African Land Forces Summit 2026: A New Era in Security Collaboration
ROME – The African Land Forces Summit 2026 (ALFS 26) is set to take place in Rome, Italy, from March 22 to 24, 2026. This significant event will see participation from approximately 40 nations and more than 300 senior leaders, uniting military personnel, academic representatives, and industry experts to tackle shared security challenges.
Overview of ALFS 26
Hosted by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), ALFS has a history of fostering international military dialogue. Since its establishment, the summit has been held in various locations, including previous gatherings in the U.S., Uganda, Senegal, Tanzania, Malawi, Nigeria, Botswana, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia, and Ghana. The 2026 summit marks a pivotal moment as it will be the first time the forum is hosted in Europe, further emphasizing its role in enhancing global military cooperation.
Theme and Objectives
This year’s theme, “Empowering Shared Security Through Intelligence, Innovation, and Industry,” underscores the importance of integrating military leadership with private sector expertise. The summit aims to create a collaborative atmosphere where defense institutions and industry partners can work together to meet modern security needs.
Engagement and Collaboration
During the two-day event, participants will engage with a distinguished panel of defense, industry, and academic leaders to explore strategies for strengthening regional stability. These discussions will aim to reinforce a framework of shared security among participant nations, vital in today’s rapidly evolving security landscape.
Expert Insights from SETAF-AF Leadership
Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, commanding general of SETAF-AF, remarked, “The 2026 African Land Forces Summit in Rome represents a significant milestone as a U.S. Army-led forum intentionally designed to connect African senior leaders with global industry expertise.” This summit emphasizes the integration of dual-use technology and seeks to address evolving security challenges through innovative solutions.
Fostering Non-Traditional Partnerships
A highlight of the summit will be the engagement with capital investors, who will collaborate with defense leaders to explore emerging technologies that support modern land forces. The discussions will focus on dual-use technologies, which are applicable to both civilian and military sectors. “Our goal is to create an environment where meaningful exchanges between defense leaders, industry innovators, and investors lead to tangible cooperation,” Gainey said, emphasizing the importance of building a secure future for both America and Africa.
Concluding Thoughts on ALFS 26
By promoting non-traditional partnerships and enhancing collaboration among military, industry, and investment communities, SETAF-AF and its partners aspire to create a more resilient and technologically advanced security landscape. This initiative is crucial for fostering long-term peace and stability, benefiting both the African continent and the United States.
Media Contact:
Neil A. Ruggiero
setaf_media@army.mil
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa – Public Affairs
