Today, January 22, 2019, opening of ShieldAfrica 2019, International Security and Defense Exhibition which takes place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire , from the 22 to 24 January 2019. With more than 150 exhibitors from all over the world, ShieldAfrica becomes a very important event in Africa for the Security and Defense Industry.

Sidiki Diakite, Minister of Interior and Security of Côte d'Ivoire (Center) and Stéphane Konan, Exhibition General Commissioner (R) at the opening ceremony of ShieldAfrica, January 22, 2019. (Picture source Army Recognition)

For the opening ceremony, ShieldAfrica was attended by more than 50 official delegations from ministry of defense and armed forces from 50 countries mostly coming from Africa. The event was officially open by Mister Sidiki Diakite, Minister of Interior and Security of Côte d'Ivoire and Stéphane Konan, Exhibition General Commissioner.

“Today, Africa is a developing continent experiencing rapid urbanisation, a massive influx of new technologies but also chronic instability in certain parts. It can only pursue its growth in a safe and peaceful environment. Life and property safety, transportation safety, network security, banking security, cyber security. inter alia, are thus the conditions of success of this continent which must now protect its development”, said Sidiki Diakite.

“ShieldAfrica is an opportunity for top African government officials and private sector leaders to meet international manufacturers offering security solutions: such is the exhibition's principal function. But these solutions must be both efficient and adapted to national budgets”, he added.

While the organisation of the event evolves, ShieldAfrica remains an African exhibition, designed by African people and tailored to African countries. Within the Ivorian company COGES Africa, the alliance between the exhibition's founders and the organisers of Eurosatory, the sector's world-leading exhibition, gives ShieldAfrica an international dimension and guarantees continuity with previous years while showing respect for the particular features of Africa.

In the face of new security challenges and growing insecurities, ShieldAfrica helps finding and developing African solutions to peace and security issues. Cote d'lvoire government will support the development of ShieldAfrica, to make it a must event for everyone keen to further our continent's development and build a safer Africa.