OCJCS Spokesperson Joe Holstead provided the following readout:
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine delivered virtual closing remarks at the 2026 African Chiefs of Defense Conference on July 1, 2026. The conference, themed “Advancing Regional Security for Enduring Prosperity,” was hosted in Angola by Angola’s Chief of Defense, Gen. Altino, and co-hosted by U.S. Africa Command, led by Gen. Dagvin Anderson.
During his address to Chiefs of Defense and senior military representatives from across the region, Gen. Caine commended the official signing of the State Partnership Program between Angola and the Ohio National Guard. He noted the agreement marks a significant milestone in a program that has fostered robust security relationships between the Joint Force and its partners across 116 nations over the past 30 years.
Gen. Caine addressed the evolving global security environment, highlighting persistent threats from violent extremist organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and malign actors exploiting instability. He emphasized that rapid advances in artificial intelligence, drones, and other technologies have compressed decision timelines and altered the character of warfare across all domains.
The Chairman underscored the critical strategic importance of the African continent—which features 12 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies, holds 30 percent of the world’s critical minerals, and sits at a vital geographic crossroads connecting the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. He reaffirmed that African and global security are inextricably linked, stressing the importance of strong partnerships and joint action to ensure regional stability and secure maritime domains.
Gen. Caine also acknowledged the critical role of international partners, including Brazil’s ongoing commitment to transatlantic maritime security and the defense industrial base in strengthening industrial capacity and economic prosperity. He concluded by challenging defense leaders to translate their shared strategic vision into operational results while honoring the warfighters who serve to secure those shared interests.