Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Addis Ababa, April 10, 2026 — Ethiopia’s expanding green development programs and river basin initiatives are emerging as a continental model for climate change prevention and disaster resilience, the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC) said.
The 16th African Disaster Risk Management Conference, held in Addis Ababa under the theme “Cooperating on Sovereignty,” brought together representatives from 39 member states and key stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and advance coordinated responses to climate-related risks.
Speaking at the conference, Commissioner Shiferaw Teklemariam underscored the urgency for African countries to reinforce collective capacity in addressing climate shocks and food insecurity.
“Africa is at a critical juncture in its pursuit of food sovereignty through its own capacity,” he said, stressing the need for a robust continental financial system capable of responding to increasingly complex and interconnected risks.
The commissioner noted that achieving the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 requires sustained political commitment and resilient financing frameworks.
He said climate action has become a national priority under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, supported by strengthened institutional structures designed to deliver coordinated responses.
Having mentioned the flagship initiatives such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the Green Legacy Initiative, irrigation expansion and renewable energy programs, Shiferaw emphasized that these efforts are producing tangible results in mitigating climate impacts and enhancing food security.
“These efforts are positioning Ethiopia as an example for Africa and beyond in tackling climate change, achieving food sovereignty, and strengthening disaster response systems,” he noted.
He added that Ethiopia’s progress in building a climate resilient economy makes it a fitting host for the continental gathering, which also serves as a platform to share national experience in advancing self-reliant humanitarian assistance.
Shiferaw also pointed to ongoing corridor and river basin development projects in Addis Ababa as practical demonstrations of integrated approaches to climate adaptation and urban resilience.
He said the initiatives are expected to accelerate Ethiopia’s path toward food and humanitarian sovereignty while offering scalable lessons for other African countries.
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