By Christiana Afua Nyarko
Accra, July 3, GNA – The 2025 International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference (IMDEC), Africa’s largest maritime security forum, opens July 8 at Burma Camp, Accra, to promote strategic naval collaboration and practical solutions against escalating coastal threats across the continent.
The two-day event is expected to host over 500 participants from 70 countries, including 15 Chiefs of Naval Staff, defense ministries, coast guards, cyber security experts, and international partners for high-level dialogue.
Briefing the media on Thursday, Commodore Ben Baba Abdul, Chief of Staff at the Ghana Naval Headquarters, said IMDEC would enhance intelligence sharing, technology integration, and coordinated responses to maritime threats, especially in the Gulf of Guinea.
He described IMDEC as a platform for exchanging best practices and showcasing modern maritime defence technologies.
Commodore Abdul noted that despite efforts, Gulf of Guinea nations face maritime security challenges from modern threats posed by non-state actors such as terrorists, extremists, economic saboteurs, and criminals.
“Therefore, the maritime sector is dealing with complex challenges that require initiatives such as IMDEC to exchange ideas and also share practical solutions to mitigate these challenges,” he said.
Participants will explore future roadmaps, focusing on integrating digital technologies to combat threats posed by rapid digitalisation and increasingly sophisticated criminal activity.
“Technology is opening new opportunities for non-state actors to engage in complex crimes; however, it also provides opportunities for navies and coast guards to leverage on improved efficiency for maritime protection,” Commodore Abdul stated.
Now in its fourth year, IMDEC continues to shape African naval defence strategies, addressing critical issues such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and transnational crime.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey