IMDEC 2027 – International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference
The International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (IMDEC 2027) will bring together naval chiefs, senior military leaders, government officials, coast guards, maritime security agencies, and defense industry representatives to discuss naval modernization, maritime security, and capability development across Africa.
Held in Accra, Ghana, the event will focus on security challenges affecting the Gulf of Guinea and wider African maritime region, including piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, trafficking, and other transnational crimes.
IMDEC 2027 will also explore advances in naval vessels, maritime surveillance, unmanned systems, command and control technologies, and fleet sustainment. Discussions will address regional security cooperation, information sharing, and coordinated responses under the Yaoundé Architecture.
When is IMDEC 2027?
IMDEC 2027 will take place from August 30–31, 2027.
Key Themes
Image credit: IMDEC 2025
The conference will examine developments in naval defense and maritime security, with particular attention to strengthening African maritime capabilities and protecting critical infrastructure.
Key topics will include naval modernization and shipbuilding, maritime domain awareness, fleet readiness, counter-piracy operations, and regional security cooperation.
The exhibition will cover technologies and capabilities such as offshore patrol vessels, fast attack craft, high-speed interceptors, naval maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), coastal radar, satellite surveillance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and integrated command systems.
Additional areas of focus include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned surface vessels (USVs), autonomous maritime surveillance platforms, secure naval communications, and C4ISR systems. Discussions will also address the protection of ports, offshore facilities, naval bases, territorial waters, and strategic shipping routes, alongside training, technology transfer, and local defense industry development.
What’s On?
IMDEC 2027 will feature a two-day conference and international defense exhibition, alongside opportunities for meetings between naval leadership, government representatives, and technology providers.
IMDEC Conference
Image credit: IMDEC 2024
The conference will bring together representatives from African navies, coast guards, defense ministries, and international maritime security organizations to examine regional threats and naval capability requirements.
Sessions will focus on maritime security operations, technological developments, bilateral partnerships, and strategies for improving coordination between naval forces.
International Maritime Defence Exhibition
The exhibition will showcase developments in naval warfare, maritime defense equipment, surveillance systems, and military technologies.
Exhibitors will have opportunities to present their products and capabilities to military decision-makers, procurement authorities, and representatives from African navies and coast guards.
One-to-One Meetings
Attendees can arrange individual meetings with senior military officials in advance. Each meeting is scheduled for 10 minutes, with the option to request follow-up discussions during the event.
Gala Dinner and Networking Reception
An invitation-only gala dinner is planned for naval chiefs and senior military personnel from African and international naval forces.
A cocktail reception is also scheduled for the evening of the first conference day, featuring networking opportunities, cultural programs, and local music.
Who Will Attend IMDEC?
IMDEC 2027 is expected to attract senior representatives from navies, coast guards, armed forces, national security agencies, maritime police, and law enforcement organizations.
Other attendees will include officials from ministries of defense, interior, fisheries and aquaculture, maritime and port authorities, offshore oil and gas organizations, and the wider defense industry.
The event will provide opportunities for engagement between military procurement officials, operational commanders, government representatives, and companies supplying maritime defense technologies
Previous Highlights
Previous editions of IMDEC have taken place in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025, bringing together international naval representatives, coast guard officials, defense companies, and maritime security professionals.
Past events have featured discussions on piracy, regional maritime cooperation, technological developments, and the operational requirements of African naval forces.
Representatives from the Cape Verde Coast Guard, French Navy, Togolese Navy, Sierra Leone Navy, and Brazilian Navy have highlighted the importance of exchanging operational experience, developing international relationships, and evaluating technologies designed to improve maritime security.
Where is IMDEC 2027?
IMDEC 2027 will be held at:
Burma Hall
Ghana Armed Forces Headquarters
Accra
Ghana
To learn more about IMDEC 2027 – International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
