U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)

Zambia’s Ministry of Health, U.S. AFRICOM’s Office of the Command Surgeon and the U.S. Embassy in Zambia have partnered to bring 3 state-of-the-art mobile biological threat detection laboratories to Zambia, significantly boosting the region's ability to rapidly detect and respond to infectious disease outbreaks before they spread globally. This initiative will strengthen regional health security across 9 nations—Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Tanzania. The delivery represents a strategic approach to global health security that emphasizes burden sharing and equipping partner nations to quickly and effectively respond to regional health crises. Proven and durable, the mobile labs have been extensively used by the European Union since 2014’s West Africa Ebola virus outbreak. These self-contained labs are designed for rapid deployment in austere environments, can be fully operational within two hours, are equipped with 20,000 critical items for identifying, treating, and reporting infectious diseases, and are designed for self-sufficiency for up to three weeks. Importantly, this capability significantly reduces the time required to obtain critical diagnostic results – with a turnaround time of just one to two days. "This initiative is about building capacity and is a testament to the importance of multinational partnerships, in this case between the United States, Zambia and Germany. The work we’ve done over the past several years is a game changer," said Col. Michael Cohen, AFRICOM’s Command Surgeon. "By investing in the health security of our partners, we not only help them protect their populations and economies, but we also help stop outbreaks before they hit borders or travel to the United States.” “The ability to rapidly identify and confirm infectious diseases in a safe manner is paramount in preventing widespread outbreaks," explained Permanent Secretary Dr Kennedy Lishimpi, of the Zambian Ministry of Health. "Previously, we were often playing catch-up, reacting to an outbreak instead of proactively managing it. These advanced mobile labs represent a critical shift in our strategy." #GlobalHealth #Africa #HealthSecurity #USAFRICOM #Zambia #NationalSecurity #Partnership U.S. Embassy Zambia

“It’s not just about booking flights and hotels,” said Michelyn O’Donnell, Defense Travel Management Officer at U.S. Africa Command. “It’s about navigating a complex web of regulations, security requirements, and logistical challenges to ensure our personnel get where they need to be—safely, efficiently, and on time.” #DYK O’Donnell processes six thousand personnel annually—playing a vital role in the command’s ability to respond rapidly to emerging crises, sustaining long-term operations across the continent. Her work directly supports AFRICOM’s ability to build partnerships, conduct security cooperation, and respond to dynamic threats—ensuring readiness and strategic reach in one of the world’s most complex operating environments. “By ensuring efficient travel for personnel involved in security cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts in Africa, I contribute to mitigating potential threats before they reach our shores,” said O’Donnell. In today’s environment of budget constraints and growing global demands, cost-effective operations matter more than ever. O’Donnell ensures that every travel arrangement is mission-focused and fiscally responsible. “I am responsible for ensuring that all travel arrangements comply with relevant regulations and policies, including the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).  This helps prevent fraud, waste, and abuse and ensures that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly,” said O’Donnell. With hundreds of travel requests processed each week, O’Donnell’s attention to detail and dedication ensures AFRICOM personnel are mobile, mission-ready, and where they need to be—when it matters most. Behind every mission, movement, and multinational engagement across Africa is a massive logistical engine—driven by professionals like Michelyn O’Donnell, whose behind-the-scenes work makes frontline success possible. #FacesofAFRICOM will continue to spotlight the professionals powering our mission, sharing their stories and honoring their impact across the command.

U.S. Africa Command hosted the Navy Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony for all U.S. Navy Chiefs in the Stuttgart area today. A major milestone for U.S. Navy enlisted, first-class petty officers selected complete a rigorous initiation program to prepare them for their new leadership role. The imitation, known as 'Chief Season' is capped by a traditional U.S. Navy ceremony that celebrates the promotion to the rank of Chief Petty Officer (CPO). During the ceremony, the new chief receives a gold anchor and wears a CPO combination cover for the first time, signifying their transition to a new leadership role as a "backbone of the Navy" and a mentor to other sailors.

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