# SADC Boosts El Niño Prep for Southern Africa

> SADC workshop plans early action for El Niño impacts in 2026/2027.
- Title: SADC Boosts El Niño Prep for Southern Africa · Allafrica
- Summary: SADC workshop plans early action for El Niño impacts in 2026/2027. SADC and partners finalize regional disaster plans to address El Niño risks before 2027.
- Keywords: sadc, el niño, southern africa, disaster preparedness, 2026/2027 rainfall season, regional contingency plan, early warning systems, news, world, politics, Boosts, Niño
- Source: Allafrica — https://allafrica.com/stories/202610210514.html
- Published: 2026-10-21T12:11:32+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sadc, el niño, southern africa, disaster preparedness, 2026/2027 rainfall season, regional contingency plan, early warning systems, news, world, politics
## SADC Workshop Opens
SADC launched a four-day disaster preparedness workshop in Johannesburg on Tuesday to address El Niño risks for the 2026/2027 rainfall season.
## Workshop Theme
The workshop focuses on 'From Forecast to Consequence: Anticipating the Cascading Impacts of El Niño 2026/27 in Southern Africa'.
## SADC Secretariat and Partners
SADC Secretariat, EU's DG ECHO, and RAAWG co-hosted the workshop to improve regional disaster response coordination.
## South Africa's Disaster Director
Pumeza Tyali, South Africa's National Disaster Management Centre Director, opened the workshop and stressed inclusive early warning systems.
## Key Objectives
Participants will develop the 2026/2027 Regional Contingency Plan and review the SADC Regional Multi-Hazard Anticipatory Action Framework.
## RAAWG Challenges
Dr Lewis Hove noted delays in funding, supplies, and response mechanisms hinder effective disaster interventions despite accurate forecasts.
## DG ECHO's Role
DG ECHO's Pablo Torrealba urged moving from reactive responses to systematic anticipatory action for multiple hazards.
## Workshop Concludes
The workshop ends on 23 October 2026, aiming to create a coordinated regional approach for El Niño preparedness.
## Key takeaway

SADC and partners finalize regional disaster plans to address El Niño risks before 2027.