The African Communications and Logistics Symposium (ALCS) 2026 brought together military leaders, government officials, industry representatives, and delegates from more than 40 countries at the Hilton Hotel Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
During the event, New Business Ethiopia’s Reporter Yordanos Tadesse, talked to AFRICOM Chief Media Engagement Division, Patrick Foughty, who argues that Ethiopia – US security partnerships can lead to commercial opportunities. Patrick Foughty said hosting the African Communications and Logistics Symposium (ALCS) 2026 in Addis Ababa reflects Ethiopia’s strategic importance as a center for logistics, communications, and economic development in Africa.
Below is the excerpt:
Question: What is the significance of hosting the African Communications and Logistics Symposium (ALCS) in Addis Ababa, and why is Ethiopia an important venue for this event?
Patrick Foughty: Hosting the ALCS in Addis Ababa highlights Ethiopia’s strategic importance as a hub for logistics, communications, and economic growth in Africa. Ethiopia is a fitting venue due to its rapid development, major infrastructure projects like the new Bishoftu International Airport, and its role as a symbol of successful U.S.-Ethiopia partnership, exemplified by Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term success rooted in logistics and sustainment.
Question: What are the main objectives of ALCS 2026, and what practical outcomes do you hope will result from this gathering of African and international partners?
Patrick Foughty: The main objectives are to combine logistics and communications for the first time, address shared threats, explore emerging technologies, and foster dialogue between military, government, and commercial partners from over 40 nations. Practical outcomes include building relationships, starting conversations between African partners and 26 U.S. companies, creating deals, and developing long-term infrastructure solutions that link security with economic prosperity.
Question: How does this symposium contribute to strengthening cooperation between the United States, Ethiopia, and other African countries in the areas of logistics, communications, and security?
Patrick Foughty: The symposium strengthens cooperation by bringing together AFRICOM, Ethiopian hosts, other African nations, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Department of State, and American companies to tackle intertwined challenges in logistics, communications, and security. It promotes market-driven development, technology sharing, and partnerships that move beyond military cooperation to create stability, investment, and sustainable prosperity.
Question: What role does Ethiopia play in the United States’ engagement with Africa, particularly in the areas of partnership, security, and capacity building?
Patrick Foughty: Ethiopia serves as a key partner for the U.S. in the Horn of Africa and across the continent, enabling dialogue on security, stability, and economic growth. It plays a vital role in capacity building through joint events like this symposium, supporting infrastructure development, and demonstrating how security partnerships can lead to commercial opportunities and long-term prosperity.
