Honored Guests, Esteemed Colleagues, and Friends,
It is always a profound privilege for me to be among you today as an alumnus of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, a distinguished Hall of Fame member of the National Defense University, and a recipient of the General Carlton Fulford Award. My journey with this esteemed institution has been one of learning, growth, and deep appreciation for the critical role the Center plays in shaping Africa’s security landscape.
On behalf of the African continent, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. Your dedication to strengthening security institutions, fostering strategic dialogue, and building the leadership capacity of African professionals has had a lasting impact. Many who have passed through your doors have gone on to become ministers, generals, ambassadors, and key policymakers—leading their nations with wisdom, resilience, and a commitment to peace and stability.
The role of the Africa Center in facilitating peace initiatives and bolstering security structures across the continent cannot be overstated. It has been a catalyst for change, empowering professionals who now drive critical security reforms in their respective countries. Your programs have equipped individuals with the tools needed to navigate complex regional security challenges, ensuring that Africa continues to make strides in fostering peace, development, and good governance.
Over the years, my engagement with the Africa Center has profoundly shaped my career and perspective. As a young officer, I gained invaluable insights into strategic leadership and security cooperation. As a general and flag officer, I applied these lessons in leading with vision and resilience. As an ambassador, I have leveraged this experience in diplomacy, fostering international partnerships and contributing to global security discourse. My relationship with the Africa Center has been instrumental in broadening my understanding of statecraft, governance, and security. Inspired by this journey, I am currently pursuing a doctorate in statecraft and national security—further deepening my expertise in these critical areas. This lifelong commitment to learning underscores my dedication to securing a peaceful and prosperous future for generations to come.
However, our work does not end here. We must sustain and expand the impact of the Center by strengthening and revitalizing our country chapters. I acknowledge that Botswana’s chapter is currently inactive, and while that is regrettable, it serves as a reminder that we must remain proactive in sustaining our networks. To the other active country chapters, I urge you to continue engaging, innovating, and leading. The strength of our chapters lies in their ability to foster continuous dialogue, share best practices, and support security sector reform at both national and regional levels.
Here are some ways we can enhance our chapters’ activities and ensure they remain dynamic and effective:
- Regular Knowledge-Sharing Sessions—Organize quarterly forums or roundtable discussions on pressing security issues, inviting experts, alumni, and strategic partners to contribute.
- Capacity-Building Initiatives—Host workshops and training sessions that focus on emerging threats, leadership development, and governance to keep our members well-equipped.
- Stronger Regional Collaboration—Engage with neighboring chapters to address cross-border security concerns through joint initiatives and coordinated responses.
- Engagement with Policymakers—Encourage active collaboration with national governments, ensuring that our collective expertise informs policy and decision-making.
- Alumni Mentorship Programs—Establish mentorship frameworks where experienced alumni can guide younger professionals in their careers and leadership journeys.
- Public Awareness and Advocacy—Utilize media platforms and community outreach to raise awareness on key security issues and the role of the Africa Center in fostering solutions.
The future of Africa’s security landscape is in our hands, and through our chapters, we can ensure that the work of the Africa Center extends beyond the classroom into real-world impact. Let us commit to reinvigorating these networks, strengthening our collective resolve, and remaining steadfast in our mission to promote peace and stability across the continent.
I want us to secure the peace that our future generations will enjoy. The Africa Center has not only shaped our careers but also inspired us to take proactive, imaginative, and creative approaches to the evolving security challenges of our time. I thank the United States government for having initiated this program, which has yielded and continues to yield positive results—producing leaders who are responsive to contemporary global security challenges.
As we move forward, I challenge each of you to take ownership of your chapter’s growth. Let us rekindle the spirit of collaboration and use our collective expertise to shape a more secure, prosperous Africa. The Africa Center has given us the knowledge, the tools, and the networks—now it is up to us to use them effectively.
Once again, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies for your unwavering commitment to Africa’s security and leadership development. May our collective efforts continue to strengthen the bonds of cooperation, peace, and progress for our great continent.