Africa's capability to predict and respond to climate catastrophes is expected to improve significantly. This is simply because the Space for Early Warning in Africa (SEWA) was officially launched in Windhoek, Namibia, as a flagship highlight of the Joint ClimSA and SEWA Forum.
In a statement released by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), this milestone marks a major step forward in Africa’s commitment to building resilience to climate risks through advanced space-based technologies and early warning systems.
The launch convened high-level representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), European Union (EU), national governments, and technical partners.
According to the communiqué, the SEWA initiative aims to equip the continent with the tools to anticipate better, prepare for, and respond to natural hazards and climate-related shocks.
The broader ClimSA-SEWA Forum serves as a continental platform for accelerating access to climate and weather services in support of resilient African economies and communities.
The Joint ClimSA and SEWA Forum, under the theme ‘Accelerating Access to Climate and Weather Services for Resilient African Economies and Communities’, has three main objectives and they are to showcase the achievements of ClimSA and SEWA in advancing climate services and policy frameworks, promote the uptake and practical use of climate information services for sustainable development, and encourage dialogue between decision-makers, scientists, and the public to drive climate action and resilience.
“As the climate crisis intensifies, the urgency of climate-smart solutions and proactive adaptation is more apparent than ever. This Forum is a strong reminder that climate change is not a distant threat, it is happening now, and Africa is stepping up to lead with innovation, collaboration, and determination,” read the statement. The African Union (AU) Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) His Excellency Moses Vilakati, was also part of the proceedings and formed part of the panel of discussions. Worth noting is that Vilakati is a liSwati and the former Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs in Eswatini. In his remarks, Vilakati said the African Union (AU) recognised that climate information and meteorology were foundational to building climate-resilient societies and economies. “With rising exposure to extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, cyclones, and erratic rainfall, African countries face escalating risks to food security, water availability, public health, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
“In response, the AU has prioritised climate services as a strategic priority under Agenda 2063 and the African Climate Change and Resilience Strategy. Through initiatives like the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) programme, the AU, in collaboration with institutions such as ACMAD (African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development), and SADC-CSC (Climate Service Centre), is strengthening the capacity of national and regional climate centres to deliver timely, reliable, and user-driven climate services,” explained the AU Commissioner of ABRE.
His Excellency further said these efforts directly supported Member States by improving seasonal forecasting, early warning systems, and climate-informed planning, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, energy, disaster risk management, and public health.
“As a result, countries are better prepared for climate shocks, experience reduced loss of life and property, increased agricultural productivity through climate-smart practices, and make more informed policy decisions based on climate data.
“The AU’s commitment to strengthening National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) ensures that even the most vulnerable and remote communities gain access to life-saving and livelihood-enhancing information.
“Africa’s desirable outcomes include universal access to climate information, operational early warning systems for all, enhanced regional cooperation in meteorology, and the integration of climate services into national development plans. The 2023 Windhoek Declaration on Early Warning for All reflects this vision, emphasising equity, sustainability, and resilience.”
His Excellency further stated that ultimately, the AU aimed to position Africa as a leader in climate adaptation by empowering Member States to make informed, climate-resilient decisions that drive sustainable development, safeguard ecosystems, and protect the most vulnerable populations.
“For the AU, climate information and meteorology are not just scientific tools but also key enablers of sustainable development, peace, resilience, and long-term prosperity in the face of climate change. Bridging the gap between providers and users of climate information remains central to achieving a climate-smart Africa.” According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), early warning systems (EWS) are tools and processes designed to detect and communicate potential hazards before they occur, helping communities, governments, and organisations take timely action to reduce risk and save lives. These systems monitor environmental, climatic, or health indicators to predict disasters such as floods, droughts, disease outbreaks, or storms. A strong EWS typically includes four key components: risk knowledge, monitoring and forecasting, communication and dissemination, and preparedness and response capabilities. By analysing data from satellites, weather stations, or public health reports, early warnings can be issued in advance, allowing individuals and authorities to evacuate, prepare resources, or implement safety measures.
