The 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD), hosted in Luanda, Angola, concluded with renewed commitments by African military leaders and the United States to strengthen regional security cooperation, deepen strategic partnerships, and promote economic prosperity across the continent.
Held under the theme, “Leveraging Our Strengths – Advancing Regional Security for Enduring Prosperity,” the conference brought together chiefs of defence, senior military officers, government officials, industry leaders and security experts from Africa and the United States to discuss emerging security challenges and collaborative solutions.
Participants examined a broad range of issues, including cross-border security, maritime and airspace cooperation, combating misinformation, integrating commercial innovation into defence operations, and strengthening the relationship between security and economic development.
Speaking at the conference, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Eero R. Keravuori, Deputy Director for Strategy, Engagement and Programs at U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), said the event highlighted the United States’ partnership approach, which focuses on helping African countries strengthen their security capabilities while respecting their sovereignty.
According to him, African nations participating in the conference demonstrated their readiness to work together in addressing shared security threats, noting that improved security remains essential for political stability, investment and long-term prosperity.
The conference featured four major panel sessions covering cross-border and maritime security cooperation, countering misinformation and strengthening strategic communications, linking economic development with security, and leveraging innovation and private-sector partnerships to enhance defence capabilities.
Senior officials from the U.S. Department of Defense also addressed participants virtually. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, and Vice Chairman Gen. Christopher Mahoney reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to working with African partners to confront common security challenges.
A major addition to this year’s conference was the inaugural industry roundtable, which brought together defence leaders and private-sector representatives to discuss barriers to investment and commercial operations across Africa.
Keravuori said the discussions provided valuable feedback from industry stakeholders on the challenges of doing business on the continent while identifying opportunities to strengthen collaboration between governments, security institutions and the private sector.
Closing the conference, Angola’s Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Aviation General Altino dos Santos, said the dialogue had strengthened mutual understanding among participating nations and would help improve regional security cooperation.
He said the conference had opened important channels for discussing Africa’s most pressing security challenges while also exploring ways to promote economic prosperity through stronger partnerships.
Organisers said the conference reinforced the growing recognition that sustainable peace, security, innovation and economic development are closely interconnected and require coordinated action among governments, security institutions and the private sector.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), whose area of responsibility covers 53 African countries, said it remains committed to working alongside African partners to counter transnational threats, strengthen security institutions and respond to regional crises.
