By Asha Elmi

Nairobi, Kenya – The United States and Kenya are jointly hosting the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi from May 28 to 29, 2025. The conference will bring together senior military leaders from nearly 37 African countries to discuss shared security challenges across the continent.

The agenda will focus on key topics including counterterrorism, regional stability, maritime security, and civil-military relations, emphasizing African-led solutions supported by the United States.

This marks the second consecutive year that the U.S. partners with an African nation to co-host the conference, following the historic 2024 event in Botswana. This year’s conference highlights Kenya’s strategic role in East Africa.

General Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), stated, “This conference is a vital platform for collaboration, allowing us to engage directly with our African partners to address layered threats across the continent.”

Since its inception in 2017, the African Chiefs of Defense Conference has become a key forum where African military leaders share strategies and strengthen cooperation to tackle security challenges.

AFRICOM is responsible for U.S. military operations in Africa, including training, security partnerships, and emergency response, aiming to advance U.S. interests and promote peace, stability, and development in the region.