Rabat hosts landmark maritime security summit in 2026

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

The summit’s primary mission is to address shared maritime challenges through collective capacity-building and enhanced cooperation. A standout feature of AMFS 2026 is the introduction of interactive workshops designed to simulate real-world scenarios, fostering proactive discussions on national response strategies.

Confronting shared maritime threats

During a press briefing, Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy within the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), underscored Morocco’s unwavering commitment to fostering African cooperation and strengthening regional stability. He highlighted the summit’s focus on innovation, regional collaboration, and emerging technologies to bolster collective maritime security.

Key challenges addressed include maritime security, illegal fishing, human trafficking, piracy, terrorism, irregular migration, and environmental protection. Rear Admiral Tahin stressed that achieving maritime security requires sustained dialogue, mutual trust, coordinated action, and effective partnerships among all stakeholders.

Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of NAVAF, emphasized the far-reaching impact of maritime security on legal trade, food security, regional stability, and the livelihoods of communities reliant on Africa’s waterways. He noted that the AMFS brings together African maritime leaders, Morocco, the United States, and global partners to tackle challenges no single nation can address alone—piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, terrorism, and transnational crime.

«These threats transcend borders, destabilize economies, and demand cross-border collaboration between nations, agencies, and services,» he stated. The summit aims to craft sustainable solutions by empowering maritime leaders, fostering professional partnerships, and equipping them to respond to crises, secure maritime access, and collaborate with neighboring nations when threats cross borders.

Strengthening Morocco-U.S. maritime ties

The AMFS 2026 in Rabat takes place amid a growing Morocco-U.S. defense partnership, reflecting a broader trend of deepening multilateral engagement between American naval forces and their African counterparts. The bilateral dynamic between Rabat and Washington has evolved significantly in recent years, encompassing multiple military domains.

Following the announcement of the Atlantic Initiative at the African Lion military exercise, Morocco has shown strong interest in developing a robust national defense industry, with implications for naval and maritime security sectors. Discussions on this front are prominently featured, according to Ben Ziff, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat.

In response to inquiries about defense cooperation, he affirmed that Morocco’s military-industrial infrastructure is a cornerstone of bilateral discussions. «Together with the Moroccan government, we explore co-production opportunities, job creation for Moroccans, and strengthening the local defense ecosystem,» he noted.

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