ECOWAS President Calls for Stronger Defence Cooperation Through Indigenous Industrial Development By Raymond Enoch

The President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, General Birame Diop, has called for stronger regional defence cooperation through the development of indigenous defence industries to enhance Africa’s capacity to address its security challenges.

Diop made the call while delivering a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Africa International Defence Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Nigeria, where political leaders, defence policymakers, military commanders, defence industry operators, researchers and security experts gathered to explore opportunities for cooperation in the defence sector.

The ECOWAS Commission President stressed the importance of strengthening Africa’s indigenous defence industrial capacity as part of efforts to advance regional peace, security and integration.

He described AFRIDEX as a timely platform for promoting collaboration among African countries and other stakeholders in addressing the continent’s evolving security concerns.

Diop also expressed ECOWAS’ appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to regional peace, security and integration, describing the exhibition as a demonstration of Nigeria’s longstanding leadership in advancing these objectives.

The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of President Tinubu, who was represented by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

AFRIDEX, which brings together stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, provides a platform for engagement on defence technology, industrial development and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening security cooperation.

The exhibition also offers opportunities for African countries to explore indigenous solutions to security challenges, promote defence-related research and innovation, and deepen collaboration between governments, military institutions and private-sector enterprises.

Diop’s call comes amid persistent security challenges across West Africa, including terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organised crime, which have heightened the need for coordinated regional responses and stronger defence capabilities.

Through enhanced cooperation and investment in indigenous defence industries, ECOWAS seeks to reinforce regional security efforts and strengthen the capacity of member states to respond to emerging threats.

AFRIDEX is taking place from October 26 to 30, 2026, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss developments in the defence sector and opportunities for strategic partnerships.