Africa Shield: Why securing development is becoming a new security priority

Securing growthHeld July 14-16 in Tunis, Tunisia, the Africa Shield 2026 Regional Counterproliferation Workshop brought together more than 100 participants from across Africa, including law enforcement officials, military representatives, policymakers and national coordinators responsible for implementing United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1540, which requires states to prevent non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction and related materials.

Law enforcement, military and policy officials participate in discussions during the Africa Shield 2026 workshop in Tunis [Handout/Andrea Chaney/Defense Threat Reduction Agency]Through partnerships with African governments and international organisations, Africa Shield contributes to the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540.

As Africa’s economies expand and become more technologically advanced, governments face a growing challenge: protecting the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials used in healthcare, industry, research and mining from theft, diversion or misuse.