U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)

Lt. Gen. John W. Brennan, Deputy Commander for U.S. Africa Command, and Ambassador Robert Scott, AFRICOM’s Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, traveled to Angola, July 22-25, to meet with Angolan government and military leaders and Chargé d’Affaires Noah Zaring and his team at U.S. Embassy Angola and Sao Tome and Principe.   The visit reaffirmed AFRICOM’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Angola, a security leader in southern Africa, and came on the heels of a meeting with the Namibian Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs on July 21.  The AFRICOM leaders and Chargé d’Affaires Zaring engaged in meetings with Angola’s Secretary of State for National Defense for the Ministry of Defense José Maria de Lima; Secretary of State for External Affairs for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Esmerelda Mendonça; and Joint Chief of Staff for Patriotic Education General José Maria Marques. Discussions focused on advancing shared security and economic interests, to include countering transnational threats to the U.S. Homeland and Angola, enabling partners to lead their own security initiatives with minimal U.S. involvement, and leveraging shared economic opportunities, notably the transformational Lobito Corridor initiative. The Lobito Corridor is a large-scale infrastructure initiative, backed by the G7, that is designed to connect the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia to Angola's Atlantic coast at the port of Lobito, providing inland industries like mining and agriculture with effective and timely access to global markets and furthering domestic and international investments. The two leaders emphasized that security underpins private sector investments. Working together with African nations to develop secure, stable countries, regions and economies, allows for environments where economic opportunities and partnerships thrive. During their visit, Scott, who has 30 years of State Department experience in Africa, and Brennan, a career special forces officer and leader, also traveled to a training base near Cabo Ledo where they met with Special Forces Brigade Commander Brigadier João Baptista Paulo and other special forces leaders and soldiers. While there, Brennan took part in a wreath laying ceremony at a memorial honoring fallen Angolan special forces members. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eq86mK_z

Until next year! Bringing together 28 nations and more than 80 participants, #AE2025 closed with powerful remarks from Général de Brigade Abdoul-Baki Sanni Bachabi and U.S. Africa Command’s BG Shawn Holtz. Throughout the week, every conversation, breakout, and bilateral engagement reinforced one core truth: stronger partnerships mean stronger security. Africa Endeavor remains a cornerstone of AFRICOM’s commitment to building resilient, secure, and interoperable cyber and communications capabilities across the continent. But it’s about more than tech — it’s about people, trust, and shared responsibility. From cyber intrusions to disinformation, the threats we face cross borders and sectors. No nation can confront them alone. That’s why we’re here — to build connections that make us all stronger. Whether on the ground, in the air, or in the digital domain, our collective security depends on partnership, readiness, and shared investment. (U.S. Army photos by Tak Miller, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Africa Command) #CyberSecurity #StrongerTogether #Partnership #AfricaEndeavor2025 #AE2025 U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin

Cyber Readiness in Action — Day 3 of #AE2025 Day 3 of Africa Endeavor 2025 shifted the conversation from concept to capability, as leaders from across the continent examined how regional cooperation can drive real-world cyber solutions. The day’s panels tackled challenges like disinformation campaigns, fragmented legal frameworks, and response gaps during cross-border incidents. Discussions highlighted the need for coordinated digital defense plans, stronger civil-military integration, and secure digital infrastructure that can withstand modern threats. As the symposium progressed, participants emphasized the value of sustained regional engagement, practical training, and shared technology standards to help safeguard national interests and digital sovereignty. (U.S. Army photos by Tak Miller, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Africa Command) #AE2025 #AFRICOM #CyberSecurity #DigitalDefense #RegionalSecurity #CollectiveReadiness #Benin U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin

📍 #AE2025 | Cotonou, Benin At Africa Endeavor 2025, cyber experts, military leaders, and partner nation representatives gathered to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: defending the digital domain. 🌍💻 During the Cyber Diplomacy and Strategic Partnerships panel, U.S. Africa Command’s Brig. Gen. Shawn Holtz emphasized that cyber threats—ranging from disinformation to attacks on national infrastructure—require collective action, capacity building, and long-term investment in African-led cyber strategies. He highlighted the need for multinational cooperation, trusted information sharing, and secure, interoperable systems to protect national sovereignty and regional stability. AFRICOM’s approach remains one of partnership—supporting African-led initiatives through training, technical assistance, and strategic collaboration. Breakout sessions emphasized that building cyber resilience in Africa starts from within—by developing national strategies, investing in education, and fostering regional cooperation. Participants called for greater legal clarity around cyber threats and the harmonization of cybersecurity regulations. Trust emerged as a core requirement for collaboration, particularly in areas like secure communications and cross-border alert systems. Across discussions, there was strong consensus that internal readiness must come first, paving the way for scalable, regional partnerships and long-term impact. AFRICOM remains committed to supporting our African partners in these efforts—building toward a secure, resilient, and interconnected digital future. (U.S. Army photos by Tak Miller, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Africa Command) #africaendeavor2025 | #AE2025 | #CyberDiplomacy | #StrategicPartnerships | #CyberSecurity | #AFRICOM | #DigitalDefense | #StrongerTogether U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin

Strategic minds, united for cyber resilience. Participants of Africa Endeavor 2025 gathered for an official group photo during this year’s conference in Cotonou, Benin. Africa Endeavor brings together senior communicators and cyber experts from more than 28 African nations, along with U.S. Africa Command and international partners. The forum strengthens regional cooperation in cybersecurity, command and control, and strategic communications—key elements in building secure, resilient, and interoperable networks across the continent. By working together, we enhance collective digital defense and reinforce our commitment to African-led solutions that promote lasting security and stability. 📸 Participants of AE2025 captured in this official group photo—each one playing a vital role in shaping the future of digital defense in Africa #AE2025 #AFRICOM #CyberSecurity #StrongerTogether #PartnershipMatters #africaendeavor2025 #Benin U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin

Exploring Innovation at Africa Endeavor 2025 A key pillar of Africa Endeavor 2025 is the Technology Expo—a dynamic space where participants engage directly with industry leaders on the latest advancements in cybersecurity, digital communications, and command and control systems. This collaborative forum enhances understanding of emerging technologies and helps strengthen the digital capabilities of our African and international partners. Africa Endeavor is U.S. Africa Command’s premier cybersecurity symposium, co-hosted this year with the Benin Armed Forces in Cotonou. Together, we’re working toward a secure, interoperable, and resilient communications infrastructure across the continent. (U.S. Army photos by Tak Miller, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Africa Command) #africaendeavor2025 #CyberSecurity #AFRICOM #AE2025 #DigitalDefense #Partnership #Innovation #Benin U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin

Africa Endeavor 2025 #AE2025 During the opening ceremony of Africa Endeavor 2025 in Cotonou, U.S. Ambassador to Benin, Mr. Brian Shukan, delivered remarks that captured the importance of multinational collaboration in today’s digital age: "In today's interconnected world, threats in cyberspace know no borders. They can weaken institutions, disrupt economies, and jeopardize the stability of our communities. No nation - not even ours - can meet these challenges alone. Real security and lasting stability require trust, cooperation, and partnership. Africa Endeavor is a clear demonstration of this spirit of partnership." Together, with our African and international partners, we are committed to advancing digital defense, enhancing cyber resilience, and strengthening the bonds that secure our collective future. (U.S. Army photo by Tak Miller, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Africa Command) #africaendeavor2025 #CyberSecurity #AFRICOM #Partnership #DigitalDefense #Benin #StrongerTogether #AE2025 U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin

“Shoulder to shoulder, we will meet any threat." Brig. Gen. Shawn Holtz, Deputy Director for Strategy, Engagement and Programs at U.S. Africa Command, delivered opening remarks at Africa Endeavor 2025 in Cotonou, Benin. He highlighted the importance of strengthening cyber defense, command and control, and secure, interoperable communications networks across Africa—underscoring the power of partnership and burden-sharing to defend the digital domain. Following the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Holtz spoke with members of the media about the purpose of the conference and the motivation behind hosting it in Benin. He praised Benin’s leadership in advancing cybersecurity and communications capabilities and emphasized that Africa Endeavor provides a trusted forum to collaborate, share expertise, and build lasting infrastructure that enhances regional and global security. With 28 African partner nations in attendance, #AE2025 is a testament to our shared commitment to securing the future—together. (U.S. Army photos by Tak Miller, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Africa Command) #AfricaEndeavor2025 #CyberSecurity#AFRICOM #DigitalDefense #Benin#Partnership #StrongerTogether #AE2025 U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin

Africa Endeavor 2025 is underway! Hosted in Cotonou, Benin, Africa Endeavor is U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual cyber symposium—bringing together communications leaders from across Africa, regional organizations, and international partners. Now in its 18th iteration, this year’s theme, “Securing the Digital Frontier: Collaborative Approaches and Proactive Strategies,” underscores the importance of strengthening C5 capabilities to promote secure, interoperable, and resilient communications infrastructures across the continent. The opening ceremony featured remarks by Benin’s Minister of Defense Fortunet Alain Nouatin, U.S. Ambassador Brian Shukan, and United States Africa Command's Brig. Gen. Shawn Holtz, highlighting our shared commitment to advancing cyber cooperation. Since 2006, Africa Endeavor has trained over 2,000 communications specialists from more than 40 nations—enhancing collaboration and reinforcing partnerships between the African Union, European Union, NATO, and other key regional and global stakeholders. (U.S. Army photo by Tak Miller, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Africa Command) #AfricaEndeavor2025 #CyberSecurity #AFRICOM #Partnership #Benin #StrongerTogether #AE2025 U.S. Embassy Cotonou, Benin

On our mark. Get set… #AfricaEndeavor2025 starts this week in Cotonou, #Benin. Together with our Benin cohosts we’re looking forward to hosting over 28 African nations to talk cyber security and other command, control and digital technology issues. #AE2025