FARMINGTON, Margibi County – For the primary time in historical past, Liberia is internet hosting the West Africa Logistics Convention (WALC), a serious regional safety and protection summit co-organized by the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and the US Africa Command (AFRICOM).
By Francis G. Boayue
The three-day gathering, which is being held from August 5-7, 2025, on the Farmington Resort in Margibi County, has introduced collectively high army and civilian leaders from 20 African nations. The convention focuses on boosting regional logistics coordination, bettering army readiness, and increasing protection partnerships throughout West Africa.
‘Strategic Gathering’
Liberia’s Protection Minister, Geraldine George, known as the convention a “important platform” to strengthen cooperation throughout the ECOWAS area.
“This gathering underscores our collective dedication to enhancing regional safety, boosting interoperability, and optimizing logistics throughout our armed forces,” she stated. “In a time of evolving safety threats—from transnational terrorism to humanitarian crises—logistics stays the spine of efficient army response.”
Minister George added that Liberia’s personal expertise with peacekeeping and safety sector reform highlights the significance of preparedness, shared experience, and regional collaboration. She stated the presence of ECOWAS and different companions reaffirms a shared imaginative and prescient of a secure and affluent West Africa.
‘Stronger Safety and Industrial Ties
Representing the U.S. authorities, Cost d’Affaires Joseph E. Zadrozny praised the AFL and AFRICOM for internet hosting the occasion and reaffirmed the U.S. dedication to deepening regional safety ties.
“This convention is greater than only a assembly of minds; it’s a platform for motion,” Zadrozny stated. “The stakes are excessive—from the Gulf of Guinea to the Sahel, we face rising challenges. However by constructing stronger networks amongst like-minded nations, we’re higher positioned to counter threats and promote shared prosperity.”
He additionally emphasised the position of U.S. business diplomacy, noting the presence of U.S. trade leaders providing superior protection and logistics options.
Brigadier Basic George Dietrich III, Director of Logistics (J4) at AFRICOM, careworn the significance of collaboration in tackling shared logistical hurdles.
“This convention gives a important area for dialogue round bettering logistics capabilities, enhancing interoperability, and securing regional provide chains,” he famous.
He stated the WALC is a important platform designed to deal with shared challenges and foster larger cooperation, including that the convention is anticipated to cowl key subjects on the agenda-including strengthening logistics capabilities, enhancing interoperability amongst West African nations, and tackling shared considerations round provide chain safety and sustainable procurement practices.
He additionally famous that the convention additionally goals to empower African companions and construct a extra sturdy, interconnected regional logistics community.
Ambassador Robert Scott, AFRICOM’s Deputy Commander for Civil-Navy Engagement, highlighted the financial potential of such partnerships.
“WALC goes past army technique,” he stated. “It additionally unlocks vital financial alternatives—creating new enterprise avenues for U.S. firms whereas constructing stronger, extra resilient partnerships with African nations.”
He stated the occasion is now gaining momentum making certain vital method in logistic and safety cooperation in West Africa, including that the occasion highlights a deepening partnership targeted on regional stability and safety.
Trying Forward
Because the convention continues, contributors are anticipated to develop frameworks for long-term collaboration on army logistics, regional stability, and sustainable procurement. Organizers say the outcomes will assist form the way forward for West African safety and growth.
About WALC
The West Africa Logistics Convention is a strategic regional discussion board geared toward enhancing army logistics cooperation, interoperability, and provide chain effectivity amongst West African nations and their worldwide companions. The convention brings collectively army logisticians, civilian protection consultants, policymakers, and trade leaders to deal with shared logistical challenges and discover alternatives for collaboration in help of peacekeeping, humanitarian response, and regional safety operations.
It is usually co-hosted by AFRICOM in collaboration with the armed forces and protection ministries of taking part host nations. The convention varieties a part of AFRICOM’s ongoing efforts to strengthen protection relationships and operational readiness throughout Africa via joint coaching, info sharing, and capability constructing.
The convention covers a variety of subjects together with regional logistics planning and coordination, protection transportation techniques, provide chain resilience and sustainability, interoperability amongst ECOWAS and associate nations, disaster response and humanitarian logistics and ublic-private partnerships in protection logistics.
Every version of WALC rotates amongst taking part nations, giving host nations the chance to showcase their logistics capabilities and infrastructure whereas reinforcing regional possession of safety cooperation.
The yr’s version, which is being held in Liberia for the primary time, marks a big milestone within the nation’s rising position in regional protection diplomacy and logistical management. With participation from over 20 African nations, this yr’s convention additionally emphasizes Liberia’s post-conflict transformation and its strategic partnership with the US and ECOWAS.
