On April 22, 2024, the U.S. Army Southern Task Force, Africa, in collaboration with the Zambia Army, held the opening ceremony for the African Land Forces Summit 2024. The summit took place in Livingstone, a picturesque town near the iconic Victoria Falls. This significant event brought together military leaders, thought experts, and government officials from across Africa and European partner nations.
The African Land Forces Summit (ALFS), now in its 12th iteration, serves as a vital platform for building partnerships, fostering cooperation, and addressing critical transnational challenges. Since its inception in 2010 (when it first took place in Washington, D.C.), ALFS has become a cornerstone event for land force chiefs, academic thought leaders, and government representatives.
The summit, which runs from 22 to 26 April, “brings together over 40 land force military chiefs from across Africa [and] other European partner nations, along with academic thought leaders and government officials for candid dialogue to discuss and develop cooperative solutions,” Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Major General Pat Ryder said during a briefing this week. Some 500 guests are attending the event.
The ALFS aims to foster candid dialogue and cooperative solutions. Over 40 land force military chiefs from African countries, along with representatives from European partner nations, participated in this crucial gathering. Academic thought leaders and government officials also engaged in discussions during the summit.
Africa’s security challenges originate from different parallels such as ethnic, geographical and cultural sources,” Ambrose Lufuma, defence minister of the Republic of Zambia, is quoted in an Army news release about the summit. “Therefore, it requires African solutions, in partnership with our cooperating partners.”
ALFS 2024 focused on addressing shared challenges faced by African nations. The theme emphasized finding regional solutions to transnational issues. Minister of Defence, Ambrose L. Lufuma from the Republic of Zambia, highlighted the need for African solutions in partnership with cooperating allies.
The summit tackled pressing issues such as human trafficking, mass migration, environmental degradation, and climate change. These challenges transcend national borders and require collaborative efforts. Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, commanding general of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), emphasized the importance of collective action.
“For any economic development to take place, a safe and secure environment is important, something that is not always the case, as there are a number of conflicts in Africa,” Lufuma said during the Summit’s opening session.
“This distinguished gathering provides a rare and special platform that allows for all of us to listen and learn from each other…to look for solutions to challenges of transnational nature,” said co-host Lieutenant General Sitali D Alibuzwi, commander, Zambia Army.
ALFS brought together leaders from Africa, Europe, and North and South America. Their exchange of ideas aimed to develop effective solutions. Lt. Gen. Sitali D. Alibuzwi, commander of the Zambia Army, described the summit as a rare platform for mutual learning and problem-solving.
Attendees had the opportunity to witness a military demonstration by the Zambian army’s special forces, Participate in a tree planting ceremony alongside local school children, and experience the rich Zambian culture.
At the summit’s conclusion, the Department of Defense (DOD) signed two new state partnership programs:
- North Carolina-Zambia partnership
- North Carolina-Malawi partnership
These programs facilitate military-to-military engagements and broader interagency cooperation. Through the State Partnership Program, the National Guard conducts military engagements in support of DOD security goals while leveraging “whole-of-society relationships and capabilities.”