BAMEX 2026: Mali Defence Exhibition in Bamako on 9-13 November to Feature More Than 20 Turkish Firms
The second Bamako defence exhibition, BAMEX 2026, will be held at the Bamako Exhibitions Park (FEBAK) in Mali from 9 to 13 November 2026, with more than 20 Turkish defence companies among the exhibitors, Türkiye’s state news agency Anadolu Agency reported on Sunday 25 October. Delegations from Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence and the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) are also due to attend.
What has been announced
According to the event website, the first three days (9-11 November) are exhibition days and 12-13 November are set aside for live demonstrations. The show is organised by Prontaron Savunma Sanayi, a Turkish company trading as The Peak Defense, under the auspices of Mali’s Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs. Anadolu says the event is also held under the patronage of Mali’s presidency.
Anadolu named Baykar, ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, Skydagger and Prontaron Savunma among the Turkish participants, which means the organiser is also exhibiting. Companies from China, Germany and Sudan are also expected, and the agency said senior military and official delegations from more than 40 African countries are expected to attend. Neither the organiser nor Anadolu has published a full exhibitor list, and the delegation figure is a forecast rather than a confirmed attendance.
Demonstration days
The “Demo Day” programme is meant to let military delegations watch systems operate in the field as well as inspect them on stands. Anadolu expects unmanned aircraft and counter-drone systems, electro-optical and surveillance equipment, tactical communications, border security systems, armoured vehicles, weapons and ammunition, and personal protective equipment to feature. No specific products or planned contract signings have been announced.
Regional context
The first BAMEX, in November 2025, was largely a Turkish industry event; Otokar was among about 30 Turkish companies that took part, as noted in our overview of Turkish defence companies active in Africa. The 2026 edition adds other foreign exhibitors. Mali’s armed forces already operate Turkish-made unmanned aircraft, and Sahel states’ requirements for surveillance, border security and counter-terrorism equipment are the stated focus of the show. Our guide to military drones in the Sahel sets out which suppliers are active in the region.
Previous developments
BAMEX opens less than two weeks after AFRIDEX 2026, Nigeria’s first pan-African defence exhibition, which runs from 26 to 29 October in Lagos. For a wider view of where Turkish equipment already serves on the continent, see Turkish systems in African armed forces.
