The fourth edition of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC 2025) will take place from July 8 to 9 at Burma Camp in Accra, bringing together global maritime security stakeholders to explore technological innovations in addressing evolving threats in Africa’s coastal waters.
This year’s conference, themed “Securing Africa’s Maritime Future: Collaboration, Technology, Sustainability in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape,” is expected to host over 500 delegates from 70 countries.
Among the participants will be regional and international Chiefs of Naval Staff, maritime experts, policymakers, and representatives from private and public sector institutions.
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the event, Commodore Ben Baba Abdul, Chief Staff Officer at the Naval Headquarters, emphasized that maritime security has become increasingly central to both national and global stability.
He noted that threats at sea directly affect land-based security and economic development, particularly for nations along the Gulf of Guinea.
According to Commodore Abdul, while many countries have taken significant steps to protect their maritime domains, non-traditional and contemporary threats—largely perpetrated by non-state actors—continue to pose major challenges.
These threats include piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, economic sabotage, terrorism, and other criminal activities that undermine national security and regional stability.
He stressed that IMDEC has become a crucial platform for countries to share knowledge, build alliances, and enhance cooperation in countering maritime insecurity.
The event, he added, will focus on how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital surveillance systems, and data-driven tools are shaping the future of maritime defense and safety.
“The complexity of threats has deepened with the disruptive influence of digitalization and artificial intelligence.
As the maritime industry evolves toward smarter and more sustainable solutions, the protection of these digital systems becomes paramount,” Commodore Abdul said.
He added that while technology creates new avenues for criminal enterprises to exploit vulnerabilities, it equally offers governments, navies, and coastguards the tools to better monitor, secure, and defend maritime spaces.
The conference will explore these opportunities, including how naval forces can leverage innovation to stay ahead of illicit activities at sea.
The commodore also highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, stating that no single nation can combat maritime threats alone.
He called for stronger partnerships among national governments, commercial entities, international organisations, and military forces to address cyber risks and other cross-border security issues effectively.
“To successfully navigate today’s turbulent waters, innovative policies must be matched with practical, implementable strategies,” he said.
“Platforms like IMDEC 2025 are essential to shaping those strategies and ensuring a secure and sustainable maritime future for Africa.”
