Among the highlights at the two-day summit were products from the Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (REMCO), a government-established arms manufacturer tasked with producing military equipment for the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and supporting friendly nations with their defence needs.
REMCO, based in Kigali's Gasabo District within the city's industrial zone, manufactures a wide array of equipment tailored for infantry units, special operations, counter-terrorism, anti-riot missions, and metal shooting targets used in training.
The factory operates in partnership with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), a globally recognised arms manufacturer.
The weapons produced through this collaboration are battle-proven and currently in use by both the RDF and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
Among the weaponry manufactured in Rwanda are pistols and assault rifles with effective ranges of up to 500 metres, including models such as the ARAD5/300BKL. Long-range sniper rifles like the ACE SNIPER and ARAD SNIPER, capable of hitting targets up to 800 metres away, are also part of REMCO's arsenal.
Additionally, the factory produces machine guns, such as the NEGEV ULMG, and advanced night vision sights for improved visibility during night operations.
While most components of these weapons are manufactured domestically, a few â€" including bullets, magazines, and lenses â€" are currently imported.
REMCO has expressed readiness to supply its products to regional partners based on their operational needs and preferences, reinforcing Rwanda's ambition to play a greater role in regional security and defence innovation.
Alongside the Rwandan-made weapons, ISCA also featured modern arms from other nations, including Egypt and Turkey, positioning the event as a major platform for Africa's evolving security and defence landscape.
Held under the theme 'Reshaping Africa's Landscape in a Dynamic, Complex Global Environment,' ISCA brings together continental and global defence, intelligence, and security leaders to tackle urgent challenges and craft joint solutions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Kigali Convention Centre, President Kagame called for a fundamental shift in Africa's approach to security, urging the continent to take full ownership of its future and move away from reliance on external solutions.
The Head of State identified ownership of security agendas, governance, and cooperation as three crucial pillars for Africa's enduring peace and stability.
'Africa's future, particularly in matters of peace and security, cannot be outsourced,' Kagame told the delegates.
'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 to deliver â€" both for Africa and for the world.'
Also speaking at the opening session was Moussa Faki Mahamat, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Chair of the ISCA Advisory Council. He hailed the launch of ISCA as 'a turning point' for Africa, describing it as a long-overdue strategic space for reflection and dialogue on peace and security matters.
'Africa's security cannot rely on imported solutions,' Faki said. 'We often say and repeat: African solutions to African problems.'
The ISCA conference continues on Tuesday with high-level panels and closed-door sessions expected to define strategic pathways for a more secure and self-reliant Africa.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
