The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) says security threats across Africa, including terrorism, narcotics trafficking and human trafficking, have increased six-fold over the past two years.
The command disclosed this during the 2026 Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium, where military officials discussed strategies for strengthening security cooperation and improving logistics across the continent.
Speaking at the event, Brig. Gen. Paul G. Filcek said the growing convergence of security threats poses significant risks to regional stability, mutual security and economic prosperity.
According to him, AFRICOM is integrating logistics and communications planning to improve operational effectiveness and enhance collaboration with partner nations.
“We are now lacing those two together because of the critical importance and symbiotic relationship of those warfighting functions,” Filcek said.
He added that the symposium recorded unprecedented participation from industry stakeholders, creating opportunities to develop scalable solutions that can be implemented across Africa.
Also speaking, Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson stressed the importance of strong supply chains and reliable communication networks in addressing regional instability.
“No matter what weapons or future technology you buy, if you can’t sustain it and you can’t get it to the battlefield, it doesn’t matter. The path to independence is sustainment and logistics,” Anderson said.
As part of efforts to strengthen regional resilience, AFRICOM announced a technical assistance programme aimed at supporting bankable infrastructure projects. Nigeria, Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire were identified as key partner countries expected to attract investment and promote long-term stability.
The command also said it continues to utilise its A3I programme to assess the readiness and operational capacity of partner nations with the goal of improving regional interoperability and collective security.