Her Honour the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. W.K. Mutale-Nalumango, MP, yesterday officially launched the Early Warning for All Initiative at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka. The program aims to ensure that by 2027, every citizen, from Lusaka to the most remote communities, has access to timely, accurate, and actionable early warning information.
The Early Warning for All Initiative is built on four core pillars: risk knowledge, monitoring and forecasting, warning dissemination and communication, and preparedness and response. These pillars will guide Zambia’s strategy in building resilience against climate-related disasters and other hazards.
To achieve the initiative’s goals, Government will enhance the production, access, and use of risk knowledge, invest in modern meteorological and hydrological infrastructure, and strengthen coordination among ministries, agencies, and local authorities. Early warning systems will also be integrated into agriculture, health, water, and energy planning.
A key focus will be ensuring that warnings reach all citizens, including vulnerable groups. Government will work with telecom operators to expand communication infrastructure and deliver alerts to remote communities.
Vice President Nalumango highlighted that early warning systems save lives and reduce economic losses, with every dollar invested generating at least ten dollars in avoided damage and recovery costs. She urged scientists, forecasters, media, traditional leaders, development partners, and citizens to work together to build a safer and more resilient Zambia.
The initiative is aligned with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Dr. Nalumango emphasized that early warning systems must be people-centered and inclusive, ensuring no community is left behind.
The launch marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s disaster preparedness efforts and reaffirms Government’s commitment to protecting lives, livelihoods, and national development gains.