Programme
Conference Themes
Three days. Three strategic lenses. One comprehensive vision for the future of Africa’s defence landscape.
Day 1 – Future of Warfare
Day 2 – Defence Industry
Day 3 – Aviation
16
SEPTEMBER 2026
The Future of Warfare
17
SEPTEMBER 2026
African Defence Industry
18
SEPTEMBER 2026
Commercial & Military Aviation
Day 1
16 SEPTEMBER 2026
The Future of Warfare
Day 1
16 SEPTEMBER 2026
The Future of Warfare
The opening day of the AAD 2026 Conference examines the rapid evolution of modern conflict and what it means for African defence forces. From the changing nature of warfare to the rise of multi-domain operations, the programme will explore how militaries must adapt to increasingly complex, technology-driven battlespaces.
Key sessions will unpack the operational impact of artificial intelligence, drones and autonomous systems, cyber warfare and the growing importance of space-based capabilities. Discussions will also address critical issues such as electronic warfare, resilient communications, precision strike and the integration of land, air, maritime, cyber and space domains.
Key Session Topics
AI & Autonomous Systems
Operational impact of artificial intelligence and autonomous platforms on modern battlefields
Drones & Unmanned Systems
The transformative role of UAVs in reconnaissance, strike and force multiplication
Cyber & Electronic Warfare
Defending critical infrastructure and dominating the electromagnetic spectrum
Space-Based Capabilities
The growing importance of space assets in intelligence, communications and navigation
Multi-Domain Operations
Integrating land, air, maritime, cyber and space for decisive military advantage
Resilient Communications
Maintaining command and control in contested and degraded environments
With a strong focus on lessons from current conflicts, this day will provide strategic insight into force design, doctrine and modernisation – equipping African militaries to remain relevant, resilient and mission-ready in the face of emerging threats.
Day 2
17 SEPTEMBER 2026
African Defence Industry Showcase
Day 2
17 SEPTEMBER 2026
African Defence Industry Showcase
Day Two shifts the focus to the strength, challenges and future of Africa’s defence-industrial base. Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators, the programme explores how the continent can build sustainable, sovereign capabilities while fostering regional cooperation.
Sessions will cover funding models, public-private partnerships, supply chain resilience and the development of local manufacturing capacity. From ammunition production and industrial scaling to export strategies and certification standards, the agenda addresses the full defence value chain.
Key Session Topics
Local Manufacturing Capacity
Building sustainable sovereign defence production – from concept to deployment
Public-Private Partnerships
Funding models and collaboration frameworks for African defence industry growth
Supply Chain Resilience
Securing critical defence supply chains and building regional redundancy
Export Strategies
How African solutions can compete on the global stage – certification and market access
R&D and Innovation
Dual-use technology, localisation strategies and collaborative research models
Defence Finance & Investment
Unlocking capital for Africa’s defence industrial base and scaling production
With a strong focus on lessons from current conflicts, this day will provide strategic insight into force design, doctrine and modernisation – equipping African militaries to remain relevant, resilient and mission-ready in the face of emerging threats.
Day 3
18 SEPTEMBER 2026
Commercial & Military Aviation
Day 3
18 SEPTEMBER 2026
Commercial & Military Aviation
The final day explores the critical role of aviation in Africa’s defence, security and economic development. With a focus on both commercial and military aviation, the programme examines how the sector can drive connectivity, resilience and growth across the continent.
Key discussions will address infrastructure development, airspace management and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, alongside the integration of unmanned aerial systems and emerging technologies. The agenda also tackles pressing challenges such as skills shortages, cybersecurity risks and sustainability.
Key Session Topics
MRO Capabilities
Building world-class maintenance, repair and overhaul capacity across Africa
Airspace Management
Next-generation airspace infrastructure, modernisation and connectivity
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Integration of UAS into civilian and military aviation ecosystems
Skills & Human Capital
Addressing Africa’s aviation skills shortage – training, retention and development
Sustainability & Green Aviation
Environmental commitments, SAF adoption and net-zero pathways in African aviation
Civil-Military Partnerships
Dual-use capabilities and collaboration for national strategic resilience
With insights into military aviation readiness, dual-use capabilities and civil-military partnerships, Day Three provides a comprehensive view of how aviation can support Africa’s strategic ambitions in an increasingly interconnected world.
Attend All Three Days for the Full Strategic Picture
Register for the Full Conference Pass to unlock access across all three days and benefit from early bird pricing until 31 July 2026.
