The African Maritime Law Enforcement Partnership (AMLEP) program enables African partner nations to build maritime security capacity and improve management of their maritime environment through real world combined law enforcement operations.

Typically the operations employ an African host nation’s own law enforcement boarding team, along with a U.S. Coast Guard boarding team, operating from a U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. Navy vessel.

Many African coastal nations rely on fishing for food and as a significant contributor of
revenue and jobs to local economies. Some reports have shown Africa loses upwards of $1 billion each year to illegal fishing.

Trafficking of narcotics, people, and weapons, as well as environmental crimes that take place in African waters negatively impact a nation’s economy and stability.

AMLEP supports the U.S. foreign policy goals of peace, security, and development by providing direct support to African maritime security forces to build their capacity and assist them in enforcing their national laws.