10 November 2025

The 19th African Conference of Commandants (ACoC) of African Command and Staff Colleges officially kicked off today in Kigali, Rwanda. The conference is being held under the theme: “The Future of African Military Training and Education: Bridging the Digital Divide.”

This year’s Conference brings together Africa’s military education leaders to shape the continent’s future through innovation, bridging the Digital Divide and collaboration, fostering dialogue on the modernization of military training and education.

The event was officially opened by the Minister of Defence of Rwanda, Hon. Juvenal Marizamunda.

In his opening remarks to delegates from 24 African countries, including representatives of the African Union, Minister Marizamunda emphasized the need for well-educated officers who are equipped to address the continent’s evolving security challenges.
“The threats facing Africa are multifaceted, from terrorism and cyber warfare to illegal migration, transnational crime, and climate-related insecurity,” he stated. “Addressing these requires a generation of officers who are not only tactically proficient but also digitally literate, ethically grounded, and strategically agile. This is the essence of professional military education in the 21st century.”

He further highlighted that in today’s interconnected, complex, and technology-driven security environment, the ability of military institutions to adapt, innovate, and collaborate determines the strength of Africa’s collective defence posture.

Minister Marizamunda commended the ACoC for fostering unity of purpose among Africa’s Command and Staff Colleges. Through this platform, colleges share best practices, align curricula, and strengthen the continent’s security architecture within the framework of the African Union and the African Standby Force.

The Commandant of the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College, Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba, remarked that the conference represents more than just a gathering of institutions:
“This forum is a convergence of Africa’s intellectual and professional military leadership. It is where ideas are exchanged, doctrines refined, and partnerships strengthened in pursuit of interoperable Regional and African Standby Forces for a more secure, resilient, and self-reliant Africa.”

Brig Gen Nyamvumba added that over the next three days, participants will discuss critical issues affecting military education systems across the continent — including curriculum standardisation, exchange programmes, integration of technology, and the use of digital learning platforms.

He emphasised that the outcomes of these discussions will help shape the next generation of commanders and staff officers, capable of leading multinational joint forces to address Africa’s current and future security challenges within the framework of the African Peace and Security Architecture.