ECOWAS backs regional defence industry to strengthen security
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on O Democrata
The Economic Community of West African States is backing the creation of a regional defence industry to strengthen the security and response capacity of its members. Its president, General Birame Diop, presented the policy at AFRIDEX 2026, held from 26 to 30 October in Lagos, Nigeria, according to an ECOWAS note reported by O Democrata.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has backed the creation of a regional defence industry to strengthen the bloc’s security and response capacity in the face of threats in the sub-region. The position was presented at the International Defence Exhibition of Africa (AFRIDEX 2026), held from 26 to 30 October in Lagos, Nigeria, according to a note from the organisation cited by O Democrata.
The opening of the exhibition took place under the auspices of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The event brings together political leaders, defence officials, military chiefs, industrialists, researchers and security specialists from Africa and other regions.
The president of the ECOWAS Commission, General Birame Diop, praised Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peace, security and regional integration. He presented AFRIDEX as an opportunity to highlight Nigeria’s role in these areas.
