Find out the major piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea and the emerging counter-piracy plans and operations
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EVENT OVERVIEW
The 2nd International Maritime Defense Exhibitionand Conference (IMDEC) 6-8 July 2021 will feature the largest gathering of Africa’s maritime industry, as we host regional and international Chiefs of Naval Staff to address the principal issues facing maritime security onthe continent. This biennial gathering will feature a not able two-day conference and exhibition in which the gathere dregional Armed Forces can deliberate the increasing lyvolatile maritime threats facing Africa’s territorial waters.The 2nd edition of IMDEC will also welcome greater participation from regional Air Forces, as the Ghana Air Force will be an official event partner to highlight the significance of air-maritime cooperation.
In-depth panel discussions, breakout sessions and extensivesite visits to Ghana’s naval and air bases further highlight this celebration as the premier strategic gathering of Africa’s Navies, Air Forces, Coast Guards, Port and Coastal Authorities, Marine Police and related Ministries.
VVIP’s

Rear Admiral Nguessan Kouame Chief of Naval Staff Ivory Coast Navy

Captain Pedro Santana, Commander of the Coast Guard, Cape Verde

Captain Philip Juana, Commander, Sierra Leone Navy

Dr. Dieng Abdourahmane (Rtd Col), Head Regional Security Division, ECOWAS Commission
EVENT FEATURES
Site Visits |
These tours of Ghana’s Air and Naval bases will consist of in-depth walk throughs of the naval dockyard and air base as well as private vessel tours to further display the advanced capabilities of Ghana’s Naval and Air Force fleet. This is a key opportunity for solution providers to gain first-hand knowledge and share their product offerings. Limited spaces available so secure your spot NOW. Register Here. |
Awards Ceremony |
Awards will be presented during the events opening ceremony to the key VVIP’s in attendance for their participation and commitment to furthering regional cooperation and enhancing capabilities within the Gulf of Guinea. |
Gala Dinner |
On July 6th we will host an exclusive dinner for only the VVIP attendees of IMDEC. This will include the gathered chiefs of naval and air staff as well as prominent dignitaries from Ghana’s Armed Forces and Political Leadership. |
Cocktail Reception |
On July 7th after the first day of the conference, we will host a cocktail reception for all attendees of IMDEC in order to further facilitate networking amongst the event’s prominent stakeholders. |
TOP 5 REASONS TO ATTEND
Premier gathering of Africa’s maritime stakeholders
Fostering regional interagency collaboration to stabilize maritime security and economic development.
Witness an executive gathering of 15+ Chiefs of Naval and Air staff addressing the regions key maritime requirements.
Providing a framework for facilitating joint-operations to boost naval capabilities and protecting regional waters.
Deepen strategic partnerships amongst International and Regional Navies to develop cooperative solutions.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
ORGANIZATIONS

Navies

Air Forces

Coast Guards

Maritime Police

Ministries of Interior

Ministries of Defense

Drug and Law Enforcement Agencies

Ministries of Fisheries and Aquaculture

Maritime Authorities including Port and Coastal authorities
JOB TITLE

Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)

Chief of Air Staff

Director of Naval/ Air Operations

Director General or Managing Director

Director of Policy and Plans

Director of Naval Logistics

Chief of Naval Safety and Standard

Director of Armament Supplies

Director, Fisheries Enforcement Unit
DRAFT AGENDA
*This agenda is still pending Ghana Navy and Ghana Air Force approval of topics and sessions*
08:00 | VVIP Executive Breakfast (Invite Only) Attendees will discuss the desired outcomes of IMDEC and identify recommendations for improved joint-maritime security strategies. |
10:00 | Official Opening Ceremony Chairman welcome remarks Awards of Appreciation presented to VIP attendees Ribbon cutting ceremony and VIP exhibition tour |
11:00 | Opening keynote speech: Ghana Navy – Exemplar of naval excellence Reserved: Rear Admiral Issah Yakubu, Chief of Naval Staff, Ghana Navy |
Air-Maritime Cooperation: Strengthening interoperability | |
11:10 | CNS and CAS Keynote Panel Discussion: Current and future plans to combat piracy on the Gulf of Guinea
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12:00 | Key technology innovations within the maritime sector
Reserved: Isreal Shipyards |
12:20 | Executive Panel Discussion: Coordination between Navies, Air Forces, law enforcement, logistics, and the oil sector
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13:00 | Networking Break |
Combatting illegal activity at sea | |
13:30 | Innovation session
1) Reserved: Schibel |
14:00 | Increasing aerial surveillance and monitoring capabilities Increased application of maritime air surveillance and satellite imagery through aircrafts and autonomous systems Integrating these systems within command-and-control frameworks to best secure open seas and circumvent illicit activity Leveraging collected data to empower real time combat readiness to better protect commercial vessels and employ limited security resources Reserved: Airbus |
14:20 | Networking Lunch |
15:30 | Executive Panel Discussion: Curbing illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing
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16:15 | Executive Panel Discussion: Innovative methods to combat threats within the Gulf of Guinea
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17:00 | Chairman closing remarks |
18:00 – 20:00 | Cocktail Reception |
8:50 | Chairman opening remarks |
9:00 | Opening keynote speech: Ghana Air Force Reserved: Air Vice Marshal Frank Hanson, Chief of Air Staff, Ghana Air Force |
Next Steps: Interagency approaches and requirements | |
9:10 | Executive Panel Discussion: COVID-19 resilience- Empowering capacity building and information sharing
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10:00 | Advanced systems to support multi- domain operations
Incorporating innovative security risk management into existing vessel security systems |
Protecting and conserving Africa’s “Blue Economy” | |
10:20 | Executive Panel Discussion: Maritime Security and Trade- The Nexus between a secured maritime domain and a developed blue economy
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11:00 | Collective maritime administration and partnership
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11:20 | Networking break |
12:00 | Innovation Session (3 vendors)
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Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul | |
12:30 | Executive Panel Discussions: Maintaining and enhancing vessels and aircrafts at high operational readiness
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13:10 | Identifying the best partners for MRO facilities
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13:30 | Official Summary and Recommendations: IMDEC 2021 Moderated by the Event Chairman, this keynote closing panel will highlight the key takeaways and discussions of IMDEC, as well as list the most significant recommendations for improved maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea as determined by the event’s prominent experts. |
14:00 | Closing Ceremony Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, Chief of Defense Staff, Ghana Armed Forces Networking Lunch |