Morocco hosts 2026 maritime security summit with us navy

Rabat is set to host the African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS) 2026 from July 20 to 24, under the leadership of the Royal Moroccan Navy. This year’s edition, organized in collaboration with the United States Navy’s Africa and Europe Command (NAVAF) and the United States Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa (MARFORAF), places maritime innovation and security at the forefront of its agenda. The summit’s framework is structured around three core pillars: national policy innovation through interministerial collaboration, cross-border cooperation with neighboring countries and partners, and technological advancements in maritime security.

The primary goal is to address shared maritime security challenges through collective action, fostering capacity building and enhanced collaboration across the continent. A notable highlight of AMFS 2026 is the introduction of interactive workshops, designed to present realistic scenarios that encourage proactive national responses to emerging threats.

tackling shared maritime threats

During 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. “This summit serves as a platform to discuss innovation, regional cooperation, and the integration of emerging technologies, all aimed at bolstering our collective capabilities and improving responses to common maritime challenges.

These challenges include maritime security, domain awareness, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing, maritime trafficking, terrorism, irregular migration, and environmental protection. The Admiral underscored 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.

Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of NAVAF, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the far-reaching impact of maritime security on legal trade, food security, regional stability, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on Africa’s waterways.

“AMFS brings together African maritime leaders, Morocco, the United States, and international partners to confront challenges that no single nation can address alone—piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, smuggling, terrorism, and transnational crime,” he noted. “These threats transcend borders, disrupt economies, and demand collaborative solutions among nations, agencies, and services.”

The summit aims to craft sustainable solutions while supporting leadership development. “Our role is to strengthen relationships and cultivate skilled professionals who can respond to crises, secure maritime access, and collaborate with neighboring countries when threats spill across borders,” Admiral Wikoff added.

strengthening Morocco-United States maritime ties

Hosting AMFS 2026 in Morocco comes at a pivotal moment, marked by a shared determination to bolster African cooperation and a dynamic multilateral engagement between U.S. naval forces and their African counterparts. The bilateral synergy between Rabat and Washington reflects this momentum, particularly in military domains, and has grown stronger over the years.

Following the announcement of the Atlantic Initiative at the recent African Lion military exercise, Morocco has shown keen interest in developing a robust domestic military industry, with potential impacts across sectors including naval and maritime security. Discussions on this topic are high on the agenda, according to Ben Ziff, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat.

In response to inquiries, he noted that Morocco’s military-industrial infrastructure is a key focus of discussions on bilateral military cooperation. “We regularly explore opportunities for co-production, job creation for Moroccans, and strengthening Morocco’s ecosystem for arms manufacturing and related sectors,” Ziff stated. “We are constantly seeking new avenues of cooperation to meet our mutual needs. Morocco is a valued partner with a robust industrial base, and the goal is to share capabilities to enhance our collective security.”