African nations continue to confront an increasingly complex and evolving security environment shaped by political instability, transnational threats, governance challenges, and shifting regional dynamics. Terrorist groups, external actors, and organized criminal networks operate across borders, exploiting institutional weaknesses and placing significant pressure on national defense and security structures. To respond effectively to these challenges, African governments require clear, integrated, and well-resourced national security strategies that reflect national priorities and guide the efficient allocation of limited resources.
However, many defense and security institutions face significant obstacles in developing coherent national strategies, strengthening strategic planning processes, and aligning resources with long-term security objectives. These challenges are often compounded by constrained budgets, limited coordination across government agencies, and the need for comprehensive defense sector reforms.
The Africa Center for Strategic Studies’ National Security Strategy Development and Resource Management Portfolio provides defense and security professionals with practical knowledge and skills to strengthen strategic planning, improve institutional governance, and enhance resource management practices. Through interactive webinars, bilateral engagements, regional workshops, toolkits, and educational curricula, the portfolio supports senior leaders in building resilient, accountable, and strategically aligned security institutions.
Specifically, the National Security Strategy Development and Resource Management Program’s objectives are to:
- Enhance understanding of national security strategy processes, including threat assessment, prioritization, and integrated planning.
- Support defense and security leaders in developing and implementing effective national security strategies aligned with national objectives and institutional capacities.
- Facilitate improved resource management practices, enabling governments to allocate, oversee, and assess resources in a manner that is transparent, efficient, and responsive to the evolving security environment.
National Security Strategy Implementation and Rule of Law Roundtable
Expert Roundtable, February 4–7, 2025
National Security Strategy Development and Implementation
Virtual Academic Program, April 20 – May 5, 2021
National Security Strategy Development Process: Lessons Learned
Virtual Academic Program, March 9–24, 2021
National Security Strategy Development and Implementation
Virtual Academic Program, January 19 – February 3, 2021
National Security Strategy Development Workshop: North and Eastern Africa
August 12–16, 2019
National Security Strategy Development Workshop: Central and Southern Africa
April 8–12, 2019
National Security Strategy Development Workshop: West Africa
August 6–10, 2018
National Security Strategy Development Workshop
January 24–27, 2017
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