Morocco expands its role in African military training through NATO cooperation

08:42

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco expands its role in African military training through NATO cooperation

Morocco is set to expand its role in African military training through a new cooperation initiative with NATO aimed at supporting the development of military personnel from other African countries.

The planned training programme is expected to take place in Morocco by the end of 2026 or in early 2027 under an existing NATO framework. The initiative is expected to focus on the professional development of non-commissioned officers, while the participating African countries and operational details are still being discussed.

The initiative builds on cooperation already documented by NATO. Its 2025 Secretary General’s Annual Report said trilateral cooperation had begun between NATO, Morocco and other African countries to support the development of non-commissioned officers.

The development marks a broader dimension in Morocco’s military cooperation with Western partners. Rather than limiting cooperation to training members of its own armed forces, Morocco is increasingly involved in activities aimed at strengthening military education and capacity-building among African partners.

The initiative comes as African countries continue to reassess their security partnerships amid changing regional dynamics, particularly in the Sahel. NATO has also used multinational exercises such as African Lion to bring together forces from member states, partner countries and other African nations. The 2025 edition involved around 10,000 troops across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia.

Morocco’s defence cooperation with the United States is developing along a parallel track. In July 2026, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and U.S. Africa Command signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at establishing the Africa Multidomain Training and Experimentation Center in Tan-Tan by 2030. The planned facility is designed to include a multidomain training area, a drone academy and an innovation and experimentation center.

Taken together, these initiatives reflect Morocco’s expanding involvement in military education, training and capacity-building programmes involving international and African partners. They also reinforce the country’s position as a host for multinational defence activities and training programmes focused on regional security cooperation.