The Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) signed a memorandum of understanding with Nigeria’s Vinicius Company to cooperate in supplying some of the requirements of the Nigerian Ministry of Defense and to expand joint manufacturing and technology localization in the defense sector, the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) said on Monday, June 1st, 2026.
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 requirements of the Nigerian Ministry of Defense, noting that Vinicius is one of Nigeria’s leading private-sector companies that operates under a license from the Defense 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 defense 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 defense and civilian products. The Nigerian side expressed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with AOI, describing it as Egypt’s industrial arm.
It 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 defense 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.