AU Commission (AUC) Director for Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy Harsen Nyambe Nyambe made the call at the Extraordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment.
Speaking on behalf of AUC Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment Moses Vilakati, Nyambe said climate risks require coordinated, science-based and politically supported continental responses. “This meeting comes at a critical moment,” Nyambe said.
According to Nyambe, global climate forecasting centres indicate a high probability that a strong El Niño episode will develop later this year, with peak intensity expected between November 2026 and January 2027.
Nyambe said El Niño affects African regions differently, with some areas facing drought and prolonged dry spells while others experience floods, landslides and outbreaks of climate-sensitive diseases.
“These climate extremes have profound consequences for agriculture, food security, water resources, energy production, public health, education, infrastructure and ultimately the livelihoods of millions of Africans,” Nyambe said.
Nyambe said the 2023/24 El Niño offered painful lessons for the continent. Southern Africa recorded one of its worst droughts in decades, forcing six countries to declare national states of disaster. Crop failures, reduced hydropower output, rising food prices and worsening hunger left more than 60 million people requiring humanitarian assistance.
Eastern Africa experienced severe flooding that displaced more than 480 000 people, damaged infrastructure and killed more than 500 people. “These events were not isolated natural disasters; they were stark reminders of how climate variability, compounded by climate change, threatens decades of socio-economic progress across our continent,” Nyambe said.
Nyambe said Africa has strengthened climate observation systems, seasonal forecasting, climate services and early warning mechanisms through member states, regional economic communities, regional climate centres, the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development and programmes such as ClimSA.
However, Nyambe said climate data must translate into action for farmers, pastoralists, disaster management authorities, health workers and communities. “Climate information only becomes valuable when it informs decisions, shapes public policy and reaches farmers preparing for the planting season,” Nyambe said.
Nyambe said that there was a need to consider Africa’s participation in COP31, preparations for COP32, disaster risk reduction, the AU Theme of the Year on Water and Sanitation, resource mobilisation and institutional coordination.
Nyambe said resilience requires stronger institutions, empowered communities, investment in science and technology, protected ecosystems and effective early warning systems. “Our citizens expect more than discussions. They expect preparedness. They expect coordination. They expect leadership. Above all, they expect action,” Nyambe said.
–AU/ChannelAfrica–
