The Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) has announced the introduction of expansive Outdoor Static Display and Live Demonstration Areas, significantly enhancing its position as one of the most operationally focused defence and security exhibitions in the world. Scheduled to take place from 26 to 29 October 2026 in Eko Atlantic, Lagos, Nigeria, AFRIDEX is set to bring together government officials, military leaders, procurement specialists, defence manufacturers and technology providers from across Africa and the international defence community.
The addition of large-scale outdoor capability displays and live demonstrations marks a major milestone for the exhibition, creating a dynamic environment where industry can showcase operational capability beyond the traditional exhibition hall. By integrating static displays, live demonstrations and strategic engagement opportunities within a single event platform, AFRIDEX aims to provide stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of emerging defence technologies and solutions.
Multi-Domain Focus and Close-Range Inspections
Designed to support capability development, interoperability and resilience across the continent, AFRIDEX will focus on the Land, Maritime, Air, Space and Cyber domains. The exhibition’s outdoor static display area, located adjacent to the main exhibition halls, will offer exhibitors a dedicated open-air venue to present major defence and security assets in realistic operational settings.
The display area is expected to feature a diverse range of capabilities, including armoured vehicles, tanks, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), static aircraft, maritime platforms, mobile command centres, communications equipment, autonomous systems, robotics and advanced sensor technologies. This format will allow military delegations and procurement decision-makers to inspect platforms and systems at close range while engaging directly with manufacturers and operators.
Live Operational Testing
Complementing the static exhibits will be a dedicated Live Demonstration Area, providing companies with the opportunity to showcase technologies under realistic operational conditions. Demonstrations are expected to span multiple domains and include vehicle mobility trials, VTOL drone operations, robotics, counter-UAS simulations, C4ISR technologies, communications systems, surveillance solutions, maritime security technologies and emergency response scenarios.
The live capability programme will be conducted throughout the exhibition and integrated into the official AFRIDEX schedule, ensuring maximum visibility among military delegations, government representatives, procurement teams and international media.
Strategic Waterfront and Aerial Displays
A key feature of AFRIDEX’s operational focus will be its maritime demonstration programme, leveraging Eko Atlantic’s strategic riverbank location. This environment will enable exhibitors to showcase maritime surveillance systems, unmanned surface vessels, coastal security technologies and small craft within a realistic operational setting, offering delegates valuable insight into maritime security capabilities relevant to African and international security challenges.
Drone demonstrations will similarly provide a practical showcase for approved VTOL platforms and related technologies. All flight activities will be subject to regulatory approval, technical review and operational clearance, ensuring compliance with safety and aviation requirements.
Driving Continental Modernisation
According to Odiri Umusu, Portfolio Director of AFRIDEX at dmg events, the exhibition represents a significant advancement in Africa’s defence exhibition landscape. Umusu stated that AFRIDEX is a major step forward in creating a global defence and security exhibition platform for Africa, noting that the integration of live demonstrations and large-scale capability displays will provide exhibitors, delegations and procurement stakeholders with a far more immersive understanding of operational capability, innovation and defence technology.
He added that by combining exhibition engagement with live operational environments, AFRIDEX is positioning itself among the world’s most operationally focused defence exhibitions while creating new opportunities for defence modernisation, industrial collaboration and strategic partnerships throughout the region.
As Africa continues to prioritise defence modernisation, industrial growth and regional security cooperation, AFRIDEX aims to serve as a catalyst for collaboration between governments, armed forces and industry. The exhibition is expected to facilitate procurement discussions, capability development initiatives and long-term partnerships that support both national and regional security objectives. All static displays and live demonstrations will remain subject to approval, safety assessments, technical evaluations and regulatory clearance. In line with exhibition safety policies, no live weapons or live ammunition will be permitted during the event.
