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Securing
Africa's Maritime Future:
Collaboration, Technology and Sustainability in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape
30 – 31 August 2027
Burma Camp, Ghana Armed Forces HQ, Accra, Ghana.
Military High Command
Event Overview
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.
Key Objectives of IMDEC 2027
- Strengthen Maritime Cooperation: 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
- Advance Naval Modernisation: Showcase next-generation naval vessels, surveillance, ISR, command systems, unmanned platforms and maritime defence technologies.
- Counter Maritime Threats: Develop strategies to combat piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, trafficking and other transnational maritime crimes.
- Protect Strategic Maritime Assets: Strengthen security around ports, offshore infrastructure, territorial waters and critical shipping routes.
- Build African Capabilities: Promote training, technology transfer, local shipbuilding, MRO and long-term defence industry partnerships.
- Connect Defence Leadership & Industry: Facilitate engagement between military decision-makers, procurement authorities and global defence solution providers.
Testimonials
IMDEC is one of the must-attend events for maritime security and safety in the Gulf of Guinea, and even far beyond. The high level of the participants and high-quality of the speakers provide numerous opportunities for meetings and debates on all areas of maritime interest. The presence of many industry professionals also allow us to envision the technical and technological solutions for tomorrow, in order to have in the future the necessary capabilities to tackle the challenges faced by our navies.
I am very grateful to the Ghanaian navy for this wonderful opportunity to develop my network of trusted partners.”
"On behalf of the Togolese Navy, I would like to thank the Ghanaian Military High Command and the Ghana Navy for the successful and very well organized IMDEC 2025. Togolese Navy was honoured to be part of the VIP Guests, and participate in high-level discussions pertaining to maritime challenges and strategies and the need for the regional and international collaboration. IMDEC provided a good opportunity for networking between the High Commanders of the Navies and Cost-Guards and the defence companies from around the world who showcased technologies aimed at strengthening the capacity of African navies to respond to transnational maritime threats.
Looking forward to the IMDEC 2027. I would like to sincerely thank the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing for his leadership and effort in playing a key role for regional collaboration in the maritime sector.”
I want to take this opportunity to thank the organizers of the 3rd International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference 2023. I feel honored to participate and meet with stakeholders of marine business all over the world and to share diverse experiences. The exhibition does not only showcases the importance of technology in providing maritime security, but the need to emulate those already using it and other platforms that will enhance the protection of our maritime space.
I have informed my chain of command and encouraged them to obtain some of these devices including offshore vessels, drones, underwater gadgets and other hardwares from the manufactures identified by IMDEC accordingly. I must also testify that with reliable partners like IMDEC, the security of our water is guaranteed.
I have informed my chain of command and encouraged them to obtain some of these devices including offshore vessels, drones, underwater gadgets and other hardwares from the manufactures identified by IMDEC accordingly. I must also testify that with reliable partners like IMDEC, the security of our water is guaranteed.
Sierra Leone Navy
IMDEC 2023 was a good opportunity offered by the Ghana Navy to increase the partnership with other countries, aiming for maritime security. For the Brazilian Navy, exchanging experiences with other Navies and Coast Guards improves our capabilities to combat piracy and other illicit activities in the South Atlantic.
Brazilian Navy
A great opportunity provided by the Republic of Ghana, through its Navy, and GM Events.
Very well organized, with assertive communications on the main challenges regarding maritime security on the continent, mainly in the Gulf of Guinea. On the other hand, it was important for the networking that was created, both between the Commanders of the Navies and Coast Guards, as well as with the exhibitors who presented products that satisfy the Navies and Coast Guards in their fight for security in the region. Looking forward to the next edition of IMDEC
Cape Verde Coast Guard
Opening Speech
Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing
Chief of the Naval Staff
Ghana Armed Forces
“Distinguished guests, while Ghana’s territorial waters have remained relatively stable since 2021, we were reminded of the threats that persist when, in April this year, a kidnapping incident occurred onboard a Ghanaian-flagged fishing vessel just 16 nautical miles off the coast of Accra. This unfortunate event underscores the critical need for practical and sustained responses to maritime crime. Collaborative efforts, reinforcing naval capabilities, enhanced port security, implementing frameworks such as the Yaoundé Architecture Regional Information System (YARIS), and timely naval interventions have all contributed to advancing regional maritime security
IMDEC 2025 builds on the solid foundation laid during IMDEC 2023, which focused on strengthening naval cooperation and promoting joint patrol initiatives. This year, we aim to deepen those discussions, move from commitment to implementation, and explore strategies for sustainable partnerships and technological resilience amid global uncertainty.
We are honoured to welcome over 200 delegates from more than 25 countries, including 15 plus Chiefs of Navies and their representatives, experienced panelists, high-ranking officials, respected veterans, members of the diplomatic corps, and over 40 industry partners and exhibitors. This strong turnout reflects the growing relevance of IMDEC as Africa’s premier maritime security and naval cooperation platform.
Once again, welcome to IMDEC 2025. I wish you all a successful and impactful conference.”
Keynote Address
Hon. Julius Debrah
Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Ghana
“This year’s theme “Securing Africa’s Maritime Future: Collaboration, Technology, and Sustainability in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape” is timely and could not be more relevant. I say this because; it underscores the urgency and current complexity of addressing maritime security across the African continent. The threats to our maritime domain are persistent and evolving; from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to piracy, drug trafficking, transnational crime and geopolitical tensions, our coastal waters continue to face significant risks and we cannot afford to look unconcerned.
Africa’s blue economy holds unlimited potential. From fisheries and offshore oil, to shipping and international trade, the seas around us are lifelines for economic development and regional integration. Yet, our maritime domain is under persistent threat. In West Africa, the Gulf of Guinea remains one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to maritime insecurity.
“Since the inception of IMDEC, we have witnessed notable improvements in coordination, intelligence sharing, and joint operational readiness, which have significantly enhanced maritime security in the region.
Today, threats evolve faster than ever, requiring us to invest in modern surveillance systems, cyber security, intelligence sharing, and autonomous capabilities. As such, technology should be equally embraced as a critical tool in our quest to sustain a safe and secured maritime domain. I am informed this was one of the highlights of the 2023 IMDEC, which urged maritime security stakeholders to leverage technology and adopt a multi-faceted technological approach to deny perpetrators of maritime crimes.
Maritime security must go hand in hand with environmental and economic sustainability. In an era of shifting alliances, great power competition, and transnational threats, Africa must speak with a unified voice in defence of its maritime interests.”
Attendees at IMDEC 2025
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Participating Countries
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High-level Speakers
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High-level Speakers
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Sponsors & Exhibitors
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Media Partners
Summary of Events at IMDEC 2027
Exclusive Gala Dinner
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.
Opening Ceremony
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.
IMDEC Conference
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.
International Exhibition
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.
Cocktail Reception
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.
One to One Meetings
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.
Top Military Technologies in High Demand by African Navies
Naval Shipbuilders & Shipyards
Patrol Vessels & Boats
Naval MRO
Maritime Surveillance Technologies
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles & Systems
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
Registration
Online event registrations are now closed. You may purchase your ticket at the event registration counter on the 1st day of the event. Please refer to the agenda for timings.
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Primary Delegate
$0
Complimentary
- Government & Ministries
- Armed Forces
- Ports & Maritime Authority
Venue
- Accra, Ghana