Mali to Host Inaugural International Defense and Security Expo (BAMEX’25)
In a significant move highlighting its growing role in regional security, Mali is set to host the first-ever Bamako Exposition 2025 (BAMEX’25), an international defense and security exhibition. The event, announced by Mali’s Minister of Security and Civil Protection, Major General Daoud Aly Mohammedine, is poised to bring together armed forces, policymakers, experts, and industry leaders to showcase military innovations—with a special focus on Turkish technology.
A Strategic Gathering for Defense and Innovation
Scheduled to take place from November 11–14, 2025, BAMEX’25 will span four days of intensive engagement. The first two days will feature exhibitions at the Bamako Exhibition Park (FEBAC), while the final two will shift to the Boubacar Sada Sy Training Center in Koulikoro for live demonstrations and hands-on practice sessions.
This landmark event follows a successful Turkish arms and equipment exhibition held by the company CANIK at Mali’s National Police School in November 2024. Building on that momentum, BAMEX’25 is the product of a deepening partnership between Mali and Türkiye—one that reflects a shared commitment to addressing complex security challenges through innovation and cooperation.
International Participation and Expanding Influence
What began as a modest gathering is rapidly evolving into a major international forum. More than 30 exhibiting companies and 40 delegations from allied nations are expected to participate, underscoring Mali’s ambition to position itself as a hub for defense collaboration in West Africa and beyond.
But BAMEX’25 is more than just a trade show. It is designed as a platform for dialogue, discovery, and partnership among all stakeholders in the defense and security ecosystem. In an era marked by transnational terrorism, geopolitical instability, and organized crime, such collaboration is not just beneficial—it’s essential.
Minister Mohammedine’s Vision
In his announcement, Major General Daoud Aly Mohammedine emphasized the urgency of adapting to rapidly evolving threats. “Non-state actors often outpace nations in tactics and technology,” he noted. “It is our duty to anticipate risks and deliver effective solutions to ensure our people can live in safety and peace.”
He also praised Mali’s strategic partners, particularly Türkiye, for their support in counterterrorism efforts. “In the face of transnational threats and hybrid warfare, isolation is not an option. Collective, cooperative action is the only path forward,” Mohammedine asserted.
Turkey-Africa Cooperation in the Spotlight
A central aim of BAMEX’25 is to strengthen Türkiye’s defense ties with African nations. By showcasing technology tailored to the realities of the continent, the expo hopes to foster long-term partnerships grounded in mutual interest and shared expertise.
From drone technology and cyber defense to border security and infantry equipment, exhibitors will present cutting-edge solutions aimed at enhancing operational capacity across African militaries and security agencies.
More Than Technology: Building Bridges
Beyond hardware and innovation, BAMEX’25 will serve as a networking hub where manufacturers, government officials, armed forces, startups, and investors can connect. In doing so, it aims to catalyze new joint ventures, training programs, and research initiatives that extend well beyond the event itself.
This aligns with a broader trend in global security: the recognition that technology alone cannot solve systemic challenges. Sustainable security requires relationships—trust-based partnerships that enable intelligence sharing, capacity building, and coordinated response.
Why Mali? Why Now?
Mali’s hosting of BAMEX’25 signals its intent to reclaim agency in regional security affairs. Despite facing significant internal challenges, the country is asserting itself as a proactive player in the fight against insurgency and instability.
By opening its doors to international defense stakeholders, Mali is not only seeking solutions for its own security needs but also offering a neutral, collaborative space for other nations to do the same.
Looking Ahead: The Future of African Security Cooperation
As preparations for BAMEX’25 accelerate, observers and participants alike are watching closely. Will this become a recurring event? Can it help redefine how African nations engage with global defense markets?
One thing is clear: in an increasingly interconnected world, isolation is a luxury no nation can afford. For Mali, Türkiye, and their partners, BAMEX’25 represents a step toward a more secure, cooperative future—one built on innovation, trust, and shared purpose.
Written by Issa Djiguiba
Source: Le PAYS