Egypt’s AOI, Nigeria’s Vinicius sign MoU on defence supply, manufacturing cooperation – Defence – Egypt

The agreement comes as AOI seeks to expand exports, attract investments, and deepen industrial partnerships with African countries in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 development strategy.

The MoU was signed by AOI director-general, Major General Engineer Abdel Rahman Abdel-Azim Othman, and Vinicius Chief Executive Officer Saifullah Babangida.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, AOI Chairman Major General Engineer Mokhtar Abdel Latif said the agreement reflects Egypt’s efforts to strengthen industrial and economic cooperation with African partners in line with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s directives to expand integration with fellow African nations.

He said the two sides agreed to cooperate in supplying some of the Nigerian Ministry of Defence’s requirements, noting that Vinicius is one of Nigeria’s leading private-sector companies and operates under a licence from the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

Abdel Latif added that the partnership aims to enhance strategic cooperation through technology transfer, manufacturing localization, increased local content, and the training of Nigerian personnel in manufacturing and maintenance activities using AOI’s industrial facilities and training academies.

The two sides also agreed to establish implementation mechanisms for areas of mutual interest, with clear timelines, and to explore opportunities to open new export channels to African and Arab markets through government-to-government contracts.

Abdel Latif highlighted the strong relations between Egypt and Nigeria, stressing the importance of expanding cooperation in both defence and civilian industries, as well as participation in development projects in West Africa.

During a tour of an AOI products exhibition, Babangida and members of the accompanying Nigerian delegation praised the quality and technological sophistication of the organization’s defence and civilian products.

The Nigerian side expressed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with AOI, describing it as Egypt’s industrial arm, and emphasized the importance of localizing advanced manufacturing technologies, reducing reliance on imports, and maximizing production capabilities in both countries.

Founded in 1975, the AOI operates a network of factories producing a wide range of defence equipment, electronics, vehicles, aerospace components, renewable energy systems, and civilian industrial products.

In recent years, the organization has intensified efforts to localize advanced technologies, increase local manufacturing content, and expand exports to African, Arab, and international markets.

Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and one of the continent’s largest defence spenders, facing persistent security challenges including insurgency in the northeast, banditry, piracy, and separatist violence.

Abuja has sought to expand domestic defence production and reduce dependence on imported military equipment in recent years.

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), which licenses and regulates defence manufacturing in the country, has been pursuing partnerships with foreign companies to boost local production capabilities, technology transfer, and workforce training.

Short link: