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Mozambique President Calls for Stronger Disaster Risk Governance

Mozambique President Calls for Stronger Disaster Risk Governance

October 15, 20267:51 amWorld

African leaders and regional officials gathered in Maputo, Mozambique, from 13–15 October 2026, to address escalating climate and disaster risks, emphasizing proactive governance, resilience investment, and community-led preparedness as critical to safeguarding development across the continent.

The International Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in Africa, hosted in Maputo, brought together African leaders, policymakers, and experts to confront the growing threat of climate-related disasters. With the continent experiencing a surge in reported disasters—from 612 in 2021–2022 to 719 in 2023–2024—attendees underscored the urgent need to shift from reactive emergency responses to long-term risk reduction strategies. President Daniel Chapo of Mozambique highlighted the human toll, noting that floods, cyclones, and droughts accounted for 90% of disaster-related damage in Africa between 2023 and 2024, with over 74,000 deaths and US$9.8 billion in economic losses.

Regional Collaboration and Investment Priorities

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union Commission (AUC) highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, with SADC Deputy Executive Secretary Judith Kateera calling for increased investment in disaster prevention. She warned that Southern Africa faces growing threats from droughts, floods, and cyclones, stressing that investing in resilience is not a cost, but an essential safeguard for our economies, communities, and development gains. The SADC proposed a US$3.2 billion Cyclone Belt Resilience Investment Programme over 12 years, while the Benguela Current Region Drought Resilience Portfolio aimed for US$3.1 billion over a decade, collectively representing an indicative investment of US$6.3 billion.

Chapo, also the African Union Champion for Disaster Risk Management, urged nations to prioritize early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and community-level preparedness. He credited Mozambique’s 1,500 local disaster risk management committees with significantly reducing fatalities during recent cyclones.

Climate Justice and International Responsibility

Mozambican President Chapo also called for greater international attention to climate justice, arguing that African nations—despite contributing minimally to global emissions—bear disproportionate risks. When our home is at risk, sooner or later it will affect us all, he stated, emphasizing the need for climate finance and solidarity. The conference coincided with the release of the Fourth Africa Biennial Report on Disaster Risk Reduction, which documented the continent’s escalating challenges, including the impact of cyclones like Idai and Chido.

UNDP Representative Dr. Catherine Sozi highlighted the importance of translating resilience commitments into stronger institutions and sustained investment. She noted that extreme weather events affected 13 million people in 2025, causing over 3,000 deaths. Protecting communities requires an approach rooted in solidarity, capable of mobilizing the necessary resources to tackle the challenges facing the African continent, she said, aligning with the conference’s theme of Scaling Proactive Governance and Strategic Investment for Disaster Risk Reduction and a Resilient Africa.

The event also addressed the need for improved multi-hazard early warning systems, with Moses Vilakati, African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, urging governments to move from commitments to implementation. We have to decisively move from commitments to implementation, he said, stressing that disaster risk management must be viewed as a productive capital investment rather than an emergency expenditure.

Mozambique President Daniel Chapo said the country’s experience demonstrated the importance of placing local communities at
Photo: African Times

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite the focus on resilience, attendees acknowledged persistent challenges, including reliance on emergency funding and underinvestment in long-term infrastructure. Kateera noted that SADC countries remain heavily dependent on post-disaster recovery funds rather than proactive measures. We must approach disaster risk management not merely as an emergency expenditure, but as a productive capital investment that generates tangible economic returns, she said.

The conference concluded with a call for stronger institutional frameworks, regional coordination, and innovative financing mechanisms. As climate change intensifies, the emphasis on resilience starts at home resonated deeply, with leaders recognizing that safeguarding communities requires both local action and global solidarity. With the SADC Vision 2050 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 as guiding principles, the event marked an important step toward a more resilient future for the continent.

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