Lagos:Angola has been actively participating in the Africa International Defence and Security Exhibition (AFRIDEX) in Lagos, Nigeria, since Monday. The event gathers political and military officials, manufacturers, and technology suppliers to bolster continental cooperation in defence.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the Angolan delegation is led by Ambassador José Bamóquina Zau and includes defence officials and diplomats accredited to Nigeria.
AFRIDEX, recognized as one of the continent's prominent sector initiatives, addresses various security issues related to air, land, maritime, space, and cyber security. The exhibition emphasizes technological innovation, the development of defence capabilities, and preparedness for emerging threats. Running until 28 October, the event aims to strengthen cooperation among African states, enhance the interoperability of their armed forces, and promote intelligence sharing to improve collective responses to terrorism and insurgency.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Nigeria's Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The event also featured speeches by Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, General Birame Diop.
A significant topic at the exhibition is the security of the Gulf of Guinea, which holds geostrategic importance due to its oil activities and regional trade routes. Participants are discussing measures to enhance collective maritime security, improve cross-border cooperation, and equip defence forces with necessary equipment, training, and operational systems to counter emerging threats.
Birame Diop emphasized that intelligence sharing, regional coordination, and operational cooperation are vital for addressing cross-border threats and challenges to the internal security of African nations. Discussions also include leveraging emerging technologies, such as drones and artificial intelligence, to improve armed forces' readiness, secure operational advantages, and build greater African strategic autonomy.
