Africa’s Call to Action Ahead of the Anticipated 2026 El Niño

Africa is not spurred from natural disasters and drought spells emanating from unprecedented climatic weather patterns and these requires concrete measures and lasting solutions to assist Africa grow its economies. Against this background, a meeting dubbed Extra Ordinary Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Africa’s Preparedness and Response on the Anticipated 2026 El Niño unpacked concrete resolutions to tackle related challenges. Speaking at the high level technical engagement, H.E.

Moses Vilakati, AUC Commissioner for ARBE advocated for a strategic measures aimed at bailing Africa from from the ripple effects of natural disasters. Key among these include increased ambition in political government to advance preparedness on natural disasters. “History has repeatedly demonstrated that natural hazards become humanitarian disasters when preparedness is inadequate.

Yet history has also shown that timely action saves lives, protects economies and safeguards development gains. The good news is that we still have a window of opportunity to act. Preparedness requires political leadership, investments, institutions that coordinate effectively, and it requires partnerships built on trust.” The decisions that emerge from this meeting must therefore be bold, practical and implementable.

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Our citizens expect us to move beyond reports. They expect us to strengthen national preparedness plans, to invest in climate-resilient agriculture. They expect us to protect water resources and critical infrastructure.

They expect us to expand early warning systems to every village, every farmer, every pastoralist and every vulnerable community, to ensure that no African loses his or her life because critical information failed to reach them in time and to act with the urgency that this moment demands.” Apart from these HE. Vilakati also urged Africa to work together as one in the course of developing channels and mechanism to enhance a unified call to actions on disaster management and preparedness. ” Africa has often demonstrated that when we act together, we achieve far more than when we act alone.

Therefore.” The AUC Commissioner reiterated the importance of financial recourses mobilization in which the African Union as the Continental Mother Board is committed. ” The African Union Commission stands ready to work hand in hand with Member States, Regional Economic Communities, specialized institutions, development partners and the private sector to accelerate implementation, mobilize resources and support preparedness efforts across the continent. Together, we can reduce risks, protect our development gains and build a more resilient Africa.”

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