The Moroccan capital, Rabat, will host the African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) 2026 from July 20 to 24, under the high patronage of the Royal Moroccan Navy. This year’s event, organized in collaboration with the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVAF) and the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe-Africa (MARFORAF), places innovation and maritime security at the forefront of discussions. The summit’s agenda revolves around three core pillars: «National policy innovation involving inter-ministerial collaboration, regional cooperation with neighboring countries and partners, and technological advancements in maritime security.»
At its core, the AMFS 2026 aims to address shared maritime challenges through collective capacity-building and enhanced cooperation. A notable addition this year is the introduction of interactive workshops featuring real-world scenarios, designed to foster proactive discussions and solutions at the national level.
Addressing shared maritime threats
During a press briefing, Vice Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy, emphasized the kingdom’s unwavering commitment to fostering African cooperation, strengthening regional stability, and intensifying collective efforts for maritime peace and security. «The exchanges will focus on innovation, regional collaboration, and the integration of emerging technologies,» he stated. «Our goal is to bolster collective capabilities and improve responses to critical challenges such as maritime security, domain awareness, illegal and unregulated fishing, smuggling, terrorism, irregular migration, and environmental protection.»
The admiral underscored that maritime security is «a fundamental responsibility and strategic priority» that can only be achieved through sustained dialogue, mutual trust, coordinated action, and effective partnerships among all stakeholders.
«We are confident that this summit will deepen cooperation between African maritime forces and their international partners, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and pave the way for a safer, more secure, and prosperous maritime future across the continent.»
Highlighting the summit’s significance, Rear Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of NAVAF, stressed the far-reaching impact of maritime security on legitimate 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 face alone: piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, smuggling, terrorism, and transnational crime,» he noted. «These threats transcend borders, disrupt economies, and demand cross-border collaboration among nations, agencies, and services.»
«Our mission is to shape sustainable solutions,» he added. «We aim to strengthen relationships and empower skilled partners who can respond to crises, secure maritime access, and collaborate with neighboring nations when threats cross boundaries.»
Strengthening Morocco-U.S. maritime collaboration
The AMFS 2026 in Rabat reflects a growing bilateral synergy between Morocco and the United States, particularly in military domains. This partnership has intensified in recent years, with discussions now extending to defense industrial cooperation. Since the announcement of the Atlantic Initiative at the African Lion military exercise, Morocco has shown strong interest in developing a robust national defense industry, including advancements in its naval and maritime security sectors.
Ben Ziff, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, confirmed that Morocco’s defense infrastructure is a «major element» of discussions on military cooperation between the two nations. «Together with the Moroccan government, we are exploring opportunities for co-production, job creation for Moroccan citizens, and strengthening the local ecosystem for arms manufacturing and related sectors,» he explained. «Our goal is to identify new avenues of cooperation that meet our respective needs. Morocco is a valued partner with a strong industrial base—this partnership is about sharing capacities to enhance collective security.»
«We are constantly exploring new avenues of collaboration to better serve our mutual interests. Morocco’s industrial strength makes it an ideal partner, and this summit is a testament to our shared commitment to regional stability.»
The AMFS 2026 will also host the Conference of Senior African Non-Commissioned Officers (SEL), providing a structured platform for maritime leaders to enhance shared interests and exchange innovative security solutions.
