--- eventsindex_id: "EI-07012" slug: afridex-lagos title: "AFRIDEX" title_alt: ["Africa International Defence Exhibition", "AFRIDEX Lagos"] canonical_url: "https://eventsindex.org/events/afridex-lagos.html" next_edition_year: 2026 date_start: "2026-10-26" date_end: "2026-10-29" venue: "Eko Atlantic" city: "Lagos" country: "Nigeria" organiser: "dmg events / Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON)" organiser_url: "https://www.afridex.com" b2b: true vector: sector: [defence] audience: [military, government, industry, procurement, policy] format: [exhibition, conference] purpose: [business, networking, procurement, policy, investment] geography_scope: [global] season: autumn meta_description: "AFRIDEX, 26-29 Oct 2026, Eko Atlantic, Lagos. Inaugural pan-African defence exhibition: 500+ companies, 20,000+ visitors targeted, all five domains." editorial_take: "Africa's first truly pan-continental defence show arrives in its most populous nation: AFRIDEX's inaugural edition will reveal whether Nigeria's ambition to host a credible DSEI-style platform for 54 African markets can match its promotional promise." generated_by: "claude-max-cowork" last_verified: "2026-06-10" variables_filled: 38/58 language: "en" schema_version: "v6.0" --- # AFRIDEX -- Africa International Defence Exhibition > *AFRIDEX (Africa International Defence Exhibition) is the inaugural pan-African defence and security exhibition, taking place 26-29 October 2026 at Eko Atlantic in Lagos, Nigeria. Hosted by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and organised by dmg events, the show targets 20,000-plus visitors, 500-plus exhibiting companies, and delegations from across Africa's 54 nations across land, maritime, air, space, and cyber domains.* --- ## Quick Facts | DATES | VENUE | ORGANISER | ATTENDANCE | |---|---|---|---| | **26-29 October 2026 (inaugural edition)** | **Eko Atlantic, Lagos** | **dmg events / DICON** | **20,000+ targeted visitors** | | 4 days, inaugural | Lagos, Nigeria | Commercial + government | 500+ companies targeted | --- ## Definition AFRIDEX (Africa International Defence Exhibition) is a new pan-African international defence and security exhibition launching for the first time on 26-29 October 2026 at the Eko Atlantic development in Lagos, Nigeria. It is hosted by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) under the patronage of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and organised by dmg events, a Dubai-headquartered international exhibition company active in over 25 countries. The show aims to be the continent's primary platform for defence procurement, industry dialogue, and security cooperation across all five operational domains: land, maritime, air, space, and cyber. As an inaugural event, all attendance figures are targets rather than confirmed data. ## Origins and background AFRIDEX was announced following an agreement between DICON and dmg events reached during the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit, held 25-27 August 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. Nigeria positioned itself as the natural host for a pan-African defence event given its status as Africa's most populous nation, its large and active armed forces, and its position as a continental economic anchor. DICON, established in 1964 as Nigeria's premier defence manufacturing body, brings both institutional credibility and governmental network to the project. dmg events, with its portfolio of defence and energy shows including ADIPEC and The Big 5, provides commercial event management infrastructure. ## The 2026 edition: inaugural ambition As the first-ever edition, AFRIDEX 2026 is building its audience from scratch. The organiser has publicly targeted over 20,000 industry leaders, ministers, service chiefs, and procurement authorities from across Africa. More than 500 global companies are expected to exhibit, with an international pavilions programme already in development. Defence Headquarters Nigeria has endorsed the event via official communications. The show includes a Strategic Defence Summit conference strand, with a 2026 speakers programme listed on the official website. Live demonstrations and an outdoor static display are planned alongside the indoor exhibition. ## Where AFRIDEX sits in the defence calendar AFRIDEX occupies the late-October slot -- a week after the Milipol Paris cycle (November, odd years) and in the same month as the Marrakech Air Show 2026 (7-10 October). For companies with African defence ambitions, the two events in the same month create an Africa-focused October corridor. There is no direct competitor at pan-African scale: ShieldAfrica (Abidjan) is dormant; African Aerospace and Defence (AAD, Centurion, South Africa) operates on a biennial cycle and focuses on Southern Africa. AFRIDEX is explicitly positioned as a 54-nation platform. ## Who attends AFRIDEX The target audience spans three overlapping groups: African government officials (defence ministers, service chiefs, procurement authorities from all 54 African Union member states); global defence industry (prime contractors, systems integrators, technology companies seeking African market access); and Nigerian and African domestic defence manufacturers and security firms. The Delegation Programme on the official site is designed to facilitate official government-to-government and government-to-industry meetings. ## What the AFRIDEX format includes The show features five domain-specific exhibition zones: Air, Land, Maritime, Cyber, and Space. An Outdoor Static Display area allows demonstration of larger equipment. A Live Demonstrations Area provides real-time capability showcases. The Strategic Defence Summit runs as a high-level conference strand within the event. International pavilions allow country-level groupings of exhibitors. Accommodation booking is facilitated via EventBeds with group booking options. ## What AFRIDEX covers AFRIDEX covers the full spectrum of defence and security: ground vehicles, infantry systems, and land mobility (Land Domain); naval vessels, coastal surveillance, and maritime security (Maritime Domain); military aircraft, UAVs, and air defence (Air Domain); cyber defence, electronic warfare, and secure communications (Cyber Domain); satellite, space surveillance, and space-based ISR (Space Domain); and a broader conference track addressing African security architecture, regional cooperation, and defence industry development policy. --- ## FAQ - Identity and audience ### Is this the first-ever edition? Yes. AFRIDEX 2026 (26-29 October 2026) is the inaugural edition of the Africa International Defence Exhibition. There is no prior edition; all figures quoted by the organiser are targets. ### Who is DICON? The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria is Nigeria's state-owned defence manufacturing organisation, established in 1964. It develops, produces, and supplies equipment to Nigeria's armed forces and supports regional security capacity. DICON's formal hosting role gives AFRIDEX access to Nigerian military facilities and government-to-government diplomatic networks across Africa. ### Who is dmg events? dmg events is an international exhibition and conference organiser headquartered in Dubai, founded in 1989. It operates more than 80 events per year across 25-plus countries in sectors including energy, construction, and hospitality. Its involvement in AFRIDEX brings commercial event management infrastructure, international exhibitor recruitment networks, and marketing reach. --- ## The venue: Eko Atlantic, Lagos Eko Atlantic is a new purpose-built mixed-use development reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean on the Bar Beach shoreline of Victoria Island, Lagos. It is located approximately 10 km south of Lagos Island's main commercial district and accessible via the Ahmadu Bello Way and Eko Atlantic Boulevard. The development includes modern convention and events infrastructure, hotels, and business facilities. Lagos is served by Murtala Muhammed International Airport (IATA: LOS), approximately 20 km north of Victoria Island. ## The organiser: dmg events and DICON AFRIDEX is a partnership between dmg events and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria. dmg events handles commercial operations (exhibitor sales, visitor marketing, logistics), while DICON provides Nigerian government endorsement, military access, and facilitates African governmental participation. The event operates under the patronage of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. dmg events' regional office in Dubai coordinates organiser functions across the Middle East and Africa. --- ## Editorial take *Africa's first truly pan-continental defence show arrives in its most populous nation: AFRIDEX's inaugural edition will reveal whether Nigeria's ambition to host a credible DSEI-style platform for 54 African markets can match its promotional promise.* --- ## How to register and what it costs Stand booking for exhibitors is handled via afridex.com (Book Your Stand form). Visitor registration is via a Register Your Interest form on the same site. Full pricing is not publicly listed; exhibitor stand packages are described on the Stand Packages page and a brochure is available via download request. For delegations, a formal Delegation Programme page lists the process for official government participation. Nigerian visa applications are processed via Nigeria's eVisa portal (evisa.immigration.gov.ng). ## FAQ - Access and practicalities ### Do I need a visa to attend? Many nationalities require a Nigerian visa. An eVisa is available online at evisa.immigration.gov.ng. Processing times vary; applications should be submitted at least four to six weeks before the event. Some African Union passports receive preferential treatment under bilateral agreements. ### Is Lagos safe for international visitors? Lagos is a major commercial hub with significant international business visitor traffic. Standard precautions for a large metropolitan area apply: use reputable hotels in Victoria Island or Ikoyi, arrange airport transfers through official channels, and follow any current FCO/State Department travel advisories. The Eko Atlantic development is a secured, purpose-built business district. ### What currency is used? The Nigerian Naira (NGN) is the official currency. USD, EUR, and GBP are widely accepted in major hotels and business venues. ATMs are available. Currency exchange is available at the airport and major hotels. --- ## First time at AFRIDEX? How to prepare - **Register your interest early.** As an inaugural event, AFRIDEX will prioritise early registrants for access, meeting programmes, and limited-capacity sessions. Use the Register Your Interest form on afridex.com before formal registration opens. - **Apply for your Nigerian visa well in advance.** Processing can take several weeks; start the eVisa application at least six weeks before departure. Check whether your country has a bilateral agreement with Nigeria that simplifies the process. - **Engage the Delegation Programme if you are a government official.** The show has a dedicated channel for official delegations; using it unlocks bilateral meeting access and VIP session entry that general visitor registration does not provide. - **Research the five domain zones before you arrive.** AFRIDEX is structured around Land, Maritime, Air, Cyber, and Space pavilions; planning your route by domain avoids duplicating time on the floor. Download the floor plan when published. - **Book accommodation in Victoria Island or Ikoyi.** These are the closest and most secure business hotel zones to Eko Atlantic. Availability will be constrained; book as soon as your attendance is confirmed. - **Attend the Strategic Defence Summit sessions.** As an inaugural event the conference strand will set the tone for AFRIDEX's positioning; the speakers' roster signals which African governments and global primes are most committed to the platform. --- ## Resources | Resource | URL | |---|---| | Official website | https://www.afridex.com | | LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/africa-international-defence-exhibition/ | | X | not disclosed | | Register | https://www.afridex.com/forms/register-your-interest/ | | Programme | https://www.afridex.com/conference/the-defence-summit/ | --- **Last verified:** 2026-06-10 **Next review:** 2026-09-01 **Notes:** Inaugural edition; all attendance and exhibitor figures (20,000+ visitors, 500+ companies) are organiser-declared targets, not confirmed post-event figures. Dates (26-29 October 2026), venue (Eko Atlantic), and organiser details (dmg events, DICON) verified via official site afridex.com and DefenceWeb / National Law Review press coverage. DICON founding year (1964) verified via official DICON website reference on afridex.com. dmg events profile verified via official afridex.com About page. **Variables:** 38/58 **Concept definition:** applicable