Strengthening risk governance and preparedness in Southern Africa

This case study examines efforts to strengthen risk governance and preparedness across Southern Africa through the Disaster Risk Management Strengthening Systems (DRMSS) Project. Covering all 16 SADC Member States, the initiative supports people-centred multi-hazard early warning systems, preparedness capacities and regional emergency coordination. The intervention included a comprehensive Regional Risks Assessment that analysed hazards, vulnerabilities and coping capacities across 264 Admin 1 areas, creating a shared evidence base for preparedness, anticipatory action and regional planning. Findings informed a people-centred Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS) Framework, while technical support strengthened the operational readiness of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC).

This case study reports that a harmonised Regional Risks Assessment strengthened understanding of hazards, vulnerabilities and coping capacities across the region. A people-centred MHEWS Framework improved approaches to risk monitoring, warning dissemination and interoperability, while SHOC strengthening, standard operating procedures, Emergency Response Team trainings and simulation exercises improved readiness for cross-border emergencies. The publication highlights deployments to floods in Mozambique and to Madagascar following Tropical Cyclone Gezani as demonstrations of strengthened regional surge capacity and coordination.