Rabat is set to host the African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) 2026 from July 20 to 24, under the aegis of the Royal Moroccan Navy. This year’s edition, organized in partnership with the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVAF) and U.S. Marine Forces Europe and Africa (MARFORAF), places innovation and maritime security at the forefront of its agenda. The summit’s program is structured around three core pillars: national policy innovation through inter-ministerial collaboration, regional cooperation with neighboring countries and international partners, and technological advancements in maritime security.
The primary objective is to address shared maritime challenges through collective efforts aimed at enhancing regional stability, strengthening maritime domain awareness, and combating illicit activities such as illegal fishing, piracy, smuggling, and transnational crime. A notable highlight of AMFS 2026 is the introduction of interactive workshops, where participants will engage in real-world scenarios to refine national response strategies.
addressing shared maritime threats
During a press briefing, Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy, emphasized Morocco’s commitment to fostering African cooperation and reinforcing regional peace and security. He highlighted the summit’s focus on integrating emerging technologies, strengthening collective capabilities, and improving responses to pressing maritime issues, including illegal fishing, human trafficking, environmental protection, and maritime terrorism.
«Maritime security is not just a strategic priority but a fundamental responsibility,» Rear Admiral Tahin stated. «Achieving it requires sustained dialogue, mutual trust, coordinated action, and effective partnerships among all stakeholders.»
«This summit will deepen cooperation between African maritime forces and international partners, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and pave the way for a safer, more secure, and prosperous maritime future across Africa.»
Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of NAVAF, underscored the far-reaching implications of maritime security, noting its impact on legal trade, food security, regional stability, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on Africa’s waterways. «The AMFS brings together African maritime leaders, Morocco, the United States, and international partners to tackle challenges no single nation can address alone—piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, terrorism, and transnational crime,» he explained. «These threats transcend borders, disrupt economies, and demand collaborative solutions.»
«Our mission is to build sustainable frameworks, strengthen relationships, and cultivate skilled partners capable of responding to crises, securing maritime access, and collaborating across borders when threats emerge,» Admiral Wikoff added.
Morocco and the united states: a growing maritime partnership
The AMFS 2026 is being held at a pivotal moment, reflecting both Morocco’s dedication to African unity and the deepening bilateral ties between Rabat and Washington. The partnership spans multiple defense domains, including maritime security, and has gained momentum in recent years.
Following the announcement of the Atlantic Initiative at the African Lion military exercise, Morocco has shown strong interest in developing its national defense industry—a move with potential ripple effects across its armed forces, particularly the navy and maritime security sectors. Discussions on this topic are high on the agenda, according to Ben Ziff, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat.
«Morocco’s military-industrial infrastructure is a key focus of our defense cooperation discussions,» Ziff noted. «Together with the Moroccan government, we are exploring opportunities for co-production, job creation for Moroccans, and strengthening the local defense ecosystem. This includes arms manufacturing and other critical sectors.»
«We are constantly exploring new avenues of cooperation to meet our shared needs. Morocco is an invaluable partner with a robust industrial base. By leveraging our combined strengths, we enhance security for both our nations.»
This evolving partnership aligns seamlessly with the goals of AMFS 2026, which also features the Senior Enlisted Leaders Conference (SEL). The summit provides a structured platform for maritime leaders to advance shared interests, exchange innovative security solutions, and strengthen professional networks across the continent.
