The second edition of the Bamako International Defense and Security Expo, BAMEX'26, officially opened on November 9, 2026, in Bamako, Mali. The event, set to run from November 9 to 13, 2026, is under the high patronage of General of the Army Assimi Goïta, President of the Transition and Head of State. The opening ceremony was presided over by Prime Minister General of Division Abdoulaye Maïga, in the presence of several government members, diplomatic corps representatives, and numerous civil and military personalities.
This year's expo, themed "Innovation, Intelligence, and Reactivity: Africa Faced with New Global Security Challenges," aims to strengthen international exchanges and promote technological innovation in defense and security. The event has attracted exhibitors and partners from around the world, including the United States, China, Russia, Germany, Turkey, Sudan, Niger, Burkina Faso, and host country Mali. The expo seeks to build a lasting bridge between Africa and major global defense industry players.
According to Harun Saraç, director of BAMEX, the continent should not only be a consumer of defense technologies but also a space for development, production, and strategic partnerships. The "Demo Day" is a unique feature of BAMEX, allowing participants to discover presented technologies and witness practical demonstrations. At Koulikoro, delegations will observe equipment, interact with experts and engineers, and learn about their characteristics.
General of Division Oumarou Diarra emphasized cooperation and modernization of defense capabilities, while Prime Minister Maïga highlighted the profound transformation of the international security environment and the need for African states to adapt to increasingly complex threats. He cited terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking, cyber threats, disinformation, and risks associated with new technologies as major concerns.
The Prime Minister stressed that tomorrow's security will depend on the ability to detect threats in time and act before they materialize. He noted that these threats are interconnected and exploit institutional weaknesses, security system fragilities, and the lack of cooperation between states. The expo provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss and address these challenges.
The second edition of BAMEX has garnered significant attention, with a diverse range of participants and exhibitors. The event is expected to foster meaningful interactions and collaborations among nations, industries, and experts in the defense and security sector. As the expo continues, it will be closely watched for its potential impact on Africa's security landscape.
With its focus on innovation, intelligence, and reactivity, BAMEX'26 is poised to make a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation on global security challenges. The expo's emphasis on building partnerships and promoting technological advancement in defense and security aligns with the evolving needs of the African continent and the international community.
Key points
- The expo features a "Demo Day" with practical demonstrations of defense technologies.
- The event aims to strengthen international exchanges and promote technological innovation in defense and security.
- The expo is attended by exhibitors and partners from around the world, including major global defense industry players.
