Why it matters
ALFF is the only African forum that grants exhibitors structured one-to-one meetings directly with Chiefs of Army from 40+ countries, many of whom are actively procuring land-warfare solutions in the near term, making it a uniquely high-leverage business-development venue for global defence suppliers and SMEs. The Nigerian Army's explicit objective of connecting African armies' modernisation programmes with global industry gives vendors direct access to sovereign procurement decision-makers across a continent with rapidly growing defence budgets. For startups and niche-technology firms, the event's relatively small exhibitor pool (~50 companies) and intimate format reduce competition for senior military attention compared to larger global shows.
About
The 3rd Africa Land Forces Forum (ALFF 2026) — previously known as the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEC) — is the strategic land-forces forum embedded within the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebrations (NADCEL 2026). Held over two conference-and-exhibition days at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Center in Port Harcourt, the forum convenes Chiefs of Army and senior military leadership from African and non-African nations to address terrorism, insurgency, border insecurity, force modernisation, and regional military cooperation. A parallel international defence exhibition showcases armoured platforms, ISR technologies, force-modernisation tools, and integrated defence systems from leading global suppliers. On 6 July, the full delegation attends the NADCEL Grand Finale ceremonial parade and capability demonstrations.
Market intel
Moderate pricingmedium confidence
ALFF 2026 attracted 50+ global defence suppliers and 700+ military delegates from over 40 countries according to organiser targets, with the 2026 edition confirmed as having brought together Chiefs of Army from 17 countries alongside leading Nigerian armed forces leadership. No specific exhibiting company names were publicly disclosed in pre- or post-event reporting found at time of research.
AI-researched Mon, 24 August 2026. Estimates from public sources. Verify with the organizer.
Topics
Land systemsISR & SensorsAutonomy & RoboticsC2 / Battle ManagementSoldier Systems
Who it's for
PrimesSMEsInstitutions