International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEC) 2026
The International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEC 2026) returns for its 3rd edition as Africa’s largest and most influential land forces event. Held under the patronage of the Nigerian Army and aligned with the Nigerian Army Day Celebrations, the event will take place from July 3–5, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
IDEC 2026 brings together over 700 delegates, including senior military officials from more than 40 countries, to address Africa’s most pressing security challenges—ranging from terrorism and insurgency to border protection and organized banditry. Alongside the strategic conference, a global exhibition will showcase advanced defense technologies including ISR platforms, digitized battlefield tools, and modern armored systems.
When is the Event?
IDEC 2026 will run from July 3 to July 5, 2026.
- Friday, July 3: Pre-Event Dinner
- Saturday, July 4: Conference and Exhibition Day 1
- Sunday, July 5: Conference Day 2
Themes
The IDEC 2026 agenda focuses on Africa’s evolving security landscape, emphasizing next-generation land forces capabilities and joint operational strategies. Key themes include:
Asymmetric Warfare and Terrorism
Defeating insurgency, violent extremism, and hybrid threats through joint intelligence and rapid-response mechanisms.
Force Modernization
Transforming African land forces with digitized infrastructure, enhanced mobility, and integrated lethality for future battlefield dominance.
ISR and Situational Awareness
Utilizing drones, satellites, sensors, and AI to enhance battlefield awareness and data-driven decision-making.
Border Security and Transnational Crime
Combating smuggling, piracy, and organized crime through coordinated border enforcement.
Cyber and Electronic Warfare
Securing defense networks, countering drones, and building cyber resilience.
Defense Industry Collaboration
Focusing on local manufacturing, MRO capabilities, public-private partnerships, and structured technology transfer across Africa.
What’s On?
The event features high-level sessions, private briefings, and exhibition displays, offering attendees opportunities to engage directly with defense technology leaders and senior decision-makers.
A closed-door summit for Chiefs of Army from African and non-African nations will open the event, followed by two days of case-study presentations, panel discussions, and technology showcases.
An evening networking reception on Day 1 will feature local music and dance. Throughout the event, private one-to-one meetings between military leaders and global defense providers will support modernization and procurement goals.
Speakers
IDEC 2026 will be attended by key figures from the Nigerian Armed Forces:
- General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff
- Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff
- Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of the Navy Staff
- Air Marshal Sunday K. Aneke, Chief of the Air Staff
- Over 40 speakers will contribute, including regional Ministers of Defence and international defense experts.
Where is the Event?
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Venue details to be announced.
To learn more about International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEC) 2026, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
