Overview
- The Rome summit, held March 22–24, brought together nearly 40 African land force leaders with U.S. officials, tech firms, investors and academics to address shared security challenges.
- For the first time, an Industry Technology Pavilion ran alongside military sessions to give commanders direct access to small technology companies and capital for dual‑use solutions.
- Plenary discussions centered on defining current threats, using intelligence to drive operations, tactics for drones and counter‑drones, and ways to build a sustainable defense industrial base.
- SETAF‑AF showcased forward teams including the Bayonet Innovation Team’s in‑house drones and the Joint Theater Forensics Analysis Center’s deployable ‘fly‑away’ kit that collects evidence for intelligence and prosecutions.
- Organizers framed the approach as a shift from aid to trade, with partners set to test the showcased capabilities this spring during Exercise African Lion in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia.