Morocco hosts Africa maritime security summit with US forces in 2026
Rabat is set to host the African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) 2026, a landmark event running from July 20 to 24. Organized under the auspices of the Royal Moroccan Navy in partnership with the US Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVAF) and US Marine Forces Europe and Africa (MARFORAF), the summit places maritime security and innovation at the forefront of its agenda. The program is structured around three core pillars: national policy innovation through inter-ministerial collaboration, regional cooperation with neighboring countries and partners, and technological advancements in maritime security.
The primary goal is to address shared maritime challenges through collective action, enhancing regional stability and strengthening collaborative defense capabilities. A notable innovation this year is the introduction of interactive workshops designed to simulate real-world scenarios, fostering proactive discussions on national response strategies.
Confronting shared maritime threats
Speaking at a press briefing, Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy within the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), emphasized Morocco’s unwavering commitment to fostering African cooperation. He highlighted the summit’s role in reinforcing regional stability and intensifying joint efforts for peace and maritime security.
The discussions focus on integrating emerging technologies, deepening regional collaboration, and strengthening collective capabilities to tackle pressing maritime issues. Key challenges include illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, maritime trafficking, piracy, terrorism, irregular migration, and environmental protection.
Rear Admiral Tahin stressed that maritime security is a fundamental responsibility and strategic priority, achievable only through sustained dialogue, mutual trust, coordinated action, and effective partnerships among all stakeholders.
«This summit will strengthen cooperation between African maritime forces, their international partners, and foster the exchange of best practices. Together, we can build a safer, more secure, and prosperous maritime future for Africa.»
The Commander of NAVAF, Admiral George Wikoff, underscored the far-reaching impact of maritime security on legal trade, food security, regional stability, and the daily lives of communities dependent on Africa’s waterways.
He noted that the AMFS 2026 brings together African maritime leaders, Morocco, the United States, and international partners to address challenges no single nation can solve alone: piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, terrorism, and transnational crime. These threats, being cross-border in nature, require unified, multi-agency cooperation.
Admiral Wikoff emphasized the summit’s role in shaping sustainable solutions and supporting leadership development. «Our objective is to strengthen relationships and train skilled professionals capable of responding to crises, securing maritime access, and collaborating with neighboring countries when threats cross borders,» he stated.
Strengthening Morocco-US maritime defense ties
The AMFS 2026 is being held amid a growing partnership between Morocco and the United States in military and maritime domains. The bilateral relationship has deepened over the years, reflecting a shared commitment to regional security and defense innovation.
Following the announcement of the Atlantic Initiative at the recent African Lion military exercise, Morocco has shown strong interest in developing a robust domestic defense industry. This includes expanding capabilities in naval and maritime security sectors. Discussions on this topic are prominently featured during the summit, according to Ben Ziff, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Rabat.
In response to inquiries about US-Morocco defense cooperation, Ziff noted that Morocco’s military-industrial infrastructure is a central topic in ongoing bilateral discussions. «We regularly explore opportunities for co-production, job creation for Moroccans, and strengthening Morocco’s defense and security ecosystem,» he explained. «We are continuously seeking new avenues to meet mutual needs. Morocco, with its strong industrial base, is a valued partner in enhancing collective security through shared capabilities.»
«By aligning our strengths, we can better secure our interests and those of our partners across the continent.»
This cooperation forms a key part of AMFS 2026, which also hosts the Senior African Non-Commissioned Officers Conference (SEL). The event provides a structured platform for maritime leaders to advance shared interests and exchange innovative security solutions.
