The Bamako Expo 2026 (BAMEX’26) is set to redefine the Sahel’s global image, transforming it from a region associated with insecurity into a strategic hub for Africa’s defence industry.
Scheduled to take place from November 9 to 13 in Mali’s capital, Bamako, the event will bring together high-level delegations and defence companies from all 54 African nations, alongside international partners. Türkiye is expected to be among the leading participants, reflecting its growing influence in Africa’s defence sector.
Harun Sarac, Chairman of the BAMEX Board and CEO of The Peak Defense, emphasized the strong presence of Turkish companies, noting that the inaugural edition already attracted firms from Türkiye and delegations from around 35 countries.
Building on that success, organisers aim to significantly expand the event’s scale, with expectations to double official delegations and triple participating companies. However, Sarac stressed that the focus remains on showcasing high-quality, proven technologies tailored to the region’s security needs.
Beyond a conventional exhibition, BAMEX aims to serve as a practical platform where African delegations can directly engage with manufacturers and assess solutions to pressing security challenges. The first edition generated approximately $150 million in trade, with projections for 2026 reaching up to $500 million.
Positioned as a biennial event, BAMEX aspires to become one of the most influential defence platforms globally, linking real security demands with effective, on-the-ground solutions in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Source: TRT Africa
