Rwanda has positioned itself as a key player in Africa’s evolving defense landscape, hosting the inaugural International Security Conference on Africa (ISCA) in Kigali on Monday, May 19.
The two-day forum, held under the theme “Reshaping Africa’s Landscape in a Dynamic, Complex Global Environment,” brought together defense, intelligence, and security leaders from 17 countries to chart collaborative responses to the continent’s most pressing security challenges.
A major highlight of the summit was the display of modern weaponry manufactured by the Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (REMCO), a government-backed arms producer based in the Kigali Special Economic Zone.
Established in 2018, REMCO showcased an impressive arsenal of defense equipment tailored for infantry, special operations, counter-terrorism, and anti-riot missions.
REMCO’s products include sniper rifles, assault rifles, machine guns, pistols, and military tanks. These weapons are designed with precision and accuracy in mind, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness while reducing collateral damage.
Notably, long-range sniper rifles like the ACE SNIPER and ARAD SNIPER, with ranges of up to 800 metres, and assault rifles such as the ARAD5/300BKL were among the showcased models.
Advanced features like night vision sights and training-grade metal shooting targets further demonstrate REMCO’s focus on modern combat readiness. The manufacturing process is bolstered through a strategic partnership with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), a globally recognized leader in arms production.
The collaboration ensures that REMCO’s weapons are battle-proven, currently in use by the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and Israel Defence Forces (IDF). While most components are produced domestically, some key parts such as magazines, bullets, and optical lenses are still imported.
Beyond showcasing Rwanda’s defense manufacturing capabilities, ISCA served as a stage for broader conversations on African security sovereignty.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Paul Kagame delivered a pointed message about Africa’s need to take full ownership of its security agenda.
“Africa’s future, particularly in matters of peace and security, cannot be outsourced. For far too long, our security has been treated as a burden to be managed by others, often without our context or consent. This approach has failed — both for Africa and for the world,” Kagame said.
His remarks were echoed by Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chair of ISCA’s Advisory Council and former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, who hailed the event as “a turning point” in how the continent approaches peace and security.
“Africa’s security cannot rely on imported solutions. We often say and repeat: African solutions to African problems,” Faki said.
The summit also featured cutting-edge weaponry from other nations including Egypt, Uganda and Turkey, underscoring ISCA’s growing potential as Africa’s premier security innovation platform.
As the conference continues with high-level panels and closed-door strategy sessions, Rwanda’s proactive role in reshaping the continent’s defense industry remains in sharp focus.
