As Africa’s premier defence and aerospace exhibition returns in 2026, the associated conference programme will once again provide a dedicated forum for strategic discussion and knowledge exchange.
A call for papers has been issued for the AAD Conference 2026, which will take place alongside the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo from 16 to 18 September 2026 at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria.
Forming part of the official AAD 2026 programme, the three-day conference builds on the successful platform established during the 2024 edition. The conference is once again being organised by DefenceWeb, following its role in successfully delivering the 2024 conference.
This year’s programme is designed for a high-level audience, including military leadership, government officials, industry executives, academics and policymakers, and will focus on key issues facing Africa’s defence and aerospace environment, including:
The Future of Warfare – emerging technologies, trends, concepts and innovations such as the use of AI, drones, and electronic warfare, as well as lessons from current conflicts
African Defence Industry Showcase Day – defence-industrial development, sovereignty, sustainability and regional cooperation, including innovative funding models, public-private partnerships, R&D partnerships, and African defence industry challenges and opportunities
Commercial and Military Aviation – aviation market dynamics, infrastructure requirements and growth opportunities across the continent as well as challenges and opportunities from training to drone use and airport security
Speaking ahead of the call for papers, Nakedi Phasha, Exhibition Director for AAD, said: “The conference forms an important part of the AAD platform, creating space for meaningful discussion around the challenges and opportunities facing Africa’s defence and aerospace sectors. We look forward to receiving submissions that offer practical insight and contribute to informed dialogue.”
End-users, academics and subject-matter experts are invited to submit presentation proposals aligned to the conference themes, with preference given to end-user and academic submissions.
Presentation proposals must be submitted by Thursday, 2 April 2026 to Conference Organiser Ros Hinchcliffe at ros@defenceweb.co.za.
Sponsorship opportunities are available alongside the conference programme, offering targeted visibility and engagement with senior decision-makers during AAD 2026. Enquiries can be directed to Robert Mace at robert@defenceweb.co.za/082 458 3599.
