With the Africa International Defence Exhibition scheduled to open in Lagos on October 26, attention is turning to the role local businesses can play in strengthening Nigeria’s industrial and technological capabilities.
By Wapcodehub9ja LIVE News Desk
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) is encouraging Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), engineers, manufacturers and technology innovators to register for the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) 2026, as preparations continue for the event scheduled to begin in Lagos on October 26.
The exhibition will run from October 26 to 29 at Eko Atlantic, Lagos, bringing together defence and security stakeholders, government representatives, manufacturers and technology companies from Nigeria and other countries.
The call for Nigerian businesses to participate highlights the potential role of local enterprises in developing indigenous industrial capabilities. Nigerian SMEs operating in engineering, manufacturing and technology could use relevant industry platforms to present their expertise, establish professional contacts and explore opportunities for collaboration.
AFRIDEX is being hosted by DICON in partnership with international events organiser dmg events. According to the event’s official information, the exhibition is designed to facilitate engagement among governments, armed forces, defence manufacturers and technology innovators, with activities spanning land, maritime, air, space and cyber capabilities.
For Nigerian businesses, participation may provide an opportunity to learn about developments in the defence and security industries and connect with organisations seeking technical expertise, equipment, services and potential partnerships. The extent of any commercial opportunities, however, will depend on the needs of participating organisations and the requirements of individual projects.
The emphasis on indigenous industrial capability also brings attention to the contribution local manufacturers and technology developers can make to Nigeria’s broader production capacity. Developing local expertise can involve engineering skills, research, product development, maintenance and cooperation between businesses and larger industrial organisations.
SMEs considering participation will need to assess the event’s registration requirements and determine whether their products, services or technical expertise align with the exhibition’s focus. Registration and attendance approval are subject to the organisers’ procedures.
AFRIDEX 2026 is scheduled to take place from October 26 to 29, with the countdown reaching seven days on October 19. The exhibition will provide a meeting point for local and international stakeholders to discuss defence technology, industrial development and potential cooperation.
The invitation to Nigerian enterprises places local participation among the issues surrounding the event, particularly the question of how domestic technical knowledge and manufacturing capacity can connect with wider industry requirements.
Further details about attendance and registration are available through the official AFRIDEX website.
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