Enhancing Resilience to Disasters in Africa through Science, Technology, and Innovation

2024-12-01

Cairo, Egypt | 17-19 November 2024

The African Disaster Mitigation Research Center (ADMiR), in collaboration with the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), in partnership with AU-ASRIC, FASRC, UNESCO, and other international and regional organizations, reflects the strong commitment to fostering regional and global cooperation in addressing the pressing challenges posed by natural and human-made hazards.

The meeting was held with 25 experts from 10 African countries to address disaster risk management, enhance capacity building, and promote collaboration in tackling natural hazards across Africa. The focus of the discussions was on leveraging science and technology to mitigate disaster impacts, particularly by improving monitoring systems, data management, and regional cooperation. Participants emphasized the need for a multi-disciplinary approach in disaster management, integrating new technologies such as remote sensing, low-cost sensors, and satellite-based systems to effectively manage risks.

Public Awareness and Capacity Building Challenges

A key theme from the meeting was the insufficient public awareness of disaster risks, which remains a major barrier in many African countries. Experts highlighted the urgent need for enhanced public disaster preparedness and risk reduction education. Additionally, the lack of effective monitoring systems for cascading hazards such as floods, earthquakes, and wildfires was discussed. Experts called for urgent reforms to strengthen disaster resilience, particularly through improved infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and community engagement. The meeting also underscored the crucial roles of peace, security, and climate change in disaster management, advocating for a holistic, integrated risk management approach.

Key Action Items and Recommendations

The meeting concluded with several key actions and recommendations for the way forward, including:

• Collaboration on Seismic Building Codes: ADMiR’s ongoing collaboration with Nigeria on seismic building codes to improve structural resilience against seismic events.
• Capacity Building Initiatives: A training course in January 2025 focused on enhancing disaster risk management and the use of advanced technologies such as remote sensing, IoT devices, and satellite systems.
• Data Sharing Protocols: Agreement on establishing data-sharing protocols among member institutions, including the creation of an African Seismological Data Center to enhance data exchange and overcome barriers to effective data management.
• Use of Satellite Technology and Sensors: The need to integrate satellite technology and low-cost sensors into national disaster monitoring systems to better manage environmental conditions and water resources.

Capacity Building and Data Management

Capacity building remained central to the discussions, with participants emphasizing the need for tailored training programs to bridge gaps in technical expertise. A multi-level training approach, combining virtual, online, and in-person formats, was recommended to enhance skills continent-wide. The integration of satellite-based automation and low-cost sensors was identified as a key strategy to improve monitoring, especially in remote or resource-limited areas. Improving data management practices was also a priority to ensure the reliability and accuracy of disaster-related data.

Collaboration and Networking for Greater Impact

The meeting stressed the importance of regional collaboration and networking to enhance disaster risk management efforts. Key roles were assigned to individuals:

• Prof. Atalay Ayele: Coordinating capacity-building programs and networking initiatives.
• Josphat Mula: Overseeing the Monitoring Program and low-cost sensor deployment.
• Eunison Mugamu: Leading communication and outreach activities, fostering synergies between ADMiR and other organizations.

A proposal to create a YouTube platform for sharing scientific content, educational videos, and research findings was discussed as a means to promote disaster resilience knowledge, particularly among youth and local communities. A database of scientists willing to collaborate on disaster-related projects was also suggested to expand the pool of expertise for capacity building and research.

Collaboration with SDG Satellite Program and China-Africa Framework

The meeting explored collaboration opportunities with the SDG Satellite Program and the China-Africa cooperation framework. Leveraging China's Earth science satellite, SDG Set One, for enhanced disaster monitoring in Africa was discussed. This collaboration could significantly contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by utilizing advanced satellite technologies for real-time monitoring of environmental changes.

Educational and Outreach Initiatives

Educational outreach was a major focus, with plans to integrate natural disaster education into school curricula across Africa. The meeting emphasized the use of digital platforms, particularly social media, to share knowledge and raise awareness. ADMiR is set to appoint a content manager to handle social media outreach and video production. Partnerships with organizations such as TWAS were also discussed to provide South-South cooperation scholarships for students from conflict zones.

Funding Opportunities and Innovation

Funding was a key topic, with a call for ADMiR to explore opportunities such as the Mastercard Foundation scholarship to support displaced students and foster innovation in disaster risk management. Experts also encouraged collaboration with the private sector to develop low-cost sensor technologies for monitoring natural hazards.

Looking Forward

The meeting concluded with the identification of several gaps in monitoring networks, particularly in high-risk areas. Participants agreed to prioritize the establishment of new networks and technologies, focusing on data availability, monitoring systems, and infrastructure resilience. Sustained collaboration among governments, academic institutions, and private organizations will be critical to achieving disaster resilience in Africa.

The outcomes from this meeting will inform future policies and actions to improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery across the continent, particularly in regions vulnerable to natural hazards such as flash floods, earthquakes, and wildfires.

The program featured keynote speeches by leading experts, including presentations on harnessing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, remote sensing, IoT, and low-cost monitoring systems to enhance real-time hazard detection, early warning systems, and risk mitigation strategies. Notable speakers emphasized the importance of partnerships between academia, the private sector, and governments to translate scientific knowledge into actionable solutions.

Interactive sessions focused on topics such as:

• Strengthening disaster monitoring systems across the African continent.
• Building technical capacity through local innovation and manufacturing of affordable technologies.
• Promoting multi-sector collaboration to integrate STI into disaster management policies.
• Leveraging Africa’s Common Position on Climate Security to address climate risks and vulnerabilities.

The workshop culminated in adopting actionable recommendations, including establishing Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs) in AU member states to coordinate disaster response efforts. Participants called for increased funding and collaboration to support research and development in STI, ensuring that Africa is well-equipped to tackle future disasters while driving sustainable development.

This landmark event is a testament to Africa’s growing leadership in using science and innovation to protect its people, heritage, and infrastructure. Stay tuned for follow-up initiatives and partnerships stemming.