Africa-Press – Eswatini. Disaster risk reduction and humanitarian experts from 14 SADC Member States concluded a three day regional workshop at Hilton Garden Inn, where they explored ways to strengthen the use of the INFORM Subnational Risk Model, a powerful tool that helps countries anticipate, understand, and reduce disaster risks.
Hosted by the Government through the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the workshop served as a platform for regional experts to share knowledge and strategies on risk informed planning. It also marked another milestone in the SADC region’s journey toward resilience and sustainable development.
NDMA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Victor Mahlalela, emphasized that the model continues to guide Eswatini’s national strategies through the Subnational INFORM Risk Index, which supports initiatives like the Composite Drought Index (CDI-E) and anticipatory action planning.
“Every Lilangeni invested in preparedness and resilience saves many times more in response and recovery costs,” Mahlalela said, highlighting the cost effectiveness of proactive disaster management.
UNDP Resident Representative, Henrik Franklin, described the INFORM model as “not just a technical tool but a catalyst for transforming how risks are understood, managed, and reduced across systems.” He stressed that sustainable development can only be achieved through risk informed decision making.
The initiative, supported by the SADC Secretariat, UNDP, GIZ, and the African Union Commission (AUC), built on previous workshops held in Johannesburg and Windhoek. Its focus was to ensure that the INFORM model becomes locally led, co-owned, and integrated into national and regional decision making systems.
Through the collaboration, SADC Member States reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness, risk monitoring, and data-driven policy planning. The discussions further aligned with the region’s collective vision for a resilient, peaceful, and prosperous Africa under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The workshop ended with a renewed pledge to institutionalize the INFORM Model across the region, ensuring that risk management remains at the heart of development planning.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
