Disaster risk reduction state of play in Africa

This report assesses the state of disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Africa from 2023 to 2026, referencing progress since the 2015 Sendai Framework baseline. Compiled by the ACP DRRP Regional Coordinator for Africa, it synthesizes desk research from authoritative sources, focusing on all African Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) member states and key regional bodies. The report analyses disaster events, impacts, policy and institutional developments, strategic objectives progress, cross-cutting issues, partnerships, and challenges. It highlights that Africa experienced its deadliest five-year disaster period in 15 years, with climate hazards causing over 90% of disasters and US$133 billion in losses between 2015–2024. Methodology includes analysis of disaster data, policy documents, national strategies, and reports from regional and international partners.

Key findings show that, while Africa has made institutional and policy advances—such as the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration, expanded early warning systems, and improved regional preparedness—critical gaps persist in governance, financing, and risk data. Only five OACPS African countries have comprehensive disaster risk financing strategies, and most national DRR strategies are either not fully implemented or not Sendai-aligned, especially at subnational levels. Risk information systems are expanding but remain fragmented and lack sufficient disaggregation by gender, age, and disability. Progress on Sendai Framework targets is mixed: mortality and economic loss reduction targets are only partially achieved, but cooperation and multi-hazard early warning coverage targets have been met. The authors recommend consolidating institutional gains, accelerating financing for prevention and resilience, strengthening loss and damage accounting, embedding early warning and anticipatory action at all levels, and advancing knowledge management, inclusion, and South-South cooperation to sustain and scale up Africa’s DRR progress.