RWANDA VISIT: COAS Seeks Stronger African Defence Industry, Reduced Reliance On Foreign Equipment
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has stressed the need for African nations to prioritise local defence production and technological innovation to enhance military effectiveness and achieve greater security independence.
He made the call during a working visit to the Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (REMCO) in Kigali, Rwanda, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Shaibu’s visit focused on exploring opportunities for technological advancement, indigenous manufacturing and industrial cooperation as African countries seek sustainable solutions to their security challenges.
Received by REMCO’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Emile Rungambajye, the COAS examined the company’s engineering and manufacturing operations, which reflect the growing capacity of African industries to produce machinery, equipment and essential components.
He highlighted the strategic importance of developing local expertise and investing in research and development to reduce reliance on imported military hardware and strengthen the continent’s ability to respond to emerging threats.
Established in 2018, REMCO is a government-owned enterprise engaged in precision engineering, machining, metal casting, fabrication and the production of machinery, equipment and spare parts.
Its operations illustrate how investments in indigenous industrial capacity can support technological development, strengthen local supply chains and create opportunities for African countries to meet some of their defence and engineering needs domestically.
For Nigeria, the engagement underscores the importance of expanding the capabilities of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and other relevant institutions responsible for supporting indigenous defence production.
A stronger domestic defence industry would enable the Nigerian Army to improve equipment maintenance, ensure a more reliable supply of essential military components and reduce operational challenges associated with dependence on foreign manufacturers.
It would also support the COAS’s broader objective of building a professional and combat-ready Army with the capacity to adapt to changing operational requirements and respond effectively to contemporary security threats.
The visit further highlighted the importance of African-led technological partnerships in strengthening regional security and promoting economic development.
As global uncertainties continue to expose the vulnerabilities associated with dependence on external defence supply chains, African countries are increasingly challenged to develop their own technological solutions and manufacturing capabilities.
Shaibu’s engagement with REMCO therefore reinforces the need for sustained investment in indigenous innovation, industrial development and defence cooperation across the continent.
Ultimately, strengthening Africa’s technological and defence-industrial capabilities would not only improve military preparedness but also promote economic resilience, strategic independence and the continent’s ability to protect its national and collective interests.
