SADC MINISTERS CONVENED IN MASVINGO TO STRENGTHEN REGIONAL DISASTER RESILIENCE

Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe participated in the Sixth Ordinary Meeting of SADC Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management, hosted by the Government of Zimbabwe in Masvingo from 11 to 14 May 2026. As a key player in providing meteorological services, the department played a pivotal role in informing regional efforts to address escalating climate-related disasters in Southern Africa.

Director, Mrs. R Manzou, led the delegation from the department, underscoring the commitment to regional collaboration on disaster risk reduction and management. The meeting brought together ministers and experts to deliberate on enhancing early warning systems, humanitarian coordination, and proactive disaster management.

Southern Africa faces significant challenges from climate change, including droughts, floods, and food insecurity, which impact livelihoods, infrastructure, and economic development. Against this backdrop, the conference focused on building resilience and fostering sustainable development.

Some of the key outcomes of the meeting included:

-Harmonised framework for joint rapid assessments to inform immediate response interventions

-Operationalisation of the SADC Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, aligned with global frameworks

-Development of regional instruments, such as the SADC Multi-Hazard Early Warning System, Customs and Border Taxes Instrument, and Health, Quarantine, and One Health Facilitation Framework

-Strengthening of the SADC Standby Force deployment procedures

-Progress on the SADC Programmer on Forced Displacement, Fragility Mitigation, and Climate Resilience

The "Building Back Better Together" theme highlighted the need for collective action towards resilient recovery and sustainable development. The department's expertise in meteorology was crucial in informing these regional efforts. The department participated in strengthening early warning systems and disaster resilience in the SADC region, ultimately protecting lives and livelihoods. #MSDZimbabwe #SADC #DisasterRiskReduction