African Land Forces Forum: A Platform for Dialogue and Innovation

The African Land Forces Forum (ALFF) serves as a crucial international defense and security conference, bringing together high-ranking military officials, government representatives, defense companies, and security experts. Its primary objective is to facilitate strategic dialogue and enhance military cooperation across the continent, with a specific focus on the future of land warfare and security in Africa.

The forum provides a platform for sharing vital lessons learned in counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, and border security. It also addresses peacekeeping operations, the modernization of land forces, and the acquisition of new equipment and military doctrines. A significant aspect of the ALFF is its role in connecting African militaries with defense manufacturers and technology providers through accompanying exhibitions and business meetings.

The most recent ALFF, held from July 4-6, 2026, in Port Harcourt, was organized under the patronage of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026. This edition concentrated on critical issues such as terrorism, insurgency, border security, organized crime, force modernization, intelligence, and defense innovation. The event featured an international defense exhibition where companies displayed a range of military technologies, including vehicles, surveillance systems, communication equipment, and drones.

It is important to distinguish the ALFF from the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS). While their names are similar, the ALFF is an industry-supported forum hosted in partnership with African militaries, such as the Nigerian Army's hosting of the 2026 edition. In contrast, the ALFS is an annual event organized by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, which convenes African military leaders with U.S. and partner nations. The ALFF is fundamentally a professional conference for idea exchange, not a military exercise or combat operation.