The Turkish defense industry has taken a historic step in Africa with the launch of BAMEX 2025, the largest defense exhibition ever organized on the continent. Held in Mali’s capital Bamako, the fair opened with broad international participation and showcased only Turkish defense companies—an unprecedented format that highlights Türkiye’s rapidly growing strategic influence in Africa. High-level delegations from across the continent, including presidents, prime ministers, defense ministers and key decision-makers, attended the event to examine cutting-edge Turkish defense systems firsthand.

Harun Saraç, Chairman of the BAMEX Executive Board, emphasized that the event marks the beginning of a new era in defense cooperation between Türkiye and African countries. More than 35 high-level delegations, along with numerous private-sector visitors, are participating in the fair. Saraç noted that BAMEX is the largest defense industry event ever held in Africa, explaining that the platform was designed to strengthen direct, efficient and long-term communication between Turkish companies and their African counterparts.

One of the fair’s most distinctive features is its two-stage structure. The first two days are dedicated to exhibition hall visits, where companies present their products and capabilities. The final two days, known as “Demo Day,” will take place at a dedicated testing area. Here, foreign delegations will witness live demonstrations of Turkish systems, including firearms, radars, drones, border security solutions and more. This hands-on approach allows decision-makers to evaluate performance directly in field conditions, bridging the gap between product presentation and real-world application.

The event has already drawn strong interest from Mali’s security institutions and other African militaries. Türkiye’s proven defense systems—including Bayraktar TB2 drones, armored vehicles, electro-optic systems, radar platforms and mine/EOD clearance technologies—have become increasingly sought after due to their reliability and strong operational track record. BAMEX 2025 provides a unique opportunity for African nations to assess these systems collectively and explore procurement options tailored to their security needs.

Highlighting Türkiye’s broader approach, Saraç stated that the country’s Africa policy is built on a “win-win” principle. He noted that many African countries currently face a wide range of security challenges and that Türkiye is now capable of meeting nearly all of their defense requirements with indigenous solutions. Despite the fair being limited to Turkish companies this year, there was significant interest from regions such as the Middle East, Europe and the Far East, leading organizers to plan a much larger and more globally inclusive BAMEX for next year.

With its strong attendance, comprehensive demonstrations and significant diplomatic engagement, BAMEX 2025 is set to become a landmark event—one that not only strengthens Türkiye–Africa defense relations but also aims to evolve into a globally recognized, traditional defense industry exhibition in the years ahead.