As African economies expand and industrialize, governments face increasing challenges in securing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials vital to healthcare, industry, research, and mining. These materials, while essential for development, pose security risks if not properly managed.

From July 14 to 16, 2026, more than 100 participants from across Africa—including law enforcement, military officials, policymakers, and national coordinators—gathered in Tunis, Tunisia, for the Africa Shield 2026 Regional Counterproliferation Workshop. The event focused on implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540, which mandates states to prevent non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction and related materials.

Major Brittany Brown, coordinator of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) Global Threat Reduction Africa Region Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction Program, emphasized that Africa Shield offers countries a platform to exchange expertise and strengthen partnerships to tackle complex transnational security challenges. She described the program as “a critical multilateral investment” that has enabled African nations to demonstrate ownership of counterproliferation efforts and enhance continental cooperation.

Nigeria-based political and security risk analyst Mubarak Aliyu highlighted the delicate balance between fostering innovation and ensuring security. He stated, “The same materials that strengthen healthcare, scientific research, mining and industry can also become security risks if poorly managed.” Aliyu stressed the importance of effective oversight, secure handling, and robust regulatory systems to prevent diversion or misuse without impeding economic progress.

Aliyu also noted that consistent implementation remains a major obstacle, with many countries struggling to monitor cross-border shipments, secure sensitive materials, enforce regulations, and share timely information with neighboring states.

The workshop reflects a shift in Africa’s security priorities, expanding beyond traditional concerns about armed groups and terrorism to include safeguarding materials critical to the continent’s development trajectory.

Sources