Mozambique is taking bold steps to enhance its capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters, with a nationwide training programme designed to strengthen provincial and district readiness ahead of the rainy and cyclonic season.

In Pemba, Cabo Delgado, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the National Institute for Disaster Management and Risk Reduction (INGD) and with funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), launched a capacity-building initiative to reinforce disaster preparedness and local resilience.

The training brought together 38 disaster management focal points from INGD’s Technical Councils for Disaster Management (CTPGD/CTDGD) and Operational Emergency Centres (COEs) in the districts of Pemba, Ibo, Meluco, Mecufi, and Palma. Participants are being equipped with practical skills in risk analysis, communication, coordination, and the use of early warning systems — all essential to strengthening community preparedness and reducing vulnerability in the face of climate shocks.

Building on the momentum from the successful launch in Cabo Delgado, the initiative expanded to Beira, Sofala Province, from 28 to 31 October 2025, where 46 additional focal points from Chibabava, Nhamatanda, Gorongosa, Buzi, Machanga, and Dondo are undergoing training on disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate adaptation, conflict sensitivity, social cohesion, and humanitarian response.

Sofala, one of Mozambique’s most climate-vulnerable provinces, frequently faces floods, cyclones, urban inundations, droughts, and epidemics — underscoring the importance of such efforts.

During the opening session in Beira, Mr. Aristides Paulino Armando, INGD Delegate for Sofala, thanked KOICA and UNDP for their support and stressed that “Sofala is one of the provinces most exposed to extreme events in Mozambique… this training is an opportunity to share experiences and strengthen readiness for the 2025–2026 cyclone season.”

Ms. Ana Cristina João Manuel, Director of INGD’s National Emergency Operation Centre (CENOE), emphasized that disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and social cohesion are “cross-cutting issues that concern all sectors, not just INGD.” She encouraged participants to disseminate the knowledge gained during the training within their institutions and communities to reduce vulnerabilities and foster resilience.

Representing UNDP, Mr. Figueiredo de Araújo highlighted the “fruitful collaboration between KOICA, UNDP, and INGD” and reaffirmed that “this training is more than a technical exercise — it is a collective effort to build a more resilient and inclusive Mozambique.”

This capacity-building programme is part of a national initiative covering five provinces — Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, and Manica — with the goal of training 175 INGD focal points across the country. The approach combines technical modules with participatory methods tailored to local realities, addressing topics such as Mozambique’s Law No. 10/2020, Decree No. 47/2018 on Basic Social Protection, the Disaster Risk Reduction Master Plan 2017–2030, and the integration of digital tools like KoboToolbox and the Early Warning System (SAP).

By empowering provincial and district actors to integrate DRR, climate adaptation, and social cohesion into local governance, this joint initiative contributes to the establishment of a more resilient, inclusive, and coordinated disaster management system nationwide.

As the frequency and intensity of climate-related and conflict-driven crises increase, UNDP remains steadfast in supporting the Government of Mozambique and partners like KOICA in advancing sustainable solutions that protect lives, strengthen institutions, and foster peace and resilience at all levels.

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About UNDP 

UNDP is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development. Working in more than 170 countries and territories, UNDP helps nations to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience so that progress can be sustained. In Mozambique, UNDP supports national and local partners to advance peace, recovery, and sustainable development—empowering communities and institutions to build a more inclusive and resilient future for all. Learn more at www.undp.org or follow us at www.undp.org/mozambique.

For more information, contact: 

Manuel Mabuiangue, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Communication

manuel.mabuiangue@undp.org