Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
Dodoma, Tanzania – On 3-4, March 2025, a delegation from Mozambique visited Tanzania’s Emergency Operations and Communication Centre (EOCC) National Situation Room in Dodoma. This visit was part of a technical advisory mission co-organized by UNDRR, the CIMA Foundation and the African Union Commission as part of the African Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Action System (AMHEWAS) programme.
Tanzania and Mozambique face similar and often transboundary threats, such as droughts, floods and cyclones. Strengthening cooperation between their respective disaster risk management authorities is critical for improving coordination in early warning and early action efforts within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
During the visit, Mozambique’s National Disaster Management Institute had the opportunity to engage with Tanzania’s Disaster Management Department counterparts and observe the operational framework of Tanzania’s National Situation Room, which was inaugurated in June 2024, supported by the Government of Italy.
The insights gained from this exchange will be instrumental in the ongoing modernization of Mozambique’s own National Situation Room in Maputo. Within the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation funded Ready2Act project in Mozambique, the situation room will be refurbished and better connected with AMHEWAS.
Additionally, the exchange will inform the installation of a pilot province-level situation room in Beira, set to further strengthen Mozambique’s disaster risk management infrastructure. Mozambique also hosts the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) in Nacala that is connected to AMHEWAS.
“This event in Dodoma is a practical example of what AMHEWAS can and should be, a network for exchanging risk information, but also, and above all, knowledge and experience, between experts and institutions.” said Mr. Luca Ferraris, President of CIMA Research Foundation
The mission highlighted the value of South-South cooperation in disaster risk reduction, showcasing how shared experiences and collaborative learning can enhance national and regional capacities. By leveraging Tanzania’s experience, Mozambique aims to refine its own institutional mechanisms, improve connectivity with AMHEWAS, and ensure timely and coordinated disaster response.
“The technical exchange mission with ourTanzanian counterparts was timely as Mozambique is working towards upgrading its own Situation Room. As Tanzania launched its own Situation Room in 2024, they already have some valuable experience and lessons that Mozambique can learn from. More so, Mozambique and Tanzania are neighbours, with similar risk profiles and often experience transboundary risk. This exchange builds the foundation for information sharing for better transboundary risk management.” Mr. Alberto Armando, head of the Mozambique Delegation.
Through the AMHEWAS network, disaster risk management authorities of both countries can strengthen their relations, enabling experience and information sharing for a more coordinated management of warnings and emergencies.
“Natural phenomena become disasters without adequate prevention. AICS works with stakeholders to enhance early warning and early action systems at all levels. Italy, renowned for its expertise in risk management and civil protection, has contributed to establishing Situation Rooms in Addis Ababa (continental level), regional centers in Niamey, Nairobi, and Abuja, and a national office in Dodoma. This know-how strengthens Partner Countries’ resilience and response capacity.” Marco Riccardo Rusconi, Director of the Italian Development Cooperation Agency.
This visit marks an important step in fostering resilience against climate-related disasters in the region. Through continued cooperation and knowledge sharing, both Mozambique and Tanzania are setting a precedent for effective and coordinated disaster risk management in Africa.
“This technical exchange represents a learning opportunity, and an opportunity to reinforce the partnership among different AMHEWAS stakeholders. It is from such events that we can collectively take stock of our progress and identify priorities for further investment in early warning systems.” Tsitsi Magadza, Programme Management Officer for Early Warning Systems, UNDRR.