Africa Advances Climate Disaster Preparedness with Satellite-Based Early Warning System
Windhoek, Namibia — In a decisive step towards combating the escalating impacts of climate change, African nations have launched a cutting-edge satellite-based early warning system known as SEWA (Space for Early Warning in Africa). Officially inaugurated at a high-level forum held from June 23 to 27, 2025, in Windhoek, Namibia, SEWA symbolizes a critical advancement in the continent’s proactive disaster preparedness strategy.
Bringing Together Key Stakeholders to Strengthen Resilience
The Joint Forum on Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications Programme (ClimSA) and SEWA convened representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), European Union (EU), national governments, meteorological agencies, researchers, and technical partners. Under the theme “Accelerating access to climate and weather services for resilient African economies and communities,” participants explored how Africa is increasingly leveraging space technology and data-driven solutions to anticipate and mitigate climate-related disasters.
Climate Vulnerability and the Need for Innovation in Africa
Although Africa contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains the most vulnerable continent to climate change effects and possesses the least-developed capacity to predict and respond effectively. Covering nearly one-fifth of the Earth’s landmass, Africa suffers from the sparsest network of land-based climate observation systems, which hampers timely delivery of life-saving early warnings.
The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s sixth assessment highlights significant losses already experienced across Africa’s development sectors. These include biodiversity degradation, water scarcity, diminished food production, loss of human life, and reduced economic growth attributable to human-induced climate changes.
Addressing these challenges, African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), H.E. Moses Vilakati, emphasized, “Africa has never been more vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather and climate change than at present.” He noted that in 2022 alone, over 110 million Africans were directly affected by weather, climate, and water-related hazards, which caused economic damages exceeding USD 8.5 billion and at least 5,000 fatalities. Agricultural productivity growth has additionally declined by 34 percent since 1961 due to climatic disruptions — the steepest drop recorded globally.
Bridging the Climate Information Gap: ClimSA and SEWA Initiatives
The Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications Programme (ClimSA) and SEWA represent vital initiatives aimed at bridging the climate information gap in African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) nations. ClimSA supports the creation of end-user-oriented climate services across critical sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, water, and disaster risk reduction.
SEWA complements this by deploying satellite technology to bolster multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) and enhance data access among governments, civil society, and communities. This program directly addresses capacity gaps in the generation and timely dissemination of accurate weather, early warning, and climate information.
Empowering African Nations with Data and Capacity
In his remarks at a press conference during the forum, Commissioner Vilakati shared the tangible progress SEWA has facilitated: “The African Union supports its member states. To date, 34 new weather observation stations have been established across West, East, and Southern Africa. These stations feed real-time data into situational rooms managed by regional blocs such as ECOWAS, ECCAS, and IGAD, enabling prompt disaster response.”
He further highlighted capacity building, “Over 200 experts across Africa have been trained through this program. These professionals are equipped to train journalists, civil society actors, and vulnerable communities—ensuring that early warnings reach those most at risk in understandable and actionable forms.”
Looking ahead, SEWA plans to expand situational rooms to operate at the national level, starting with Tanzania. Commissioner Vilakati explained, “We want these centers to communicate effectively with each other to relay real-time data. If a cyclone forms, communities can prepare days in advance. This scaling down to national levels is crucial for maximizing impact.”
Ensuring Effective Use of Data Through Inclusivity and Local Engagement
While data availability is key, Commissioner Vilakati stressed the importance of translating information into action: “Governments are sovereign and must be willing to respond. Most leaders understand the stakes—this data saves lives. However, some lack the capacity to interpret satellite data in real-time. That is why SEWA invests not only in technology but also in human capacity building.”
He called on media professionals, saying, “Journalists play a critical role in communicating warnings about cyclones, wildfires, and floods to the public. Timely dissemination through trusted channels is how lives are saved. The question is no longer if a disaster will strike but when.”
Namibia’s Ministry of Works and Transport representative Jonas Sheelongo, speaking on infrastructure challenges, emphasized SEWA’s integrated approach: “Each partner has a role—from processing data to translating it into information usable by farmers or urban planners. Even in regions with weaker infrastructure, early warnings guide short-, medium-, and long-term interventions.”
He cited urban centers as examples where early warning systems help interpret weather signals, enabling more adaptive policy decisions. “We may not need extensive infrastructure immediately, but advance warnings enable us to prepare, especially for farmers dependent on seasonal cycles.”
A Transformative Step Towards Climate Resilience
SEWA’s launch signifies a transformative chapter for Africa’s resilience to climate disasters. By harnessing satellite technology, strengthening regional networks, and empowering communities, the continent moves to protect millions from the devastating effects of extreme weather events.
As climate threats intensify, Africa’s investment in early warning systems marks a hopeful advancement toward safeguarding lives, food security, and economic stability across the continent.
— Written by Adesewa Olofinko, Global Voices
