Africa disaster losses rise as Maputo summit weighs $6.3bn resilience plans
African Union and Mozambique host a Maputo conference on disaster risk reduction, with two SADC regional investment proposals totalling $6.3bn under discussion.
The story in focus
African leaders, ministers and development partners met in Maputo from 13 to 15 October 2026 for a continental conference on disaster risk reduction, convened by the African Union Commission with Mozambique's government. Discussions covered financing, risk governance, early warning systems and drought, alongside two regional investment proposals totalling an indicative US$6.3 billion.
- Reported disasters in Africa rose from 612 in 2021–2022 to 719 in 2023–2024, per the Fourth Africa Biennial Report on Disaster Risk Reduction.
- Member States reported more than 65,000 disaster-related deaths and about US$9.8 billion in direct economic losses over the same period.
- Two SADC-linked proposals seek US$3.2 billion over 12 years for cyclone and flood resilience and US$3.1 billion over 10 years for drought resilience.
Losses sharpen the financing case
The conference follows the Fourth Africa Biennial Report on Disaster Risk Reduction, which recorded 612 reported disasters in 2021–2022 and 719 in 2023–2024. Over the same period, African Union Member States reported more than 65,000 disaster-related deaths and approximately US$9.8 billion in direct economic losses.
Organisers frame the shift from responding to disasters towards anticipating risks as the central challenge, alongside protecting development investments and mobilising financing for resilient economies and communities. The agenda tracks the Sendai Framework, the 2024 Windhoek Declaration, the African Union's Programme of Action and Agenda 2063.
Two regional investment proposals
A pre-conference consultation co-led by SADC, UNDP, Global Water Partnership Southern Africa and UNOPS examined two proposals. The SADC Cyclone Belt Resilience Investment Programme is proposed at US$3.2 billion over 12 years; the Benguela Current Region Drought Resilience Investment Portfolio at US$3.1 billion over 10 years.
Together they represent an indicative ambition of US$6.3 billion, subject to technical preparation, feasibility assessments, financing arrangements and institutional endorsement. The next steps were expected to include further technical consultations, priority investment areas and corridors, and progressive preparation towards feasibility work. Organisers also described potential economic and social benefits, including agricultural productivity and employment opportunities.
Governments and communities in focus
Southern Africa's shared river basins, infrastructure and food systems face interconnected cyclone, flood and drought risks that cross borders. Mozambique's own experience of recurring hazards informed its hosting role; President Daniel Francisco Chapo serves as African Union Champion for Disaster Risk Management.
SADC's Judith Kateera warned that climate hazards threaten regional integration, and UNDP's Edo Stork linked resilience investment to protecting Mozambique's progress. The conference was due to close with a ministerial segment expected to consider a communiqué on priority actions and an Investment and Partnership Agenda.
What financing proposals were discussed at the Maputo disaster risk conference?
A pre-conference consultation examined the SADC Cyclone Belt Resilience Investment Programme, proposed at US$3.2 billion over 12 years, and the Benguela Current Region Drought Resilience Investment Portfolio, proposed at US$3.1 billion over 10 years.
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