BAMEX 2026, which has become one of the most important defence and security gatherings in Africa, has opened in the capital of Mali, with a wide range of defence and security technologies expected to be showcased from 9 to 13 November.

Organised by the Turkish firm The Peak Defence, under the patronage of the Malian Presidency and the Ministry of Defence, The Bamako International Defence and Security Exhibition (BAMEX 2026) represents an important opportunity to strengthen defence industry engagement between Africa and international markets.

Turkish Deputy Minister of National Defence Bilal Durdalı, Turkish Deputy Chairman at the Presidency of Defense Industries Gökhan Ucar, Mali’s Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga and Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdoulaye Diop, Mali’s Defence Minister Delegate Oumar Diarra are in attendence, along with high-level military and official delegations from more than 40 African countries.

First held last year with the participation of Turkish defence industry companies, BAMEX is expanding this year with a broader international presence.

In addition to more than 20 companies from Türkiye, defence industry companies from several African countries—including Sudan, Niger, Burkina Faso, DR Congo, and Uganda, as well as international participants like Russia, China, and Germany—are exhibiting at the fair.