The African Union Commission (AUC), in partnership with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and with support from the British Peace Support Team – Africa (BPST-A), convened the 17th African Standby Force (ASF) Training Implementation Workshop (TIW) from 1–5 December 2025 in Harare, Zimbabwe. The workshop, held under the theme “Enhancing Efficiency in Mandate Implementation: Reassessing Capacity Needs Assessments,” brought together 54 participants from the AUC, Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), AU missions, Training Centres of Excellence (TCEs) and strategic partners.
Officially opened by the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, the 17th ASF TIW reviewed progress made in implementing the ASF Training Directives (2024–2026) and assessed challenges affecting readiness, coordination and doctrine compliance. This opening session emphasised the need for stronger collaboration, early warning and holistic approaches to peace and security across the continent. The workshop also underscored the importance of a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment (TNA) in 2026 to align future training with evolving Peace Support Operations (PSO) requirements.
Key discussions highlighted the ongoing Strategic Review of the ASF, the need for enhanced institutional coherence and the growing operational challenges linked to terrorism, cyber threats, hybrid warfare, climate-related insecurity and mis/disinformation. Stakeholders emphasised persistent gaps in logistics, predictable funding, knowledge-management systems and multidimensional balance, which are factors that continue to limit effective mandate implementation.
The workshop adopted several priority recommendations, including strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems; establishing digital knowledge-management platforms; improving coordination through designated focal points; advancing sustainable funding models; and ensuring that the 2026 TNA adopts a threat-informed, forward-looking approach for the 2026–2035 training framework.
ACCORD’s participation in the 17th ASF TIW aligns with the organisation’s strategic objective of supporting the AU and RECs/RMs to strengthen continental responses to complex conflicts. Through its contributions to training and knowledge-sharing, ACCORD continues to play a critical role in building the institutional capacities required to enhance the effectiveness and readiness of the ASF.
