Africa Shield: Why achieving development is a priority for security | Story

As Africa’s economy grows and advances in technology, governments face a growing challenge: protecting chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons used in health, industry, research and mining from theft, tampering or misuse.

Over the years, security discussions on the continent have focused on armed forces, “terrorism” and conflict. But as health systems expand, mining expands and trade expands, governments are controlling the amount of CBRN resources needed for development.

Their growing use is driving the need for stronger regulation, monitoring and enforcement.

CBRN protection covers radioactive sources used in cancer treatment, chemicals used in manufacturing and mining, medical equipment used in laboratories, and technologies used by civilians and security.

Many devices are used insecurely every day, but weak laws, inadequate monitoring or theft can allow them to be used for criminal or malicious purposes.

“The same things that strengthen healthcare, scientific research, mining and industry can also be security risks if they are not properly managed,” Mubarak Aliyu, a political and security expert in Nigeria, told Al Jazeera. “The challenge is not to stop development, but to ensure that innovation is accompanied by appropriate monitoring, regulatory and regulatory frameworks that prevent disruption or misuse without slowing down economic progress.”

Preparing to grow

Held on July 14-16 in Tunis, Tunisia, the Africa Shield 2026 Regional Counterproliferation Workshop brought together more than 100 people from across Africa, including law enforcement officers, military representatives, policy makers and international administrators responsible for the implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1540 which aims to prevent the destruction of weapons by governments seeking to destroy weapons of mass destruction. related to materials.

The meeting was led by the International Counterproliferation Program of the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), in collaboration with the European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Centers of Excellence Risk Mitigation Initiative and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute.

Now in its sixth edition, Africa Shield helps African governments strengthen their capacity to prevent, identify and respond to CBRN threats through education, cooperation and capacity building.

The conference focused on how governments can ensure that weapons used for peaceful purposes remain safe as industries expand and cross-border links deepen.

The discussions highlighted the operational challenges: ensuring that the systems that protect these devices grow along with the industries and services that depend on them.

From response to avoidance

The Africa Shield demonstrates a move to respond to CBRN incidents after they occur in order to prevent threats before they are used.

Instead of reacting only in the event of a crisis, the program focuses on reducing risks through the use of strong boundaries, external monitoring, emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination.

Through cooperation with African governments and international organizations, Africa Shield supports the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540.

Major Brittany Brown, coordinator of DTRA’s Global Threat Reduction Africa Region Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction Program, said the Africa Shield provides an opportunity for participating countries to “exchange technology and lessons learned” and expand cooperation to address the growing challenges of national security.

Brown said the program helped African countries “clearly demonstrate that they have a non-proliferation problem,” describing it as “an important multilateral investment” that strengthens cooperation across the region.

His comments indicate a major shift in international security cooperation, with foreign partners focusing on strengthening national institutions and capabilities rather than creating long-term dependence.

Hosting the meeting in Tunisia confirmed the regional nature of the problem. The country is located between North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Sahel, and is on the line of major trade and transport routes.

As the networks become more interconnected, the same corridors that support trade can also be used to move chemicals, radioactive sources and other controlled substances across borders.

Differences in preparation

The success of the Africa Shield will not only depend on education and cooperation, but whether governments can translate those efforts into strong institutions and effective advocacy.

Many African countries already have laws to control chemicals, radioactive materials and technology trade, but implementation is not uniform.

Government officials are often faced with a lack of funding, specialized staff and the modern equipment needed to monitor shipments, monitor locations and investigate potential tampering.

Existing smuggling networks involving arms, narcotics and other illegal goods highlight the challenges of monitoring Africa’s vast borders and expanding trade routes. The same weaknesses can lead to weaknesses in rotation and unauthorized movement of controlled devices.

The expansion of trade in the African Continental Free Trade Area adds additional challenges. Governments must promote security without destroying the trade and investment that the agreement is designed to promote.

This effective regulation will require governments to strengthen safeguards without creating barriers that slow down legitimate trade.

“Monitoring shipments, accessing equipment and sharing information across borders are daily challenges that are compounded by limited resources and human trafficking,” Phil Efe Benard, country director of the African Chamber of Content Producers (ACCP) Nigeria, told Al Jazeera. “We cannot rely on foreign partners alone. Building our intelligence, legal capacity and regional networks is essential, ensuring that cooperation is based on Africa’s potential, not dependence.”

Why is it important?

Africa Shield represents a major shift in Africa’s security needs, expanding focus beyond the institutional threats, laws and expertise needed to protect the modern economy.

For African governments, this means stronger customs systems, greater coordination between regulators, border agencies and security services, and greater investment in specialized services.

The reason for the difficulty is to ensure that security and development go hand in hand.

“Economic development and security must reinforce each other.” By strengthening monitoring and promoting the proper management of hazardous and hazardous materials, we can create an environment where innovation can thrive,” Kupagme told Al Jazeera.

Ultimately, Africa Shield is about to stop the misuse of regulated resources. It shows a growing awareness that economic changes bring new security responsibilities.

“One of the major obstacles is that CBRN defense depends on consistent implementation rather than automatic policy making,” Aliyu said. Many countries still struggle with managing cross-border goods, accessing critical resources, enforcing laws and sharing timely information with their neighbors.