More than 130 senior leaders from 30 African countries and the United States gathered in Rabat, Morocco, from June 10-12 for the 7th annual Africa Senior Leader Conference, which aims to strengthen military leadership and regional partnerships across the continent.
The event, co-hosted by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), provided a platform for NCOs to share strategies, address common challenges and enhance professional collaboration. This year’s theme, “Resilient, Adaptive, Transformative,” reflected the evolving demands of modern military leadership.
“Africa is a meeting point for global interests,” said AFRICOM Senior Leader Sergeant Major Michael Woods. “Technology may evolve, but the essence of military success lies in leaders who can inspire and lead their troops, especially in times of crisis.”
The conference supports AFRICOM’s broader mission to counter external threats, respond to regional crises, and strengthen African security institutions in the pursuit of greater stability and prosperity. The annual meeting is also a critical step in advancing the leadership capacity of U.S. and African military partners.
Lt. Gen. John Brennan emphasized the strategic value of NCOs in modern conflict. “Our African partners sent their best leaders to this forum. Strong NCO leadership is key to building agile, effective units that can combat terrorist threats and protect national security.”
The Africa Senior Senior Leader Conference, first held in 2017, rotates annually. Last year’s event was held in Lilongwe, Malawi.