our shared objective of building a safer, more resilient Africa.”
Christopher Hudson, President of dmg events, said:
“We are honoured to partner with the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ministry of Defence and DICON to launch the Africa International Defence Exhibition in Lagos. Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to defence modernisation place it at the heart of Africa’s security future. This exhibition will connect decision-makers with innovation, expertise and partnerships that are essential to advancing defence and security across the continent.”
The Africa International Defence Exhibition is set to become a key annual convening platform for policymakers, armed forces, defence manufacturers, technology innovators, research institutions and international delegations, supporting procurement engagement, industrial collaboration, investment and long-term capability development across Africa.
