Rabat to lead Africa-US maritime security dialogue in 2026 summit
Rabat will host the African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) 2026, running from July 20 to 24 under the auspices of the Royal Moroccan Navy. This year’s edition, organized in collaboration with the United States Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVAF) and United States Marine Corps Forces Europe-Africa (MARFORAF), places maritime innovation and security at the forefront of discussions.
The three-day summit will focus on three core pillars: national policy innovation through interministerial collaboration, regional cooperation with neighboring countries and partners, and technological advancements in maritime security. Organizers emphasize that the goal is to address shared challenges collectively, strengthening both capabilities and cooperation in the maritime domain.
Interactive workshops tackle real-world maritime threats
A key innovation this year is the introduction of interactive workshops featuring realistic scenarios. These sessions aim to prepare participants to anticipate and respond to national security challenges more effectively, fostering practical solutions for pressing issues.
Maritime security as a regional priority
Speaking at a press briefing, Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy, highlighted Morocco’s commitment to fostering African cooperation and regional stability. He stressed that discussions will revolve around innovation, regional collaboration, and the integration of emerging technologies to enhance collective responses to maritime security threats.
The summit will address critical challenges such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, maritime trafficking, terrorism, irregular migration, and environmental protection. Admiral Tahin emphasized that maritime security is a fundamental responsibility requiring sustained dialogue, mutual trust, coordinated action, and effective partnerships among all stakeholders.
«This summit will deepen cooperation between African maritime forces and international partners, fostering best practices and paving the way for a safer, more secure, and prosperous maritime future for Africa.»
Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of NAVAF, underscored the far-reaching impact of maritime security on legal trade, food security, regional stability, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on Africa’s navigable waters. He noted that the AMFS brings together African maritime leaders, Morocco, the United States, and international partners to address transnational threats—including piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, terrorism, and transnational crime—that no single nation can tackle alone.
«These threats cross borders, disrupt economies, and demand coordinated responses across nations, agencies, and services,» Admiral Wikoff stated. The summit aims to shape sustainable solutions by strengthening relationships and building professional expertise capable of responding to crises, securing maritime access, and collaborating with neighboring countries when threats transcend borders.
Strengthening Morocco-US defense ties
The AMFS 2026 is set against a backdrop of deepening Morocco-US defense cooperation, reflected in the bilateral relationship between Rabat and Washington. This partnership spans multiple military domains and is expected to gain further momentum with discussions on industrial collaboration.
Following the announcement of the Atlantic Initiative at the most recent African Lion military exercise, Morocco has expressed strong interest in developing a national defense industry. Ben Ziff, Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Rabat, confirmed that military-industrial infrastructure is a major focus of ongoing defense cooperation talks between the two nations.
«We regularly explore new avenues of cooperation to meet our mutual needs. Morocco is a valued partner with a robust industrial base. Our collaboration aims to share capabilities that enhance collective security,» Ziff said.
«We are actively pursuing opportunities in co-production, job creation for Moroccans, and strengthening Morocco’s defense and related sectors ecosystem.»
The AMFS 2026 will also host the Senior Enlisted Leaders Conference (SEL), providing a structured platform for maritime officials to share innovative security solutions and advance shared interests. Together, these initiatives underscore the summit’s role in shaping a secure and prosperous maritime future for Africa and its global partners.
