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LUSAKA, Zambia (SETAF-AF) – During a three-day exchange, March 13–15, 2024, public affairs professionals from the U.S. and Zambia Army met to discuss a range of topics, from a whole-of-government approach to communications to social media strategies, communications planning and photography.
The Zambia Army hosted the exchange in Lusaka, Zambia, in advance of, and in preparation for, the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) which they will co-host with U.S. Army Southern European Task, Africa (SETAF-AF) in April.
In total, Zambia contributed more than 30 army officers, enlisted and civilian communications specialists to the exchange, while a team of four public affairs specialists from SETAF-AF, with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Zambia, also participated.
“The three-day exchange built the capacity of Zambia Army communications officials to more effectively explain to the public the importance of their work, as well as the benefits of the U.S.–Zambia security partnership. This exchange has prepared the U.S. and Zambian governments for success in communications about the upcoming African Land Forces Summit and will have long-term benefits through the relationship-building that took place,” said Phil Dimon, public affairs officer, U.S. Embassy in Zambia.
Through the exchange, the two armies aimed to share best practices, strengthen communication skills and develop a mutual understanding of each other’s goals for the upcoming summit.
“We exchanged a lot of information on both sides. Our people walked away with the confidence that our planning is aligned with the U.S.’s and will lead to a successful ALFS,” said U.S. Army Col. Martin Liyungu, director, public relations and foreign liaison, Zambia Army.
Exchange participants decided that, during ALFS, each countries’ public affairs specialists would partner-up with a counterpart from the other country to continue to learn from one another.
“What I took away from the exchange was that teamwork is needed to thrive and partnerships lead to insights, not just within public relations, but at all levels,” said 2nd Lt. Esther Songe, public relations and protocol officer, Zambia Army.
ALFS will bring together senior leaders from across Africa, the U.S. and other partner nations to solidify relationships, exchange information on current topics of mutual interest and to encourage cooperation in addressing challenges. This year’s theme is “Regional solutions to transnational problems.” Participants will hear from renowned academic thought leaders and non-governmental organization experts in five plenary sessions on a variety of topics.
"This exchange builds upon an already strong relationship that the SETAF-AF public affairs office has with the Zambia Army public relations," said U.S. Army Col. Michael Weisman, director, public affairs, SETAF-AF. "We exchanged best practices, developed new skills and prepared for the upcoming African Land Forces Summit, which will be held in Livingstone April 22–26."
About ALFS
The African Land Forces Summit is an annual summit of U.S. and African army leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities impacting land forces in Africa. African Land Forces Summit is the Chief of Staff of the Army's annual conference supporting U.S. Army activity in Africa. Find ALFS media at DVIDS-African Land Forces Summit.
About SETAF-AF
SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.
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