African nations are grappling with an outsized impact from climate change, losing an average of 2–5% of GDP annually and diverting up to 9% of their budgets to respond to climate extremes. According to the WMO State of the Climate in Africa 2023 report, adaptation costs in sub-Saharan Africa are projected to reach $30–50 billion per year over the next decade—equivalent to 2–3% of the region’s GDP.
Without decisive measures, up to 118 million extremely poor Africans could face intensified exposure to drought, floods, and extreme heat by 2030, undermining poverty reduction and economic growth efforts.
The report urges African nations to prioritise investments in National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and accelerate the Early Warnings For All initiative. Such actions will enhance resilience, mitigate risks, and guide sustainable development strategies.
In 2023, Africa experienced record heatwaves, floods, prolonged droughts, and tropical cyclones. Many regions, including North Africa, recorded their warmest year yet, while extreme weather events caused devastating economic and humanitarian impacts. For instance, floods in Libya from Storm Daniel claimed over 4,700 lives, while droughts in Zambia left millions vulnerable.
Efforts like the Early Warnings for All Action Plan for Africa, launched in 2023, aim to ensure all Africans, especially vulnerable populations, receive timely hazard alerts. However, only 40% of Africa’s population currently has access to early warning systems—the lowest globally.
Key Messages:
- Rising Temperatures: Africa’s warming rate now surpasses the global average, with the continent heating up by +0.3°C per decade since 1991.
- Extreme Climate Events: Floods, droughts, and tropical cyclones have caused widespread destruction, severely impacting food security and infrastructure.
- Adaptation Investments: Urgent funding is required for hydrometeorological infrastructure, early warning systems, and climate-resilient development across the continent.
It is expected that African leaders, alongside global partners take bold, coordinated actions to address these challenges and build a future resilient to climate change.
