Rabat is hosting the 2026 African Maritime Forces Summit (AMFS-2026), bringing together military leaders, maritime experts and government officials from Africa, the United States and several partner nations to advance cooperation on maritime security and regional stability.
Held from July 20 to 24, the summit is organized under the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces. The event is jointly hosted by the Royal Navy in partnership with the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVAF) and the U.S. Marine Forces Europe and Africa (MARFORAF).
The gathering serves as a strategic platform for addressing evolving maritime challenges while strengthening collaboration between African navies and international partners. Discussions throughout the summit focus on three key priorities: maritime security, regional cooperation and technological innovation.
The event has attracted civilian and military representatives from Morocco, the United States and numerous partner countries, including Saudi Arabia, Brazil, the Republic of Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, France, Italy, Jordan, Malta, Norway, Oman, the Netherlands, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Türkiye.
The opening session was co-chaired on the Moroccan side by Rear Admiral Mohamed Tahin, Inspector of the Royal Navy, and Colonel-Major Abdellah Athmani, Chief of the 2nd Bureau of the FAR General Staff. Representing the United States were Admiral Georges Wikoff, Commander of NAVAF, and Major General Daniel L. Shipley, Commander of MARFORAF.
Throughout the summit, experts from Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, alongside Royal Navy specialists, are delivering presentations on strategic maritime issues. Particular attention is being given to the Royal Atlantic Initiative and its role in promoting cooperation across the Atlantic region.
Technical sessions also examine hydrography, oceanography, nautical cartography, the latest standards of the International Hydrographic Organization, the role of Regional Hydrographic Commissions, maritime search and rescue coordination, as well as maritime domain awareness and surveillance technologies.
A maritime security exhibition complements the conference program, showcasing the capabilities of several Moroccan institutions. Participants can explore exhibits presented by the Royal Gendarmerie, the Royal Navy, the State Secretariat in charge of Maritime Fisheries, the Directorate of Ports and the Maritime Public Domain, the National Directorate of Meteorology, the National Ports Agency, the National Agency for the Development of Aquaculture, the National Institute for Fisheries Research and the National Maritime Coordination and Rescue Center.
