The curtains have drawn on the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) 2025, leaving behind a resonant call for innovation, collaboration, and technological adoption to shield Africa’s maritime domain. The conference, which wrapped up with a bang, saw industry leaders, military brass, and policymakers rallying around the theme, “Securing Africa’s Maritime Future: Collaboration, Technology, and Sustainability in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape.”
Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of the Defence Staff, stepped up to the plate in the closing address, speaking on behalf of the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah. He tipped his hat to the rich exchange of ideas, strategies, and technologies that unfolded throughout the conference, all aimed at bolstering Africa’s maritime security. “Africa’s maritime domain holds vast promise but also faces evolving threats from piracy, illegal fishing, pollution, among others, thus reaffirming that maritime security is not a national concern alone, but a shared regional and global responsibility,” he declared, driving home the point that no nation is an island when it comes to maritime security.
Lt Gen Agyapong didn’t mince words about the conference’s timeliness, given the increasingly sophisticated maritime threats lurking on the horizon. He underscored the importance of ongoing operational coordination, technological innovation, and collaborative frameworks in securing Africa’s waters. In other words, it’s not just about having the latest gadgets; it’s about working together to use them effectively.
Vice Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, former Chief of the Naval Staff, took the stage to shed light on the growing influence of modern warfare technologies, including drones, rockets, and artificial intelligence, on naval operations. He made a compelling case for African navies to join forces on missile defense and cyber resilience, warning that isolated efforts would be like trying to bail out a boat with a sieve. “We need to work together, share resources, and build collective capabilities to protect our maritime interests,” he asserted.
Commodore Roger Bagoniah, Deputy Chief Staff Officer for Naval Policy and Plans, and Chairman of the Conference, rounded up the proceedings with key operational summaries and recommendations. He highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing surveillance, data analytics, and rapid threat detection. But he didn’t stop there. He also stressed the importance of interoperable intelligence systems, ethical AI governance, and regional tech-driven cooperation. And let’s not forget the commercial maritime sector, which he noted plays a pivotal role in driving regional trade and economic integration.
So, what’s next? Well, IMDEC 2025 has set the stage for some serious action. African nations are now expected to roll up their sleeves and get to work on enhancing regional collaboration, adopting emerging technologies, and fostering innovation to safeguard their maritime domains. The ball is in their court, and the world is watching. The conference has sparked a much-needed conversation, but the real test lies in turning those words into action. After all, talk is cheap, but secure waters are priceless.