In August 2024, 1.2 million people were affected by floods in Nigeria, while a similar number suffered from drought in Namibia between April and June. Despite these alarming figures, the resilience of African states to climate change is low, with only 1 to 4% of their budgets dedicated to fighting natural disasters. Currently, 45% of states have an early warning system, but only 32 have data tracking systems to assess risks. The African Union signed the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and developed a framework for early warning systems.
1.2 million people were affected by floods in Nigeria in August 2024, the same number of victims of drought was recorded in Namibia between April and June. This is the extent of extreme weather events across countries on the African continent. Despite the alarming figures, the resilience of African states to climate change remains low. Countries only devote 1 to 4% of their national budgets to responding to natural disasters mainly resulting from climate change.
We urge our Parliamentarians to continue championing effective and efficient disaster risk management policy formulation and legislation in our countries through various continental and regional bodies by actively introducing and also supporting bills that promote the mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction, ensuring adequate budgetary allocations for the initiative in a multisectoral and holistic approach.
Anderson Kamdambo Banda, Director of SHOC – Zambia
The challenge in preparing African states for extreme weather events lies in data collection. Currently, 45% of African states have an early warning system. However, only 32 countries have implemented data monitoring systems necessary for the development of risk profiles.African Union member states have signed the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Moreover, the pan-African organization has adopted the Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System (AMHEWAS) through which it calls Regional Economic Communities, local authorities and the private sector to action.
The Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System (AMHEWAS) Programme is leading the way in improving our preparedness for hazards. This programme, especially through the establishment of situation rooms and the provision of timely advisories, enables African countries to monitor and respond quickly to hazards, safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Increased investment in disaster risk reduction is key in safeguarding the development gains made by the continent over the last four decades.
Josefa Sacko, AU Commissioner for Agriculture
Natural disasters linked to climate change cause African countries to lose around 4% of their GDP. By 2040, temperatures are expected to rise to 35 degrees Celsius on average for 61 days a year. An index four times higher in Africa than in the rest of the world, reveal the perspectives of experts.