Southern Africa must strengthen its early‑warning systems

Summary

LIMCOM Member States remain committed to enhancing the Limpopo Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System (FFEWS) and cross-border information exchange to ensure timely and effective actions are taken to mitigate the impact of disasters in the basin.

Southern Africa should strengthen its early-warning systems and increase investment in meteorological services to better mitigate the impacts of natural disasters such as floods and droughts.

This call was made at the 33rd Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-33) underway in Swakopmund, Namibia.

The call resonates with the message from SADC leaders, who met for their annual summit in Durban, South Africa on 17 August 2026 and urged the region to strengthen its preparedness for the predicted El Niño event expected to affect the region in the coming season.

Speaking at the official opening of hashtag#SARCOF‑33, Namibian Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi emphasized that investing in weather stations, satellites, radars and data networks is not a luxury but a necessity for strengthening early‑warning systems.

“I urge Member States to ensure that our national meteorological and hydrological services are not only legally mandated but also financially empowered to perform their legitimate functions,” he said, adding that it is critical for the region to strengthen its early-warning systems as soon as possible and with priority.

Director of Infrastructure at the SADC Secretariat, Rauna Mukumangeni concurred, stating that “reliable weather forecasts and climate information enable us to anticipate risks, strengthen infrastructure resilience, and make better‑informed decisions” to mitigate against disasters.

Running under the theme “From Climate Observation to Seasonal Prediction: Informing Early Action for the Upcoming Season,” SARCOF‑33 serves as a regional platform where SADC Member States jointly assess the likely climate conditions for the forthcoming season.

The forum that is convened biannually brings together climate experts, meteorological and hydrological specialists, as well as users of climate information to develop and interpret the regional seasonal climate outlook and translate it into practical guidance for preparedness, planning, and early action across the SADC region.

As one of the key stakeholders, LIMCOM is taking part in SARCOF-33 that is being held on 25-28 August 2026 in Namibia.

The Limpopo River Basin (LRB), like many other river systems in the region, faces growing climate-related risks such as floods that have left many communities vulnerable and thousands displaced.

LIMCOM Member States remain committed to enhancing the Limpopo Flood Forecasting and Early Warning System (FFEWS) and cross-border information exchange to ensure timely and effective actions are taken to mitigate the impact of disasters in the basin.

SARCOF-33 is organized by the SADC Secretariat through the SADC Climate Services Centre (SADC-CSC).