COAS advocates indigenous African defence technology to reduce foreign dependence

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has underscored the strategic crucial of growing indigenous African applied sciences and strengthening native defence manufacturing capabilities to reduce dependence on foreign army gear and improve the continent’s safety self-reliance.

This shaped the thrust of his go to to the Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation, REMCO, in Kigali, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, as a part of his official working go to to the Republic of Rwanda.

Colonel Appolonia Anele, performing Director of the Army Public Relations, in a press release, mentioned throughout the go to, the COAS, who was obtained by the Chief Executive Officer of REMCO, Mr Emile Rungambajye, explored the company’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities, highlighting the rising significance of African innovation, technological development and industrial capability in constructing resilient and sustainable defence methods.

The engagement bolstered the necessity for African nations to harness indigenous experience, put money into analysis and improvement, and strengthen technological partnerships to produce homegrown options to modern safety challenges.

“Established in 2018, REMCO is a government-owned engineering and manufacturing enterprise specialising in precision engineering, machining, metallic casting, fabrication and the manufacturing of equipment, gear and spare elements.

“Its increasing industrial capabilities show Africa’s potential to develop vital applied sciences, strengthen native manufacturing capability and progressively reduce reliance on foreign provide chains,” the assertion mentioned.

The go to additional highlighted the strategic relevance of strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous defence-industrial base by means of establishments such because the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, DICON. Developing native manufacturing capabilities stays vital to sustaining army operations, bettering gear availability, enhancing upkeep capability and selling technological innovation.