The Moroccan capital, Rabat, is set to host this year’s African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS 2026) from July 20 to 24, under the banner of the Royal Moroccan Navy. The event is co-organized with the United States Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVAF) and the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa (MARFORAF), placing innovation and maritime safety at the forefront of discussions.
This year’s edition introduces interactive workshops that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing participants to anticipate challenges and refine national responses. The summit’s agenda is structured around three pillars: national policy innovation through inter-ministerial collaboration, cross-border cooperation with neighboring countries and partners, and the adoption of cutting-edge maritime security technologies.
Addressing shared challenges head-on
During a press briefing, Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy, emphasized Morocco’s unwavering commitment to fostering African cooperation and strengthening regional stability. He highlighted the summit’s role in advancing collective efforts for peace and maritime security across the continent.
The discussions will cover a broad spectrum of threats, including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, maritime trafficking, terrorism, irregular migration and environmental degradation. Admiral Tahin stressed that robust maritime security requires sustained dialogue, mutual trust, coordinated action and effective partnerships among all stakeholders involved.
“We are confident this summit will deepen cooperation between African maritime forces and their international partners, promote best practices and help build a safer, more secure and prosperous maritime future for Africa.”
Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of NAVAF, underscored the summit’s broader implications for legal trade, food security and regional stability, noting that maritime security directly impacts the daily lives of communities relying on Africa’s navigable routes.
“The AMFS unites African maritime leaders, Morocco, the United States and international partners to confront challenges no single nation can tackle alone—piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, smuggling, terrorism and transnational crime,” he said, adding that these threats transcend borders, disrupt economies and demand cross-border collaboration among nations, agencies and services.
The goal is to craft sustainable solutions by empowering skilled professionals capable of responding to crises, securing maritime access and coordinating with neighboring countries when threats spill across borders.
Morocco and the U.S. strengthen maritime defense ties
The 2026 summit takes place against a backdrop of deepening bilateral cooperation between Rabat and Washington, particularly in military domains. The partnership reflects a growing synergy, highlighted during the recent African Lion military exercise where Morocco signaled strong interest in developing a domestic defense industry. This initiative could have far-reaching implications for the nation’s armed forces, including its navy and maritime security capabilities.
Ben Ziff, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Rabat, confirmed that Morocco’s defense infrastructure is a major topic in military cooperation discussions. “We regularly explore opportunities for co-production, job creation and strengthening Morocco’s defense ecosystem with the government,” he said. “We are constantly seeking new avenues of collaboration to meet our mutual needs. Morocco is a partner of choice with a robust industrial base, and our shared goal is to leverage our capabilities for collective security.”
“This partnership is about sharing strengths to fortify our security together.”
The AMFS 2026 also hosts the African Senior Enlisted Leaders Conference (SEL), providing a structured platform for maritime officials to exchange ideas, enhance shared interests and implement innovative security solutions.
