About AFRIDEX
The Africa International Defence Exhibition is a four-day defence and security show in Lagos, 26–29 October 2026. Ministers, service chiefs, buyers and manufacturers come together at Eko Atlantic to see equipment, compare notes and do business.
The aim is practical: more cooperation between countries, more investment in Africa’s own defence industry, and armed forces that rely less on imports.
From the Minister of Defence
General Christopher Gwabin Musa
Minister of Defence, Federal Republic of Nigeria
AFRIDEX puts DICON on an international stage. With the President's approval for DICON to partner with original equipment makers, the Minister invites investors to co-produce in Nigeria, where local firms already build MRAPs, armoured personnel carriers and drones, and to make the country a defence manufacturing hub for Africa, bringing jobs and foreign exchange.
“The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is proud to support this landmark Defence and Security event in Lagos. A vital platform for fostering collaboration, promoting innovation, and advancing capacity building across Africa.”
“As the Continent faces evolving security challenges, this gathering offers an opportunity to strengthen strategic partnerships, showcase indigenous capabilities, and drive forward the shared goal of a safer and more secure Africa.”
What happens at the show
The exhibition
Exhibitors from around the world, from the biggest manufacturers to young companies, across all five domains.
Strategic Defence and Security Summit
Senior leaders, policymakers and programme managers talk through shared problems and how to work together.
Hosted delegation programme
Official delegations get briefings and arranged meetings matched to their country's priorities.
National and international pavilions
Countries show what their own industries can do, side by side.
Live capability showcases
Equipment shown working, in a controlled setting.
Defence Club
An invitation-only space for senior officials and industry leaders to meet in private.
It covers five domains: Air (opens in a new tab), Land (opens in a new tab), Maritime (opens in a new tab), Space (opens in a new tab) and Cyber (opens in a new tab).
Hear from Nigeria’s defence leaders
The Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of the Air Staff and DICON's Director General on what AFRIDEX means for African defence.
Film 1 of 3
General Olufemi Oluyede
Chief of Defence Staff, Armed Forces of Nigeria
From terrorism and violent extremism to border, cyber and maritime security, Africa's armed forces share many threats. Naming them shows the capability gaps, shapes mission-specific training and tells industry exactly what the forces need.
Who is behind it
Under the patronage of
The Federal Republic of Nigeria
Africa's most populous country backs AFRIDEX through its defence and security institutions, with a stake in regional cooperation and a more self-reliant Africa.
Hosted by
Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)
Set up in 1964, DICON makes and supplies equipment for Nigeria's Armed Forces and works with partners to grow the country's defence industry.
Organised by
dmg events
Founded in 1989 and based in Dubai, dmg events runs more than 80 exhibitions and conferences a year in over 25 countries.
See you in Lagos
Register on afridex.com, then come and find us at the DICON Pavilion.