AFRIDEX 2026 Show Daily: six top stories + all three editions
Africa needs to become more self-reliant and create partnerships that develop African strategic resilience, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told the inaugural Africa International Defence Exhibition (Afridex) in Lagos.
Arridex Group’s ADX-Barra 200 autonomous surface vessel was unveiled at the Africa International Defence Exhibition on 26 October. One of two maritime systems launched by Arridex at Afridex alongside the ADX-Barra 100, the ADX-Barra series of unmanned surface vessels is aimed at extending the reach and capabilities of maritime forces while minimising the risk of injury or loss of life in often volatile operations.
Senegal’s top military officer told delegates at the inaugural African International Defence Exhibition that defence partnerships on the continent must shift from traditional assistance towards cooperation that delivers usable capability in the field. Vice Admiral Oumar Wade, Chief of the General Staff of the Senegalese Armed Forces, made the case during a panel discussion on Tuesday 27 October.
Proforce Limited is one of Nigeria’s leading armoured vehicle manufacturers and showcased its capabilities and products at Afridex 2026, including the new PF Terminator 4×4 MRAP (mine-resistant ambush-protected) vehicle.
In an increasingly complex security environment, African defence industries face the common challenge of transforming individual capabilities into integrated solutions that address real operational requirements.
The inaugural African Defence Exhibition held from 26-29 October was regarded as a success by its participants, with many of the view the first edition is the beginning of greater and better things for Nigeria’s defence sector.
