AU Af-STAG on DRR

14/08/2026

📚✍️ Advancing Research Towards Publication!

From 10–14 August 2026, AfSTAG & AYAB researchers involved in the APEDA research projects convened at Southern Sun Hotel, Dar es Salaam, for an intensive writing retreat dedicated to advancing scholarly publications and strengthening research for impact. The writing retreat provided a focused environment for uninterrupted writing, peer learning, constructive feedback, and mentorship, enabling participants to refine manuscripts and accelerate progress toward journal submission. The retreat also fostered accountability, collaboration, and shared learning among researchers committed to generating high-quality evidence for policy and practice.

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

The Africa Science and Technology Advisory Group (AfSTAG) participated in the 4th African Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System (AMHEWAS) Technical Working Group meeting held in Maputo, Mozambique on 25-27 May 2026.

The discussions were highly strategic and centered on: urban early warning systems, impact-based forecasting and risk knowledge, data governance and system interoperability, anticipatory action frameworks, preparedness against the projected 2026 El Niño and strengthening continental coordination and sustainability of AMHEWAS initiatives. Particularly interesting were the engagements on translating scientific forecasting into actionable early warning and early action systems that are locally relevant, people-centred, and capable of addressing increasingly complex and cascading risks in Africa. One of the key highlights to take forth is the recognition that effective early warning and anticipatory action must be backed by timely and accessible disaster financing to enable action before crises escalate.

The event was wrapped with a field visit to Mozambique’s National Directorate of Water Resources Management, National Institute of Meteorology, and the National Disaster Risk Management Situation Room. Through the visit, participants learned from hands-on demonstration the importance of operational coordination, institutional preparedness, and investment in integrated risk governance systems.

06/05/2026

The Africa Science and Technology Advisory Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (AfSTAG-DRR), convened by the African Union Commission (AUC), held its 2026 Planning and Coordination Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 4–6 May 2026. The in-person session brought together AfSTAG members to review progress, finalize their 2026 workplan, align priorities, and fast-track delivery of key activities within their mandate to provide technical expert and advisory on DRR science, technology, and innovation initiatives across the continent. The meeting was also attended by representatives from the African Union DRR Unit situated within the Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (SEBE), Partners Enhancing Resilience for People Exposed to Risks (PERI PERI U), Bahir Dar University and the African Youth Advisory Board/ DRR (AYAB-DRR).

22/04/2026

The Africa Science and Technology Advisory Group (AfSTAG) was part of the stakeholders that participated in the 4th Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Action System (AMEHWAS) Coordination and Co Production Meeting held on 20-22 April, 2026 in Akwa Palace Hotel in Douala, Cameroon. The meeting was convened by the African Union Commission (AUC), Regional Economic Communities (RECs) including IGAD-ICPAC, UMA, ECOWAS, ECCAS, EACS, Member States, and strategic technical partners including the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), CIMA Research Foundation, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The meeting aimed to take stock of the implementation progress and strengthen coordination around the AMHEWAS programme approach—particularly through policy and governance alignment, strengthening interoperability of Situation Rooms, showcasing new products & services and country-level practical experiences on integration of innovations and operational tools into national and regional early warning and anticipatory action systems and meteorological products, and lessons for strengthening AMHEWAS implementation. The meeting culminated with the development of priority actions (2026-2027), which will guide continental, regional and Member States implementation roadmaps and integration.

11/03/2026

Climate change is intensifying risks, but the real disaster lies in the failure to prepare and respond. The recurrent floods in the Kenya’s “Green City in the Sun” strongly depict a wake-up call to invest in anticipatory action and people centered disaster risk reduction.
Last week, we saw our beautiful Nairobi become more like an Indian Ocean, we knew the rains were coming, but we just never took action - what really needs to be done? Read more here:

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

31/12/2025

Dear Colleagues, Partners, Stakeholders, and Friends,
As we close the chapter on 2025 and embrace the opportunities of 2026, I extend, on behalf of the Executive Bureau and the entire membership of AfSTAG DRR, our warmest New Year's greetings to you, your families, and your organisations.
The year 2025 was a landmark period for AfSTAG DRR. We successfully convened our inaugural Symposium, advanced critical policy deliberations, actively contributed to continental and global platforms including the Africa Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction, and strengthened our commitment to evidence-based approaches that align with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and Africa's Agenda 2063. These achievements reflect the collective dedication of our members, partners, and supporters across the continent in harnessing science, technology, and innovation to build a more resilient Africa.
We express profound gratitude for your continued collaboration, expertise, and unwavering support, which remain essential to our shared mission of reducing disaster risks and safeguarding lives and livelihoods.
Looking ahead to 2026, we reaffirm our resolve to provide robust scientific and technical advisory support to African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities, and stakeholders. Together, we will promote innovative solutions, enhance data-driven decision-making, and foster greater resilience against the growing challenges posed by disasters in our changing climate.
May the New Year bring you renewed strength, good health, peace, and prosperity. We look forward to deepening our partnership in the year ahead.
Happy New Year 2026!
Sincerely,
Dr. Eltson Eteckji Fonkeng
Chair, AfSTAG DRR
On behalf of the Executive Bureau
African Science and Technology Advisory Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (AfSTAG DRR)
African Union Commission

31/12/2025

As we welcome the dawn of 2026, the Africa Science and Technology Advisory Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (AfSTAG-DRR), extends heartfelt New Year's wishes to our partners, stakeholders, member states, scientists, innovators, youth networks, and communities across the continent and beyond.
In 2025, we advanced our shared mission to harness science, technology, and innovation for a more resilient Africa.
In the year ahead, let us renew our commitment to building disaster-resilient communities, promoting evidence-based policies, fostering collaboration.
May 2026 bring peace, good health, renewed hope, and greater resilience in the face of challenges.
Happy and Resilient New Year!

14/11/2025

AfSTAG DRR actively joined the 23rd AWGDRR Session in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (11–13 Nov 2025)! Engaging with AUC, UNDRR, SADC & African leaders to turn the Windhoek Declaration into action. Focus: early warnings, DRR financing, & resilient infrastructure. Proud to contribute to a safer Africa! 🌍🇿🇼

13/11/2025

Exciting news!!! The African Union Commission convened the Inaugural Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Symposium in Africa on 10th November 2025, hosted at the Cresta Sprayview Hotel, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The theme of the Symposium was 'Strengthening the Role of Science, Technology & Innovations for Evidence-based Implementation of the Sendai Framework' was conceptualized by the Africa Science and Technology Advisory Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (Af-STAG DRR). The Symposium was co-hosted with key stakeholders in DRR space including UNDRR, U.

We appreciate the efforts of Prof. Alice Ncube (secretary-AfSTAG) and Dr. Fonkeng Eltson (Chair-AfSTAG), all supporting and participating AfSTAG colleagues, African Youth Advisory Board/ DRR and stakeholders, who made this Symposium a big success! Special appreciation to our strategic partners and sponsors the African UnionUNDRR and PERIPERI U - Partners Enhancing Resilience for People Exposed to Risk.

As climate disasters and hazards continually increase in Africa, the Af-STAG— a power house of 15 experts drawn across the five regions of the African Union—is turning knowledge into evidence based action: for risk mapping, early warning, nature-based solutions, and indigenous wisdom.

Key expected output from the Symposium is a Position Paper of the Africa Science and Technology Advisory Group (Af-STAG-DRR) - 'Strategic Leveraging of Science, Technology, and Innovation for Risk-Informed Development in Africa'

Join the resilience revolution. Youth Advisory Board/ DRR