Rwanda’s Defense Minister, Juvenal Marizamunda, said Monday that the future of Africa’s military depends on collaboration among leaders and innovation in training and education.
Marizamunda spoke at the opening of the 19th Conference of African Chiefs of Defence Staff Colleges (ACoC) in Kigali, which carries the theme: “The Future of Africa Military Training and Education: Bridging the Digital Divide.”
“In today’s interconnected world, our institutions’ ability to acquire knowledge, innovate, and collaborate determines the strength of our collective defense as Africans,” Marizamunda said.
Rwanda’s Defense Minister, Juvenal Marizamunda
He highlighted Africa’s security challenges, including terrorism, cyber warfare, illegal migration, cross-border crime, and climate change.
“To overcome these challenges, we need a new generation of soldiers who not only possess military skills but also advanced technological knowledge, uphold integrity, and can think critically and broadly,” he said.
Marizamunda praised ACoC for uniting military colleges across Africa, allowing them to share experiences, harmonize curricula, and build integrated systems for continental security in line with African Union and African Standby Force frameworks. He also recognized the Rwanda Defense Force Command and Staff College for leading ACoC this year and hosting the Troika and Chief Instructors’ workshops.
The three-day conference brings together military college leaders, defense experts, and security professionals from 24 African countries. Marizamunda urged participants to work toward a self-reliant, unified, and cooperative Africa.
“I call upon all of you to ensure your discussions are open and constructive, your decisions practical, and your commitments implemented. The future of military education in Africa will be shaped by what we agree on today and how we act on it,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Andrew Nyamvumba, commandant of Rwanda’s National Defence College, said the conference provides a platform to exchange knowledge, align military thinking, and strengthen cooperation across Africa.
Maj. Gen. Stephen Mnkande, commandant of Tanzania’s National Defence College, which will take over ACoC leadership, emphasized that technology is crucial for countering threats and hybrid warfare. Air Commodore (Brig. Gen.) N. Maghidir of Libya’s National Defence College said collaboration is essential for Africa’s security.
Countries represented include Cameroon, Egypt, Guinea, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Botswana, Burundi, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Central African Republic, Somalia, and Rwanda.
