The International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (IMDEC) 2027 is Africa’s premier platform dedicated to naval defence, maritime security and capability development. Building on the success of previous editions.
IMDEC 2027 will unite Naval Chiefs, senior military leadership, defence ministries, coast guards, maritime security agencies and global defence industry leaders to strengthen cooperation and address Africa’s evolving maritime security priorities. Strategically positioned in the Gulf of Guinea, the event will focus on naval modernisation, maritime domain awareness, fleet readiness, protection of critical maritime infrastructure and countering piracy, illegal fishing and transnational crime. With Africa continuing to face complex maritime threats and piracy remaining a key security concern in the Gulf of Guinea, the Yaoundé Architecture will serve as a key premise for advancing regional cooperation, information sharing and coordinated maritime security responses. IMDEC 2027 will provide a high-level platform to foster international partnerships, showcase next-generation maritime defence technologies and strengthen the capabilities required to secure Africa’s waters.
Enhance collaboration, intelligence-sharing and interoperability between African navies, coast guards and international partners to collectively address piracy, armed robbery at sea, illegal fishing, smuggling, trafficking and other transnational maritime security threats.
Showcase next-generation naval vessels, surveillance, ISR, command systems, unmanned platforms and maritime defence technologies.
Develop strategies to combat piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, trafficking and other transnational maritime crimes.
Strengthen security around ports, offshore infrastructure, territorial waters and critical shipping routes.
Promote training, technology transfer, local shipbuilding, MRO and long-term defence industry partnerships.
Facilitate engagement between military decision-makers, procurement authorities and global defence solution providers.
The below figures highlight the significant investments made by African nations to enhance their military capabilities and address various security challenges.
Sources: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database, IISS Military Balance, DefenceWeb, Naval News, national defence budget publications and open-source naval procurement reporting.
An exclusive closed-door Gala Dinner for Chiefs of Navies and VIP Military Personnel from African Nations and International Navies will take place on the July eve of the two-day event. This function is by-invite only.
The opening ceremony of IMDEC 2027, on the morning of 8 July will be attended by 600+ local, regional and international officials, which will include Ministers, National Security Advisors and Chiefs of Navies.
As the only international maritime defence conference for Africa demonstrating the latest technologies for the naval forces, IMDEC 2027 will offer a unique platform for the Navies in the West African nations and across Africa to come together to effectively address and mitigate maritime security threats and for advance naval and maritime capabilities that will help build pillars of bilateral partnerships.
The international exhibition will showcase the latest developments in naval warfare and showcase the latest military technologies. The exhibition is designed to facilitate opportunities for strategic relationship building and networking between African navies and leading global defence suppliers.
The cocktail reception will take place on the evening of of the first day of the conference offering excellent networking opportunities in a relaxed and fun-filled environment, which includes cultural programmes, local music among other activities.
Exclusive meetings with senior military officials can be booked in advance. Each meeting will be arranged for a duration of 10 mins and a follow-up meeting can be requested onsite.
Arrival of Chiefs of Air Staff, Senior Officers, Commandants, Branch Chiefs
Cultural Display, Live Performance & Entertainment
Welcome Address by Chief of Air Staff Cote d’Ivoire
Networking Gala Dinner
Vote of Thanks
End of VIP Gala Dinner
OPENING CEREMONY
Registration & Networking
Arrival of VIPs
National Anthem
Safety Briefing & Emcee Remarks
Welcome Address by Chief of Air Staff Cote D’Ivoire
Goodwill Messages by Chiefs of Air Staff
Opening Keynote Address | Special Guest Of Honour
Industry Insights | Strategic Technology Showcase
Group Photograph
VIP Exhibition Tour (Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Guided Tour)
Networking Coffee Break
Introductory Remarks by Moderator
UAV AND ISR IN COUNTERTERRORISM, INTERNAL SECURITY, AND ASYMMETRIC OPERATIONS
Presentation: Chief of Air Staff/ Vip Speaker 1
Presentation: Chief of Air Staff/ Vip Speaker 2
Presentation: Chief of Air Staff/ Vip Speaker 3
Interactive Panel Discussion | Strengthening Air Power for a Counterterrorism and Asymmetric Warfare Operations
Industry Insights
Closing Remarks By Forum Chairman
Networking Session | Exclusive for Chiefs of Air Staff and Key Industry Players (Exhibition continues for other guests)
Networking Luncheon
End of Conference Day One
COCKTAIL & CANAPÉ RECEPTION SOFITEL ABIDJAN HOTEL IVOIRE, ABIDJAN, COTE D’IVOIRE DRESS CODE – BUSINESS ATTIRE / NATIONAL DRESS
Arrival of Chiefs of Air Staff & Senior Leadership
Arrival of Special Guest of Honour
Welcome Address by Chief of Air Staff Cote d’Ivoire
Cultural Display, Live Performance and Entertainment
Networking Cocktail & Canapé
Remarks by Special Guest of Honour
Vote of Thanks
End of Reception
Registration & Networking
Opening Remarks by Forum Chairman
Introductory Remarks by Moderator
Presentation: Chief of Air Staff/ Vip Speaker 1
Presentation: Chief of Air Staff/ Vip Speaker 2
Presentation: Chief of Air Staff/ Vip Speaker 3
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
INTEGRATION OF UAV AND ISR FOR AIR SURVEILLANCE AND BORDER SECURITY
Interactive Panel Discussion | Advancing Airborne ISR Capabilities to Strengthen Intelligence Gathering, Surveillance Reach, and Reconnaissance Effectiveness
Exhibition Tour & Networking Coffee Break
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Official Forum Summary & Closing Remarks by Chief
Networking Luncheon & One-To-One Meetings
End of 5th African Air Forces Forum
If you are a globally leading defence supplier offering one or more of these solutions, get in touch with us to showcase your solutions at IMDEC 2025. Contact us on
+971-50 875 1906 | partnerships@gmevents.ae
IMDEC provides exhibitors and sponsors with direct one-on-one access to the decision makers from region’s leading naval forces and coast guards. The event sponsors make a lasting impression on both existing and potential clients by strategically positioning their brand and showcasing their solutions at IMDEC Exhibition.
For sponsorship and exhibition opportunities at IMDEC 2027, contact us on +971-50 875 1906 | partnerships@gmevents.ae
