By Christabel Danso ABEAM
The Ghana Navy is set to host the 4th edition of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC 2025) from july 8-9 in Accra. The two-day event aims to bring together over 500 high-profile participants from more than 70 countries to tackle the growing threats and opportunities in Africa’s maritime space.
Launched in 2019, the biennial programme has steadily developed into a strategic forum for global dialogue on maritime security, and this year’s conference comes at a time when the region is grappling with increasingly complex maritime threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, cybercrime and economic sabotage.
IMDEC 2025 will bring together regional and international Chiefs of Naval Staff, private sector leaders, and policymakers to collaborate and explore groundbreaking strategies that protects the vital economic zone. The event is expected to feature panel discussions, breakout sessions, and a cutting-edge maritime technology exhibition.
“We can only be successful in navigating the turbulent waves of change if innovative policy frameworks are combined with realistic and doable strategies through initiatives such as IMDEC 2025,” Chief Staff Officer of Naval Headquarters, Commodore Ben Baba Abdul established during his address at a media Engagement in Accra.
IMDEC 2025 seeks to foster strong collaboration among governments, navies, and the commercial sector to tackle both traditional and non-traditional security challenges. With challenges such as smuggling, piracy, economic sabotage, and terrorism becoming more technologically sophisticated, organisers believe sustained multilateral alliance is key. The conference will also serve as a space to integrate successes achieved in maritime protection within the Gulf of Guinea region, while outlining a roadmap for sustainable marine industry transformation.
Exhibition
The exhibition segment of IMDEC 2025, will project state-of-the-art maritime technologies including satellite imagery solutions, autonomous vessels, smart ports, radars, and blockchain-enabled supply chain systems, while defence companies from across the world are also scheduled to exhibit tools aimed at reinforcing African navies’ capacity to respond to transnational maritime threats. According to the Chief Staff Officer, these technologies are not only important when it comes to boosting defence, but they also contribute to modernising port security, cargo management, and blue economy infrastructure.
Other highlights of IMDEC 2025
Mr. Abdul further indicated that one of the major talking points at this year’s edition will be the escalating threat of cybercrime in the maritime space. “As digitalization transforms traditional shipping and port operations, coastal guards and the navies face advanced security challenges directed towards automated systems and data networks. Cybersecurity has become a crucial maritime security challenge because it cuts across economic service providers and the navies’ delivery of maritime security.”
The Chief Staff Officer acknowledged the media’s vital role in public education, especially on matters related to maritime risks and opportunities and tasked the sector to put in maximum efforts in raising awareness of the economic value of ocean governance and the ongoing innovations in the maritime industry.
Global impact
The Ghana Navy, in partnership with international bodies, will use the outcomes of IMDEC 2025 to influence global maritime policy direction and enhance Africa’s presence in the global shipping economy. Discussions and joint projects initiated at the conference are expected to significantly impact not just the maritime sector but global trade and security.
