U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) continues to deepen its security engagement with African partners, as demonstrated by a recent visit to Namibia by two of its senior leaders. From July 21 to 22, 2025, AFRICOM’s Deputy Commander, Army Lt. Gen. John W. Brennan, and Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, Ambassador Robert Scott, traveled to Windhoek to strengthen the growing partnership between the United States and Namibia. The visit reflected AFRICOM’s commitment to collaborative security efforts and regional stability in southern Africa. During their time in Windhoek, Brennan and Scott met with Namibia’s Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Frans Kapofi, for discussions focused on shared security concerns. Key areas addressed included maritime domain awareness, countering transnational crimes such as wildlife and timber trafficking, enhancing joint training efforts, and expanding the scope of military and civil cooperation. Lt. Gen. Brennan praised Namibia’s role in promoting regional peace and security, describing it as a vital anchor for stability in southern Africa. He commended the He pointed to joint initiatives such as maritime security exercises, infrastructure development, and anti-trafficking efforts as examples of successful collaboration. “From participating in maritime security events to collaborating on vital projects like building field hospitals and countering wildlife trafficking… we are finding common ground with Namibia,” Scott noted. Namibia and AFRICOM have a longstanding history of cooperation that extends beyond traditional defense collaboration. The partnership has included efforts to improve public health infrastructure, combat illicit wildlife trade, and support economic development through improved regional security. In 2025, Namibia observed the Obangame Express maritime exercise—one of AFRICOM’s key initiatives to strengthen naval cooperation among African nations. Namibia also participated in the African Maritime Forces Summit, reinforcing its commitment to collective maritime security in the region. These engagements reflect a broader AFRICOM strategy that prioritizes African-led security solutions with support from the United States and other allies. Through training, advisory missions, and exercises like Obangame Express, AFRICOM supports the professionalization of African security forces, encourages interoperability among regional militaries, and addresses shared security threats, including those posed by criminal networks and malign external actors. Namibian government’s openness to cooperation and reiterated the shared interest in tackling complex regional threats through sustained partnership. “Namibia plays an important role as an anchor for fostering stability in southern Africa,” Brennan said, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration to address challenges and explore new areas for cooperation. Ambassador Scott, who brings decades of experience in African affairs, emphasized the U.S. commitment to fostering strong, enduring partnerships with countries like Namibia.  © AFRICOM  As one of the seven geographic combatant commands of the U.S. Department of Defense, AFRICOM plays a critical role in implementing U.S. security policy across the African continent. The command engages with 53 African nations through military cooperation, capacity building, and crisis response, with the overarching goal of supporting African security and governance institutions while advancing U.S. national interests. The visit to Namibia reinforced this approach, showcasing a partnership model based on mutual respect, shared goals, and a focus on long-term regional stability and prosperity. As AFRICOM continues to engage with African partners like Namibia, its emphasis remains on empowering nations to lead their own security efforts while benefiting from sustained U.S. support and collaboration. 

© AFRICOM