Turkey’s fast-growing defense industry is set to make a strong appearance in Africa’s leading defense exhibition later this year. The Bamako Expo (BAMEX 2025), scheduled for November in Mali, is expected to elevate Ankara’s defense presence on the continent to a new level.
In recent years, Turkish defense products have seen rising global demand, making Turkey one of the most sought-after suppliers in the sector. From armored vehicles and unmanned aerial systems to cutting-edge communication technologies, Turkish systems are already in service across multiple African nations. This growing cooperation has positioned Turkey as a “strategic partner” in the eyes of several countries on the continent.
BAMEX 2025, hosted in Mali’s capital Bamako from November 11–14, will serve as a critical platform for showcasing Turkish innovation. The exhibition will run for four days, with the final two designated as “Demo Days,” during which companies will demonstrate their systems in live field trials before official delegations. These demonstrations allow decision-makers to directly evaluate the performance of the showcased technologies.
Industry heavyweights including MKE, ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, and BAYKAR will represent Turkey at the event. Alongside product exhibitions, discussions are expected to extend into strategic areas such as investment, technology transfer, and joint production agreements.
More than 35 countries—predominantly from Africa—are expected to attend, underscoring the event’s role as a key forum for defense cooperation. Analysts note that the participation of Turkish firms could further strengthen Ankara’s long-term influence in Africa’s security and defense landscape.
