Photo By Sgt. Noah Masog | A photo illustration created using Adobe Photoshop represents maritime leaders...... read more read more
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RABAT, Morocco — Senior maritime leaders from across Africa and around the world will gather in Rabat, Morocco, July 20-24, 2026, for the fourth annual Africa Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS), a weeklong forum focused on advancing maritime security through partnership, professional exchange and African-led cooperation.
Co-hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, the summit will bring together representatives from more than 40 African nations and nearly 20 partner nations to address shared maritime challenges and opportunities. Hosting this year's summit in Morocco recognizes the nearly 250-year relationship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States while highlighting Morocco's longstanding role in promoting maritime security across North Africa and beyond.
This year's theme, "Innovation and Partnership to Strengthen Maritime Security," reflects a shared commitment to practical cooperation among African navies, coast guards, naval infantry and international partners. Throughout the week, participants will exchange operational experience, explore emerging technologies and identify collaborative approaches to challenges including maritime domain awareness, illegal fishing, piracy and transnational crime.
"The Africa Maritime Forces Summit will provide an opportunity for African maritime leaders and international partners to exchange perspectives, strengthen professional relationships and identify practical approaches to shared maritime challenges," said Adm. George M. Wikoff, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa. "By reinforcing partnerships and improving information sharing, we support African-led efforts to enhance maritime security, protect lawful commerce and promote regional stability and prosperity."
The summit is intended to strengthen the professional networks that enable continued cooperation well beyond the conference itself. By bringing together maritime leaders from across the continent and partner nations, AMFS fosters enduring collaboration while keeping African priorities at the forefront of regional security discussions.
"AMFS is about turning dialogue into action," said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Daniel L. Shipley, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa. "We are reinforcing our collective commitment to a stable, secure and prosperous maritime environment for Africa. This summit empowers African leaders to build capacity and strengthen the partnerships needed to counter shared threats."
Through sustained engagement, professional exchange and practical cooperation, AMFS supports the development of resilient maritime institutions and contributes to a more secure and prosperous maritime future. The summit also reinforces the United States' enduring commitment to working alongside African partners as they lead efforts to address shared maritime challenges.
| Date Taken: | 07.20.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 07.21.2026 06:17 |
| Story ID: | 570193 |
| Location: | MA |
| Web Views: | 57 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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