Press Release
African Risk Capacity (ARC) Showcases Africa-Centric Climate Resilience Solutions at COP29 in Baku
Baku, Azerbaijan, November 11, 2024 — African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group is pleased to announce its participation in the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, where discussions on climate finance are central to advancing global climate action. Representing Africa’s unique needs and opportunities, ARC uses its expertise and innovative tools to equip African nations with advanced strategies to plan, prepare for and respond to climate and disease-related threats. As the world gathers in Baku, ARC aims to strengthen partnerships with key donor partners, reflect on joint achievements and challenges, and mobilise new support for Africa’s climate resilience.
ARC’s presence at COP29 will be an opportunity to highlight its pioneering tools designed to enable African governments to take early and effective action to protect lives and livelihoods from climate impacts and disease outbreaks. Africa RiskView, ARC’s early-warning tool, uses satellite data and modelling to deliver accurate, timely insights on drought risks, enabling early action and risk mitigation. Similarly, the Flood Explorer and Tropical Cyclone Explorer provide tailored data on flood and cyclone risks, empowering countries to develop precise and proactive response plans. ARC’s Outbreaks and Epidemics Programme further supports African countries in preparing for and responding rapidly to disease outbreaks, enhancing public health security.
In response to the recent El Niño-induced drought across Southern Africa, ARC provided swift financial support through its climate insurance programmes, delivering just under $70 million in insurance payouts across affected nations: Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, as well as their Replica partners, WFP, UNHCR, AND Start Network. The Replica programme allows humanitarian partners to take a policy on behalf of a country, essentially increasing the number of vulnerable people protected. These timely disbursements to governments and to Replica partners have been crucial in helping governments and partners address food security needs and support vulnerable communities.
ARC’s financial affiliate, ARC Limited, plays a central role in providing risk transfer solutions to African nations, enabling them to access rapid financing during climate-related disasters. Through innovative insurance mechanisms, ARC Limited offers African countries pre-arranged, parametric insurance coverage that provides timely payouts in the case of extreme events. This approach minimises delays in mobilising resources, allowing governments to immediately implement rapid response measures to support affected populations. By transferring climate risk to the insurance market, ARC Limited supports African countries in reducing their fiscal exposure to natural disasters, building financial resilience, and protecting vulnerable communities against climate shocks.
ARC has also been pioneering gender mainstreaming efforts in the DRM space and in all its programmes, ensuring that resilience-building initiatives are inclusive and address the needs of women and marginalised groups. By integrating gender-sensitive frameworks, ARC’s approach fosters inclusive solutions that strengthen resilience across social and economic dimensions.
“COP29 is a vital platform for ARC to collaborate with our partners and showcase Africa-specific solutions that empower countries to withstand and respond to the growing threats of climate change and disease,” said Eva Grace Kavuma, ARC’s Acting Group Director General. “It is also an opportunity to echo the African voice and advocate for the needs of the continent as we work to intensify climate action.”
ARC’s participation at COP29 coincides with the development of its new five-year strategic plan to guide workstreams over this period. The strategy will continue to focus on positioning the organisation as a leading authority in Disaster Risk Management and Financing across Africa. Amongst others, it will prioritise aspects such as resource mobilisation to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organisation, product diversification to meet the needs on the countries, gender mainstreaming to advance gender equality and reduce the vulnerability of girls and women. Engaging with stakeholders at COP29 will provide critical insights to inform this strategic direction, reinforcing ARC’s commitment to driving impactful, Africa-centered climate solutions.
As a leader in Africa’s climate resilience efforts, ARC’s expertise, tools, and partnerships are shaping a sustainable future for the continent. Through collaboration with global partners, the organisation remains dedicated to advancing innovative, resourceful solutions to address Africa’s climate challenges head-on.