- AFRICOM said illegal drug trafficking in Africa has increased sixfold
- The command called for stronger regional security cooperation
- Officials highlighted AI and modern logistics as key to tackling emerging threats
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has expressed concern over the rapid rise in illegal drug trafficking across Africa, revealing that the volume of narcotics moving through the continent has increased more than six times within the last two years.
Eko Hot Blog reports that AFRICOM’s Director of Logistics, Brigadier General Paul Filcek, disclosed this during a virtual media briefing held alongside the 2026 Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Filcek said the sharp increase in narcotics trafficking, coupled with other transnational crimes such as human trafficking, poses a growing threat to Africa’s security and economic stability.
He stressed that addressing these challenges would require stronger collaboration among African nations and their international partners.
According to him, effective communication systems, coordinated operations and robust logistics are essential for deploying personnel, equipment and supplies quickly across the continent’s vast and challenging terrain.
He noted that security agencies must improve their ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats through better planning and cooperation.
The symposium, organised jointly by AFRICOM and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defence, attracted representatives from 40 African countries and 27 private sector organisations, marking the highest participation recorded for an AFRICOM functional event.
Filcek explained that the conference combined discussions on logistics and communications because both areas are critical to the success of modern military and security operations.
He added that improved security creates a stable environment for investment, while increased investment further strengthens peace and economic development across the continent.
The AFRICOM official also highlighted the growing role of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, satellite systems and networked drones, in shaping future defence operations.
He urged African countries to strengthen regional cooperation and improve interoperability to maximise the benefits of these technologies.
Filcek noted that artificial intelligence could significantly improve logistics by enhancing route planning, predicting equipment maintenance needs, forecasting demand and speeding up customs and border procedures.
He added that such innovations would help reduce transportation costs, improve the movement of goods and support the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to him, the symposium is expected to deepen partnerships, encourage the exchange of ideas and develop practical solutions for strengthening Africa’s logistics and communications capabilities in the face of evolving security threats.
