Rabat is set to host the African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) 2026 from July 20 to 24, under the auspices of the Royal Moroccan Navy in collaboration with the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVAF) and U.S. Marine Forces Europe-Africa (MARFORAF). This year’s event places innovation and maritime security at the core of its agenda, with a structured program built around three key pillars: national policy innovation through inter-ministerial collaboration, regional cooperation with neighboring countries and international partners, and technological advancements in maritime security.

The summit aims to address shared maritime challenges through collective efforts focused on capacity building and enhanced cooperation. A notable addition this year is the introduction of interactive workshops designed to simulate real-world scenarios, fostering proactive discussion and national response strategies.

Addressing shared maritime challenges

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, strengthening regional stability, and intensifying collective efforts for maritime peace and security.

«The discussions revolve around innovation, regional collaboration, and the integration of emerging technologies to bolster collective capabilities and improve responses to common threats,» he stated. These threats include maritime security breaches, illegal fishing, human trafficking, terrorism, and environmental degradation.

Rear Admiral Tahin 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.»

Highlighting the summit’s broader implications, U.S. Navy Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of NAVAF, stressed the far-reaching impact of maritime security on legal trade, food security, regional stability, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on Africa’s navigational routes.

«The AMFS brings together African maritime leaders, Morocco, the United States, and international partners to tackle transnational threats that no single nation can address alone—piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime,» he explained. «These challenges transcend borders, impact economies, and demand cross-border cooperation among nations, agencies, and services.»

Admiral Wikoff emphasized the summit’s role in shaping sustainable solutions through leadership support, adding, «Our mission is to strengthen relationships and empower competent professionals to respond to crises, secure maritime access, and collaborate with neighboring countries when threats cross borders.»

Morocco-U.S. cooperation in action

This year’s AMFS is hosted against a backdrop of deepening Moroccan-American military cooperation, exemplified by the bilateral dynamics between Rabat and Washington. Since the announcement of the Atlantic Initiative at the recent African Lion military exercise, Morocco has shown strong interest in developing a robust domestic military industry, particularly in the maritime and security sectors.

Ben Ziff, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat, confirmed that discussions on military cooperation include significant focus on Morocco’s military-industrial infrastructure. «Together with the Moroccan government, we explore avenues for co-production, job creation for Moroccans, and strengthening Morocco’s defense production ecosystem,» he noted.

This evolving partnership aligns with the core objectives of AMFS 2026, which also hosts the Senior Enlisted Leaders’ Conference (SEL). The event provides a structured platform for maritime officials to enhance shared interests and exchange innovative security solutions.