A dialogue was convened in Nairobi converging stakeholders across science, policy and civil society to forge actionable strategies around early warning systems (EWS) in Africa.
The event, co-hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), focused on strengthening collaboration between science, policy and practice to enhance regional preparedness and response to climate-induced risks.
Themed “Operationalizing a Multi-Hazard Early Warning Framework in East Africa,” the dialogue highlighted a need to improve data-driven and people-centered systems that can predict and mitigate the growing threats from climate hazards such as floods, droughts, heatwaves and food insecurity.
The dialogue featured diverse voices from government ministries, research institutions, regional bodies such as IGAD, UN agencies and community organizations. Participants addressed the critical question of how countries in East Africa can
The presentation emphasised the need for stronger national and regional data sharing mechanisms, more localized hazard modeling and improved coordination with national disaster risk management agencies.
IGAD also showcased its role in developing early warning advisories, including the use of mobile platforms and community-based dissemination strategies that reach rural populations often excluded from traditional EWS.
Participants acknowledged the persistent challenges in operationalising early warning systems in the region, including fragmented data systems where, despite multiple institutions collecting relevant data, a lack of coordination hinders real-time analysis. Inadequate financing and limited community engagement were also mentioned as barriers to effective early warning.
One proposed solution was the development of an Integrated Risk Assessment Platform that combines climate, health and economic data to inform decisions across ministries and counties.
Another recommendation was to align early warning systems with existing national development priorities, such as Vision 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, to ensure political buy-in and sustainability.
The dialogue also emphasised that women, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities must be intentionally included in both the design and dissemination of early warnings.
A key outcome of the Nairobi dialogue was the proposal to develop a regional framework for early warning, based on shared principles for national adaptation. This framework would define minimum standards, data protocols and emergency communication systems for cross-border hazards.
Several countries expressed interest in piloting national early warning hubs that would serve as one-stop centers for climate risk data, advisories and public education. These hubs could also integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance real-time analytics and forecasting.
