The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Royal Danish Embassy in Addis Ababa have officially launched the Project “Improving Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems to Reduce Disaster Risks and Enhance Anticipatory Action” under the Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System (AMHEWAS) programme. The launch took place on 8 September 2025, during a High-Level side event on Enhancing Preparedness and Anticipatory Actions in Africa to Complete the Value Chain of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems for Early Action, organized on the margins of the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2).
Building Resilience Before Disaster Strikes
The project is designed to strengthen the capacity of AU Member States to act on early warning information and protect people and property before disasters occur. By enabling countries to anticipate and respond to climate-driven natural hazards, the initiative aims to reduce vulnerabilities and losses while fostering long-term climate resilience and stability.
Speaking at the launch, H.E. Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Development (ARBE), expressed appreciation to the Government of Denmark for its support and highlighted that “This investment strengthens the ability of AU Member States to reduce climate-driven disaster risks through enhanced anticipatory action. It marks a milestone in Africa’s journey toward resilience and sustainable development.”
H.E. Sune Krogstrup, Ambassador of Denmark to Ethiopia, Djibouti, South Sudan, and Sudan, and Permanent Representative to the AU, IGAD, and UNECA, underscored the value of partnership. He acknowledged that “International cooperation is essential for effective disaster risk management.” The Ambassador also reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to supporting the AMHEWAS programme through this critical project.
Denmark has been a great advocate for AMHEWAS. The Royal Danish Embassy in Ethiopia and the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Ethiopia co-hosted a breakfast event in August 2023, where they lauded the programme as vital in reducing disaster losses in Africa by 2030. Development partners and regional organizations attending the event commended the initiative and pledged support:
“FAO is ready to partner with member states and regional organizations to strengthen MHEWS and build resilient agrifood systems across Africa”, said Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.
On his part, Dr. Ahmed Amdihun, Regional Programme Coordinator for Disaster Risk Management at Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, said that “The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) pledges continued partnership with the AUC and Member States in implementing the AMHEWAS programme in East Africa and the Greater Horn of Africa region, promoting proactive, cost-effective alternatives to reactive emergency responses.” –
“Multi-hazard early warning is a continuous process—its success depends not only on technical capabilities, but also on consistent funding, political will, and national leadership.” – Mr Amjad Abbashar, Chief, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Regional Office for Africa (RoA).
According to Dr. Zeynu Ummer, Director, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resilience Hub for Africa, “The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) offers its technical expertise, convening power, and continental presence to support implementation and scale-up of multi-hazard early warning and resilience efforts.” –
“The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is committed to turning early warnings into early action and supporting Africa in accessing climate finance and achieving Agenda 2063.” – Dr. Joseph Intsiful, Senior Climate and Early Warning Systems Specialist, Green Climate Fund (GCF).
“The African Risk Capacity (ARC) calls on donor governments to continue investing in and scaling up anticipatory action. We reaffirm our commitment to partnerships for a system-wide approach to anticipatory action in Africa.” – Mr. Koffi Konin, Head of Government Services for East and Southern Africa, African Risk Capacity (ARC).
“Anticipatory action is essential to intervene before hazards become disasters—saving lives, reducing costs, and building community resilience for the future. The launch of the project is a significant milestone in building continental resilience.” – Dr. Gustavo Sobrinho Dgedge, State Secretary of Land and Environment, the Government of the Republic of Mozambique (representing H.E. President Danie Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique and the AU Champion of Disaster Risk Management).
About the “Improving Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems to Reduce Disaster Risks and Enhance Anticipatory Action” Project:
Funded by Denmark and implemented by the African Union Commission (AUC), the “Improving Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems to Reduce Disaster Risks and Enhance Anticipatory Action” project aims to reduce disaster impacts through the effective implementation of Anticipatory Action (AA). The project offers a proactive approach to support African countries in reducing disaster damages and losses and building sustainable disaster resilience in communities.
For further information, contact:
Mrs. Teresa Custodio Pinto| Technical Coordinator for Disaster Risk Reduction| Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy, Department for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment | E-mail: PintoT@africanunion.org
For media enquiry:
Mr. Molalet Tsedeke |Communication and Media Officer| Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission | Email: MolaletT@africanunion.org
Ms. Maryanne Muriuki, Communications Analyst – Disaster Risk Reduction | Disaster Risk Reduction Unit | African Union Commission | E-mail: MuriukiM@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
