Mali Hosts International Defense and Security Exhibition BAMEX 2026

The Prime Minister of Mali, General Abdoulaye Maïga, officially opened the Bamako International Defense and Security Exhibition (BAMEX) 2026 on November 9, 2026. The event is being held at the Bamako Exhibition Park (FEBAK) and will run until November 13. This is the second edition of the exhibition, which aims to bring together experts and exhibitors from around the world to discuss and showcase the latest developments in defense and security. The theme of this year's exhibition is "Innovation, Intelligence, and Reactivity: Africa's Response to New Global Security Challenges."

General Maïga emphasized that the security landscape is becoming increasingly complex, with threats such as terrorism, violent extremism, and cyber threats on the rise. He stressed the need for a proactive approach to security, one that prioritizes anticipation, knowledge, and coordination. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of innovation, intelligence, and reactivity as key components of a modern security strategy. He also called for greater investment in training and applied research, as well as stronger partnerships between defense and security institutions, universities, and the private sector.

The exhibition has attracted exhibitors from several countries, including the United States, China, Russia, Germany, Türkiye, Sudan, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. The Director of BAMEX, Harun Saraç, noted that this year's event has a more international focus, with a diverse range of participants and exhibits. He expressed his gratitude to the Malian government and the Ministry of Defense and Veterans for their support. Saraç also highlighted the significance of the exhibition, saying that it aims to build a bridge between Africa and the global defense industry.

The program for BAMEX 2026 includes three days of exhibitions at FEBAK, followed by two days of practical demonstrations at the Tanabougou training grounds in the Koulikoro region. The demonstrations will allow delegations to test and evaluate the equipment on display in real-world conditions. This "Demo Day" is an important part of the exhibition, providing a unique opportunity for participants to see the latest technologies and innovations in action.

The BAMEX exhibition is taking place against a backdrop of growing security challenges in the Sahel region. The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) and its unified force are working to strengthen cooperation and coordination in the face of common threats. The exhibition provides a platform for countries to share their experiences, showcase their capabilities, and explore new partnerships and collaborations.

General Maïga also emphasized the importance of strategic autonomy, while stressing that this does not mean isolation or closure. He said that Mali remains open to cooperation with other countries, international organizations, and economic actors, on the basis of mutual respect and sovereignty. The Prime Minister called for a more effective, representative, and equitable multilateralism, one that takes into account the needs and concerns of all countries.

The first edition of BAMEX was held last year, and this year's event promises to be even more significant. With its focus on innovation, intelligence, and reactivity, the exhibition is set to play an important role in shaping the future of defense and security in Africa. The event will provide a valuable opportunity for experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to come together and discuss the challenges and opportunities in this critical sector.

Key points

• The exhibition focuses on innovation, intelligence, and reactivity as key components of a modern security strategy.
• The event has attracted exhibitors from several countries, including the United States, China, Russia, and Germany.
• The exhibition includes practical demonstrations of the latest defense and security technologies.