African Lion 25 (AL25), U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual military exercise, commenced its operations in Ghana, marking the fourth consecutive year the nation has hosted components of this significant training event. The exercise, spanning from April 14th to May 23rd, 2025, brings together over 10,000 military personnel from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across four African countries: Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. AL25 serves as a crucial platform for strengthening military readiness, enhancing interoperability, and fostering stronger partnerships among participating nations, ultimately contributing to regional stability and security. Ghana’s continued involvement in AL25 underscores its commitment to regional security cooperation and its growing role as a key partner for the United States in West Africa.
This year’s iteration of AL25 in Ghana features a diverse range of training activities designed to enhance joint capabilities across various domains. These activities include Joint Planning Process academics coupled with practical exercises, intelligence academics with a focus on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), a medical readiness exercise (MEDREX), and a medical civic action program (MEDCAP). The Joint Planning Process component aims to improve the ability of participating nations to collaboratively plan and execute complex military operations. The intelligence academics and ISR practical exercise enhance the capacity of forces to gather, analyze, and utilize crucial information in dynamic operational environments. Meanwhile, the MEDREX and MEDCAP components not only bolster medical readiness but also provide valuable humanitarian assistance to local communities, solidifying the relationship between military forces and the civilian population.
The involvement of diverse U.S. military personnel, including active-duty soldiers, members of the National Guard and Army Reserve, as well as representatives from the U.S. Air Force, Marines, and Navy, highlights the comprehensive nature of AL25. This collaborative approach enables participants to hone their joint capabilities, fostering greater interoperability and effectiveness across different service branches. The inclusion of personnel from various components of the U.S. military also underscores the importance of integrated training and the value of leveraging the diverse skillsets and experiences of each branch. The exercise provides an invaluable opportunity for these different elements to work together in a realistic training environment, further enhancing their ability to respond to complex challenges and security threats.
Ghana’s hosting of AL25 and its participation in the African Land Forces Summit earlier in 2025 underscores its importance as a regional security partner. Recognized as a robust democracy and a contributor to regional stability, Ghana’s commitment to civilian leadership in the armed forces aligns with shared values emphasized by both the U.S. and its partners. This shared commitment to democratic principles strengthens the foundation for collaboration and reinforces the importance of transparent and accountable military institutions. By hosting this significant military exercise, Ghana further contributes to the development of a more secure and stable West African region.
African Lion 25 embodies the enduring partnership between Ghana and the United States, demonstrating a shared commitment to regional security and stability. The exercises conducted under AL25, from civil affairs initiatives to joint military planning sessions, are vital in building capacity and fostering lasting partnerships. By participating in AL25, Ghana not only strengthens its own military capabilities but also contributes to broader regional security objectives, reinforcing its role as a key partner in addressing shared challenges. This collaborative approach strengthens the foundation for collective security and promotes long-term stability across the region.
Ultimately, African Lion 25 exemplifies the importance of multinational cooperation in addressing complex security challenges. The exercise serves as a powerful demonstration of unity and commitment among partner nations, fostering greater interoperability, enhancing readiness, and building lasting relationships. By working together through exercises like AL25, participating nations build the capacity to effectively respond to a wide range of threats and contribute to a more secure and stable global environment. The comprehensive nature of the training, combined with the diverse participation of military personnel from various nations and branches, ensures that forces are better prepared to operate effectively in complex, multi-domain environments and achieve collective security objectives.
