The Sandton Symposium 2025:
Charting Africa's Defence & Sovereign Future
Transforming Continental Security Through Collective Leadership
Africa stands firmly on the precipice of a transformative new era, one that will be distinctly characterized by enhanced continental security and the unwavering assertion of African sovereignty. The Ndege Group, Africa's Sovereign Development Trust® (ASDT), is honored to announce and host an unprecedented landmark Inter-Military Symposium in Sandton, Johannesburg, taking place from the 28th of November 2025 through the 3rd of December 2025. This pivotal event is uniquely poised to redefine Africa’s defence landscape by bringing together the continent’s most influential military leadership to collaboratively shape a self-reliant, resilient, and secure future. This symposium represents far more than just a conventional conference; it is a strategically significant convening where heads of African militaries will unite with a shared vision to assume decisive control over their continent’s security destiny. Marking a crucial step forward, the gathering will also support the foundational establishment of the United African Defence Force (UADF), a transformative initiative championed by ASDT aimed at fostering long-term regional stability, peace, and reducing the continent’s historical reliance on external military interventions.
Key Objectives
& Agenda Highlights
The Sandton Symposium 2025 is meticulously designed to achieve tangible outcomes, with a particular focus on progressing a multilateral treaty draft that will decisively propel Africa forward. This pivotal document is intended to solidify the framework for enhanced continental security and a unified future. Key discussions and working sessions will centre on:
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Advancing the comprehensive multilateral treaty, meticulously drafted by ASDT, remains the primary and overarching objective. This treaty is thoughtfully envisioned to serve as a foundational cornerstone for the establishment of the United African Defence Force (UADF) and is intended to act as a critical and unifying instrument, alongside an asset-backed digital currency for all signatory states. Its purpose is to facilitate the creation of a unified African maritime border system, with the ultimate goal of full implementation planned by the second quarter of 2026.
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Deliberating thoroughly on secondment protocols, integration strategies, and operational readiness measures to ensure a cohesive, efficient, and highly capable continental defence apparatus that can effectively address emerging security challenges.
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Exploring diverse avenues for advanced military training programmes, alongside the provision of state-of-the-art equipment—encompassing aerial, surveillance, and naval assets—and the strategic development of sustainable, state-of-the-art training facilities across member nations to enhance defense capabilities.
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Discussing innovative and forward-thinking models such as OmniGaza for defence sector investment, including barter agreements that involve the strategic exchange of goods and sovereign rights, to ensure partnerships that are both mutually beneficial and firmly aligned with the fundamental principles of national sovereignty. These valuable insights are drawn from recent in-depth discussions focused on enhancing Intra-Africa defence collaboration and cooperation as well as exploring the significant potential for a harmonised, African Currency that could transform regional economic integration.
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Collaborative planning and coordinated efforts to proactively address a wide range of complex and multifaceted security challenges, including persistent terrorism, ongoing regional instability, conflicts driven by climate change, and the increasing threats posed by sophisticated organised crime networks.
This symposium is primarily by invitation to ensure focused and high-level strategic dialogue. Expected attendees include:
Heads of African Military Forces
Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs
Senior Officials from African Union (AU) Peace and Security Organs
Key Strategic Partners from International Defence and Development Organisations (e.g., The Africa Corps, China's PLA, entities from France, Germany, India, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UAE, UK & USA).
Who Should Attend:
RSVP
Participation in the Sandton Symposium 2025 is strictly by invitation only. If you currently serve as a Head of an African Military, hold a senior defence official position, or represent a strategic international partner and would like to express your interest in attending this important and pivotal event, kindly complete this form. Venue details will be confirmed upon confirmation of RSVP for security reasons.
For more detailed information on Africa’s Sovereign Development Trust® (ASDT) and our comprehensive, overarching vision for the United African Defence Force (UADF), please visit our main UADF page. Additionally, you are welcome to reach out to us directly for any general enquiries or further assistance here.