RismadarVoice Reporters
October 22, 2026
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called on African countries to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and technological innovation to reduce dependence on foreign military equipment and improve the continent’s security capabilities.
Shaibu made the call on Wednesday, October 21, during a visit to the Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (REMCO) in Kigali, as part of his official working visit to Rwanda.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the Army Chief was received by REMCO’s Chief Executive Officer, Emile Rungambajye, who provided insights into the corporation’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
During the visit, Shaibu examined the company’s operations and emphasised the need for African nations to invest in research, technological development and local industrial production.
He maintained that greater reliance on homegrown technologies would strengthen military readiness, improve equipment availability and reduce vulnerabilities associated with dependence on foreign supply chains.
The Army Chief also highlighted the importance of cooperation among African countries in developing sustainable solutions to emerging security challenges.
Established in 2018, REMCO is a Rwandan government-owned engineering and manufacturing company specialising in precision engineering, machining, metal casting, fabrication and the production of machinery, equipment and spare parts.
Shaibu described the corporation’s capabilities as an example of the opportunities available for African countries to develop their industrial and technological capacities.
He stressed that Nigeria could strengthen its defence manufacturing sector through institutions such as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
According to the Army Chief, expanding domestic production would improve maintenance capabilities, support military operations and encourage innovation in the development of equipment suited to Africa’s security environment.
The visit also formed part of broader efforts to strengthen military cooperation between Nigeria and Rwanda.
Earlier in the visit, Shaibu held discussions with senior Rwandan military officials on training, personnel exchanges, defence technology and operational collaboration.
The engagements included proposals for cooperation between DICON and relevant Rwandan defence institutions to promote local production and technological development.
The Army Chief maintained that African countries must increasingly harness their engineering expertise, research institutions and manufacturing industries to address security challenges.
He noted that evolving threats and uncertainties affecting international defence supply chains had invested in indigenous capabilities increasingly important.
The Nigerian Army said the visit reinforced its commitment to building a professional, adaptable and technologically capable force through innovation and strategic partnerships.
Although the discussions highlighted opportunities for defence-industrial cooperation, no new manufacturing contract or technology transfer agreement was announced following the REMCO visit.
