President William Ruto will on Wednesday, May 28, open the United States Africa Command (Africom)-led 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Conference taking place in Nairobi.

It is the first such meeting to be held in Nairobi.

The meeting comes at a time when many African countries are facing political and economic instability and humanitarian crises, which are likely to pose security threats to US interests in Africa and create space for expanded engagement by US competitors.

The 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25) brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, US Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, US Air Forces Africa, and US Army Africa in Nairobi, Kenya.

ACHOD25 provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening US and African partnerships, as well as fostering expertise-sharing and alliances.

ACHOD25 advances regional stability and collective defense, supporting US national security by promoting cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth virtually spoke to attendees of the annual meeting that kicked off on Monday. 

The conference serves as a premier forum for military leaders across the continent to convene, collaborate, and address pressing security challenges.