Africa gathers in Zambia to strengthen El Niño readiness

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Zambia is hosting climate experts, policymakers and meteorological specialists from across Africa for a high-level forum aimed at strengthening the continent's preparedness for the anticipated El Niño 2026/2027 weather phenomenon.

The Twenty-First African Continental Climate Outlook Forum (ACCOF-21) and Continental Dialogue on Climate-Sector Nexus, taking place in Lusaka, have brought together representatives from Regional Economic Communities, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, Regional Climate Centres, disaster management agencies, humanitarian organisations and development partners.

The meeting, organised by the African Union Commission (AUC), the Government of Zambia through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, and the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD), is being held under the theme "Preparing Africa for El Niño 2026/2027: Strengthening Readiness to Anticipate and Manage Climate Shocks."

Opening the forum, African Union Commission Director for Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy Harsen Nyambe said Africa must move away from reacting to climate disasters and instead invest in anticipation and preparedness.

"As we gather for ACCOF-21, we do so with a shared commitment to prepare Africa for the anticipated El Niño 2026/2027 event. Climate shocks do not respect borders, sectors or communities. Our response must therefore be collective, coordinated and proactive," Mr. Nyambe said.

He noted that the forum presents an opportunity for African countries to transform climate information into early action and strengthen preparedness measures capable of protecting lives, livelihoods and economies.

The gathering comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over the potential impacts of another El Niño event, which experts warn could trigger droughts, floods, food insecurity, disease outbreaks and disruptions to water and energy systems across parts of the continent.

For Zambia, the discussions carry added significance following the devastating drought experienced during the 2023/2024 farming season, which affected crop production, power generation and water availability.


Representing the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Ranford Simumbwe said climate information has become an indispensable tool for sustainable development and disaster risk management.

"Africa continues facing severe climate challenges, placing the need for climate information as an essential resource for sustainable development. However, climate information only creates value when it is translated into action," Mr. Simumbwe said.

He said the Lusaka meeting offers Zambia and the wider region an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, harmonise climate outlooks, share scientific knowledge and improve communication between producers and users of climate information.

World Meteorological Organization Regional Director for Africa Dr. Agnes Kijazi warned that the increasing likelihood of El Niño conditions extending into 2026 and 2027 calls for urgent action across the continent.

"The increasing likelihood of El Niño conditions extending into 2026–2027 underscores the urgent need for Africa to strengthen preparedness, anticipatory action and climate-informed decision-making," Dr. Kijazi said.

She reaffirmed WMO's commitment to supporting African countries through improved climate services, stronger early warning systems and access to accurate and actionable weather information.


Meanwhile, ACMAD Director General Dr. Ousmane Ndiaye said Africa cannot afford to wait until climate disasters occur before responding.

"With the looming El Niño 2026/2027 and its potential impacts across Africa, we cannot afford to wait before acting. ACCOF-21 provides a critical platform to strengthen preparedness, enhance early warning systems and translate climate information into timely action," Dr. Ndiaye said.

He said ACMAD would continue working with governments, Regional Climate Centres and humanitarian partners to ensure communities receive timely climate information that can help reduce risks and strengthen resilience.

The forum is expected to produce coordinated continental climate outlooks and recommendations to support preparedness in critical sectors including agriculture, food security, water resources, health, disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response.



Delegates are also expected to advance the work of Continental Climate Sector Working Groups and User Interface Platforms, initiatives designed to strengthen collaboration between climate scientists and end-users of climate information.

Experts say improving the use of climate information will be critical in helping governments, farmers, disaster management authorities and communities prepare for future climate shocks before they develop into humanitarian and socio-economic crises.

The meeting runs until June 19 and is expected to generate a roadmap for strengthening Africa's climate resilience through improved forecasting, early warning systems and coordinated continental action.

ends

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