AFRICA’S EXPANDING ROLE IN MULTINATIONAL MILITARY EXERCISES IN 2025

In 2025, Africa became a central stage for multinational military cooperation, reflecting the continent’s growing significance in global security planning. A series of large-scale joint exercises largely coordinated by the United States through U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) brought together thousands of troops from Africa, Europe, and beyond. These drills focused on interoperability, rapid crisis response, counterterrorism, and maritime security, reinforcing Africa’s position as both a security partner and a strategic crossroads amid intensifying geopolitical competition.

The largest and most visible of these exercises was African Lion 2025, AFRICOM’s flagship annual drill and the biggest military exercise conducted on the continent. Held between April and May, it involved more than 10,000 personnel from over 50 countries, including seven NATO members. Activities spanned Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia, combining land, air, sea, cyber, and space operations. Participants carried out large-scale combat simulations, airborne insertions, long-range artillery fires, and humanitarian response scenarios under realistic field conditions.

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African Lion’s scope underscored Washington’s emphasis on long-term “theater-setting” ensuring that partner forces can operate together effectively during crises. U.S. planners highlighted the exercise’s integration with European Command activities, pointing to a coordinated approach aimed at countering extremist networks and limiting the influence of rival powers across North and West Africa.

East Africa also featured prominently in 2025’s exercise calendar. Justified Accord 2025, conducted from February 10 to 21 in Kenya, Djibouti, and Tanzania, was AFRICOM’s largest regional drill in the east. About 1,300 troops from 15 countries participated in air-to-ground coordination, peacekeeping preparation, and emergency response training. Notably, the exercise included night operations and multinational command structures designed to prepare forces for deployment under United Nations and African Union mandates.

Special operations cooperation was reinforced through Flintlock 2025, marking the exercise’s 20th anniversary. Hosted by Côte d’Ivoire from April 24 to May 14, Flintlock brought together more than 500 personnel from over 30 nations. The focus was on countering violent extremist organizations, improving intelligence-sharing through interagency fusion cells, and enhancing cross-border coordination. Organizers emphasized adherence to human rights and the rule of law, reflecting growing scrutiny over military conduct in counterterrorism operations across the Sahel and coastal West Africa.

Maritime security was another key priority. Cutlass Express 2025, held concurrently with Justified Accord in February, involved more than 20 countries operating across East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean. Naval forces trained in visit, board, search, and seizure operations, maritime domain awareness, and legal enforcement procedures aimed at combating piracy, smuggling, and illicit trafficking.

Beyond U.S.-led initiatives, other global actors also expanded their military engagement. China conducted its first joint air exercise with Egypt, dubbed Eagles of Civilization 2025, while continuing counterterrorism drills elsewhere on the continent. Russia, meanwhile, deepened security ties through its Africa Corps, though without high-profile multinational exercises comparable in scale to AFRICOM’s programs.

As 2025 draws to a close, Africa’s expanding slate of joint military exercises reflects a more interconnected and professionalized security environment. These drills enhance readiness and coordination while signaling shifting alliances in a competitive global order. Their long-term impact, however, will depend on sustained political commitment, adequate funding, and the ability of African states to translate training into durable security gains on the ground.