Mali Hosts First International Defense and Security Exhibition in Bamako

Mali has launched the first-ever International Defence and Security Exhibition of Bamako (BAMEX 2025), a major event that will bring together military, industrial, and technological stakeholders to strengthen African-led security cooperation.

Opened on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the four-day exhibition comes as the continent faces multiple and evolving security threats, including transnational conflicts, terrorism, cybercrime, organised cross-border crime, and foreign interference.

Organisers say BAMEX 2025 was conceived to promote African sovereignty in defence through homegrown capacities, strategic alliances, and industrial collaboration. The event serves as a platform for dialogue between policymakers, defence forces, researchers, innovators, and investors.

Delegations from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the Republic of Congo, Türkiye, Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, and Iran are attending. Exhibitors showcase innovations and defence technologies to official delegations, security professionals, and the public.

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Türkiye, the guest of honour for this edition, is represented by around 30 leading Turkish defencemanufacturers, including The Peak Defence, known for cutting-edge technologies in land, air, and naval systems, as well as advanced weaponry, ammunition, communication systems, and satellite solutions.

The exhibition also provides a platform for Mali to share its experience in counterterrorism and regional security operations.

In his remarks, Mali’s Prime Minister paid tribute to Türkiye for its partnership and growing influence in the defence sector, noting that Ankara now ranks among the world’s top military equipment exporters. He also criticised traditional defence financing models dependent on foreign aid and the army loans, calling instead for new approaches based on industrial cooperation and co-financing.

The Bamako expo marks a symbolic step toward what Malian authorities describe as the continent’s push for a self-reliant and collaborative security architecture — one built by Africans, for Africans.

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