Opinion article by Prof Alice Ncube, Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC), University of the Free State

Each year, the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (held every year on 13 October) reminds the world that disasters are not inevitable. While hazards such as floods, droughts, cyclones, and disease outbreaks will continue to occur, the scale of their impact depends on how well prepared we are to anticipate, prevent, and respond to them. This truth is particularly urgent for Africa, where climate change, rapid [informal] urbanisation, and fragile infrastructure make millions of people increasingly vulnerable.

The 2025 theme highlights the need to look at disaster risks in a rapidly changing global landscape. Across Africa, climate extremes are intensifying, rising temperatures are fuelling more prolonged droughts, heavier rainfall drives floods, and coastal communities face higher risks from storms and sea-level rise. At the same time, population growth and unplanned urbanisation are increasing exposure, particularly in informal settlements with limited access to basic services.

The foundation is laid

Therefore, disaster risk reduction (DRR) must be seen not as a secondary issue but as a central pillar of Africa’s sustainable development agenda. Every disaster undermines hard-won progress in poverty reduction, health, education, and food security. Unless risk reduction is integrated into all sectors of planning and investment, Africa will continue to spend scarce resources on costly emergency responses instead of building long-term resilience. This imperative is fully aligned with Agenda 2063, the African Union’s blueprint for inclusive and sustainable development, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which recognise resilience as essential to eradicating poverty and achieving prosperity.

Encouragingly, the African Union and its member states have already laid a foundation. The Programme of Action for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework in Africa provides a roadmap for reducing disaster risk at continental, regional, and national levels. Advances are being made in early warning systems — with the Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System being rolled out to serve the “last mile” — along with transboundary cooperation on hazards and community-based preparedness. Yet progress remains uneven, and the scale of today’s risks demands far greater ambition, stronger partnerships, and increased financing.

Prevention is a humanitarian priority 

Investing in resilience pays off. In Africa, studies have shown that disaster response costs far surpass prevention spending. Every dollar invested in preparedness can save governments and communities up to US$7 in recovery and reconstruction. The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) backs this assertion. At the same time, the World Bank estimates that resilient infrastructure alone can generate more than US$4 in benefits for every dollar invested. These findings underscore that prevention is a humanitarian priority and a sound economic strategy.

More importantly, risk reduction protects lives and livelihoods, particularly for those already marginalised. Women, children, persons with disabilities, and displaced communities are often the most affected by disasters — but they are also vital partners in resilience building. Equally important is the recognition of Africa’s rich Indigenous knowledge systems, which have guided communities in forecasting weather, managing land, and adapting to environmental shocks for generations. When integrated with modern science and technology — from satellite data to AI-driven early warning systems — Indigenous knowledge strengthens the accuracy, relevance, and cultural acceptance of DRR strategies. This blending of traditional wisdom and scientific innovation, combined with inclusive leadership and participation, must be at the heart of national resilience strategies.

Technology and innovation also present new opportunities. Satellite data, artificial intelligence, and mobile platforms are improving how risks are monitored and communicated. However, these tools must be matched with investments in local capacity, governance, and financing to ensure that early warnings translate into early action. Without strong institutions and inclusive policies, even the most advanced systems will fall short.

The time to act is now

On this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Africa must reaffirm its commitment to a resilient future, aligning efforts under Agenda 2063, the Sendai Framework, the SDGs, the Paris Agreement, and the New Urban Agenda. Together, these frameworks call for resilient economies, climate action, sustainable cities, and inclusive growth — all of which depend on robust disaster risk reduction. Governments, civil society, the private sector, and development partners all have a role to play. What is needed is stronger political will, increased financing for prevention, and deeper collaboration across sectors and borders.

Africa’s vision of resilience is clear: a continent where hazards do not become disasters, communities are empowered to withstand shocks, and development gains are safeguarded for future generations. Achieving this vision is not optional — it is essential.

The time to act is now.