European defence, aerospace and security companies are showing increasing interest in AFRIDEX 2026, with organisers confirming that 46% of current exhibitors originate from Europe. The exhibition, scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria from 26–29 October 2026, continues to position itself as a platform for defence and security engagement across Africa.

Long-term partnership focus

According to the organisers, the growth in European participation reflects increasing recognition of Africa as an important region for long-term defence cooperation, industrial collaboration and capability development. The event is structured to connect governments, armed forces and industry across the Land, Maritime, Air, Cyber and Space domains.

Organisers state that many European companies are now focusing on collaborative engagement models rather than traditional export-led relationships. Areas of interest include localisation, manufacturing capability, supply chain resilience and technology partnerships.

Interest from European exhibitors spans aerospace, land systems, maritime security, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, simulation and training technologies, and other defence-related sectors.

AFRICA–EUROPE DEFENCE ENGAGEMENT CONTINUES TO EXPAND

The organisers also highlighted broader economic and strategic trends shaping Africa-Europe relations, referencing projections that bilateral trade between the two regions could reach US$1 trillion over the next decade through increased industrial cooperation and long-term partnership frameworks.

As part of preparations for AFRIDEX 2026, the AFRIDEX delegation will attend Eurosatory 2026 in Paris alongside Major General Ibrahim Babatunde Alaya, Director General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). Eurosatory is recognised as one of the world’s largest exhibitions focused on land and air-land defence and security industries.

Meetings during the exhibition are expected to focus on industrial cooperation, exhibiting opportunities and long-term strategic engagement between international defence companies and African stakeholders.

Building towards AFRIDEX 2026

Major General Ibrahim Babatunde Alaya said the growing European participation reflects increasing recognition of Africa’s strategic importance within the defence, aerospace and security sectors. He added that AFRIDEX aims to support structured engagement between governments, armed forces and industry while contributing to long-term industrial cooperation across the continent.

Organisers expect AFRIDEX 2026 to continue attracting international interest as preparations progress towards the event.