Rwanda’s Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, has called on African nations to invest in developing a new generation of military officers equipped with advanced technological skills, strong values, and the ability to make quick strategic decisions in order to address the continent’s growing security challenges.
He made the remarks on Monday, November 10, 2025, while officially opening the 19th Annual Conference of African Commandants (ACoC), taking place in Kigali, Rwanda. The conference brings together senior military leaders and security experts from 24 African countries to discuss the future of military education and security cooperation on the continent.
Minister Marizamunda emphasized that Africa no longer needs officers trained only in traditional military tactics but rather competent leaders who can harness technology, uphold professional values, and lead effectively in the 21st century.
“Africa faces numerous and complex challenges ranging from terrorism and cyber warfare to illegal migration, transnational crimes, and the impacts of climate change exacerbated by insecurity.”He said.
He further explained that addressing these challenges requires a new generation of highly skilled officers, capable of integrating technology into security operations while maintaining discipline, ethics, and professional excellence.
The Minister underscored that in a fast-changing world driven by digital transformation, military institutions must innovate, embrace research, and adapt to emerging technologies to strengthen Africa’s defense capabilities.
Marizamunda also commended ACoC for its role in strengthening collaboration among Africa’s military academies, enhancing capacity-building initiatives, and promoting the exchange of knowledge and experience across the continent’s armed forces.
Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba, Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, noted that the conference serves not only as a meeting but as a platform for military experts to share ideas, strengthen cooperation, and build a collective vision for Africa’s defense future.
“This conference is an opportunity to unite efforts, exchange experiences, and prepare the future of African armies under shared goals and solid partnerships,”He said.
The three-day conference, held at Hôtel des Mille Collines, has drawn participants from Cameroon, Egypt, Guinea, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Botswana, Burundi, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Central African Republic, Somalia, and Rwanda.
Participants will discuss current challenges in military education, explore innovative approaches to training, and develop a shared vision for technology-driven military education that strengthens Africa’s long-term security and defense readiness.