Africa’s defence sector is moving toward greater localisation, regional manufacturing and strategic partnerships as governments step up efforts to build sovereign defence supply chains and reduce long-term dependence on imported systems.
Driven by changing security needs and aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, countries across the continent are investing in local production, technology transfer and domestic defence capability. By 2028, a much larger share of Africa’s defence supply chain activity is expected to be managed within the continent, underscoring a shift in the region’s aerospace, defence and security industries.
AFRIDEX, a defence and security platform focused on Africa, is positioning the continent at the centre of this transformation by bringing together international defence firms, African militaries, government delegations and regional manufacturers. The event is designed to encourage collaboration, innovation and capability development across the sector.
Across Africa, governments and industry players are expanding investment in local defence manufacturing, with growing activity in unmanned systems, protected mobility, aerospace engineering and defence software. Countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco and Egypt are backing initiatives aimed at building domestic production capacity and reducing reliance on imported military equipment.
The rise of privately funded defence technology firms is also reshaping parts of the ecosystem. In Nigeria, Terra Industries recently announced international investment to expand its unmanned systems and integrated defence technology capabilities, a move that reflects rising confidence in Africa’s defence innovation and manufacturing potential.
Investment is also increasing in drone technology, surveillance systems, ammunition production and military support infrastructure. Several African countries are introducing local content policies to encourage domestic manufacturing, workforce development and greater participation by local industry in defence procurement.
South Africa remains one of the continent’s leading defence industrial bases, with strength in aerospace engineering, protected mobility and unmanned systems. Nigeria’s defence manufacturing sector is also expanding, supported by growing collaboration between government institutions and domestic producers.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, known as DICON, is taking on a larger role in strengthening local capability, following policy changes designed to promote domestic production and prioritise locally manufactured equipment. Nigerian manufacturer Proforce has also emerged as one of the country’s leading indigenous defence firms, expanding beyond protected mobility into wider defence technologies and industrial capability development.
Major General Ibrahim Babatunde Alaya, Director General of DICON, said AFRIDEX is intended to highlight indigenous capabilities while also creating a platform for global and local stakeholders to exchange ideas and showcase innovations. He said the event would help leverage international manufacturing experience while strengthening Nigeria’s existing defence and security production base.
In North Africa, Morocco and Egypt are increasingly positioning themselves as regional defence manufacturing and export hubs through partnerships involving local industry, state-backed institutions and international firms. These developments point to a wider shift toward advanced manufacturing, engineering and integrated defence capability across the continent.
Africa’s changing security environment is also driving demand for new technologies and partnerships. Concerns over border security, terrorism, maritime protection and critical infrastructure are pushing governments to invest in surveillance platforms, unmanned systems and regional security cooperation.
The African Continental Free Trade Area is also expected to support deeper regional collaboration, creating new opportunities for African manufacturers and specialist suppliers to take part in broader continental defence programmes.
While localisation is advancing, international defence companies are still seen as key partners in Africa’s future defence ecosystem. AFRIDEX is offering a platform for global firms to pursue strategic partnerships, engage military leaders and procurement officials, and explore opportunities in manufacturing, maintenance, training and infrastructure investment.
The event is also expected to attract military delegations, procurement teams and security leaders seeking to strengthen collaboration and assess future capability requirements. General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, said the continent faces complex threats across land, maritime, air, cyber and space domains, and said meeting those challenges will require stronger capability development, interoperability and industrial growth.
