Connecting the Sahel with the Global Defense Industry

As BAMEX 2026 prepares to take place in Bamako, Mali, from 9–13 November 2026, this exclusive interview with Mr. Harun Saraç…

In Brief

As BAMEX 2026 prepares to take place in Bamako, Mali, from 9–13 November 2026, this exclusive interview with Mr. Harun Saraç explores the vision behind the exhibition, its international participation, and its role in connecting the Sahel with the global defense industry. Mr. Saraç shares insights into BAMEX 2026’s focus on defense cooperation, industry engagement, technology showcases, and opportunities for building long-term partnerships across the region.

By Rebecca Spayne

Group Managing Editor

October 1, 2026
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What is the vision for BAMEX 2026, and what can the international defense and security industry expect from this year’s exhibition?

Our vision for BAMEX 2026 is to establish Bamako as one of the key meeting points for the defense and security industry in the Sahel and West Africa.

We want BAMEX to be more than an exhibition. Our goal is to create a platform where international companies can meet directly with military delegations, government representatives, leading industry distributors and key decision makers from the region.

For BAMEX 2026, the industry can expect stronger international participation, high level official delegations, direct engagement with regional stakeholders and, most importantly, a very business focused environment.

Ultimately, we want companies to come to Bamako not only to exhibit their products but also to build relationships, understand the market and create long term business in the region.

Why should international defense companies consider BAMEX 2026 an important platform for accessing Mali and the wider West African and Sahel defense markets?

The Sahel is going through an important transformation in defense and security. Countries across the region are strengthening their capabilities, investing in new technologies and looking for reliable long term partners.

At the same time, this is a region where business cannot be developed only from a distance. Relationships, trust, local understanding and direct access are extremely important.

This is where BAMEX has a real advantage. We bring international companies directly into the region and connect them with the institutions and decision makers who understand the requirements on the ground.

BAMEX provides a direct and practical entry point into the region for the companies that are serious about Mali, the Sahel and the West African market.

Which defense and security sectors are expected to have the strongest presence at BAMEX 2026, and what types of companies are you particularly looking to welcome?

We expect a broad representation across the defense and security industry, including land systems, UAV and counter-UAV technologies, weapons and ammunition, electro-optics, communications, surveillance and reconnaissance, armored vehicles, tactical equipment, border security, cybersecurity, training and logistics.

But for us, it is not only about the size of the company or the stand.

We particularly want to welcome companies that are ready to understand the operational requirements of the region. This includes major international defense companies but also specialized and innovative companies offering technologies and solutions that respond to real needs on the ground.

What opportunities will BAMEX 2026 provide for exhibitors to engage directly with military leadership, government officials, procurement authorities, and key decision-makers?

This is actually one of the most important aspects of BAMEX.

We do not want exhibitors simply sitting at their stands and waiting for visitors. Our objective is to bring military leadership, government representatives, procurement authorities, security institutions and official delegations together with participating companies.

We want to create direct and meaningful interaction between the people who have requirements and the companies that can provide the right solutions. There is also a very unique opportunity that the delegations and the visitors will have the opportunity to test all the products live in Demo Day.

How will BAMEX 2026 facilitate B2B meetings, strategic partnerships, technology cooperation, and potential business opportunities between international companies and regional stakeholders?

We approach BAMEX as a business platform, not only as an exhibition.

Our team will work to facilitate targeted B2B, B2G, G2G and institutional meetings based on the capabilities of participating companies and the requirements of regional stakeholders. The objective is to bring the right people together rather than simply arranging meetings for the sake of numbers.

We also want the relationships created during BAMEX to continue after the exhibition, whether through procurement, local partnerships, training, technology cooperation, maintenance and support, or longer-term projects.

For us, the real success of BAMEX is what happens after the exhibition.

What level of international participation, including official delegations and defense companies, are you expecting at BAMEX 2026?

We are expecting a strong international presence at BAMEX 2026, both from defense and security companies and from official delegations.

However, our priority is not simply to increase the numbers. We want the right companies and the right delegations in Bamako.

Our focus is on bringing international companies with a genuine interest in the region together with military, government and security stakeholders who have real requirements and decision making authority.

That combination is what makes participation at BAMEX valuable.

Finally, what message would you like to give to international defense and security companies that are currently considering exhibiting or participating at BAMEX 2026?

I have been doing business in Mali and this region for years, and one thing I can say with confidence is that the Sahel cannot be understood from a distance. This is a region where trust, relationships and being present on the ground really matter. You need to meet the people, listen to their requirements and understand how the market actually works.

And this is exactly what we are trying to create with BAMEX.

We are not inviting companies to Bamako simply to rent a stand, display their products for a few days and go home. That is not our vision. We want them to meet the people who matter, understand the real needs of the region, develop relationships and hopefully leave Bamako with opportunities that can turn into long term business and cooperation.

I also believe the Sahel will become an increasingly important market for the global defense and security industry in the coming years. The companies that come here today, understand the region and build the right relationships will naturally be in a much stronger position tomorrow.

So, if Mali, the Sahel or West Africa are part of your future strategy, my invitation is simple: come to BAMEX 2026. Come with an open mind, meet the region for yourself and let us show you what BAMEX and Bamako can offer.

We will be very happy to welcome you here.

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Defence Buyer is the leading authority in global defence procurement and technology content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 4 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the defence and security sector.

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