IGAD Climate Forum Focuses on Resilience in Horn of Africa

Efforts to bolster climate resilience in the Greater Horn of Africa received a significant boost this week, as discussions surrounding a regional framework for climate services took center stage at the 72nd Climate Perspectives Forum in Kenya. The forum, themed “Advancing Climate Services for Resilient Communities and Sustainable Development in the Greater Horn of Africa,” served as a platform for outlining collaborative strategies to address the region’s increasing vulnerability to climate change.

A Regional Framework for Climate Action

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Regional Climate Services Framework, initially launched and approved in September 2025 during the Second Africa Climate Summit in Ethiopia, is intended to streamline the generation, dissemination, and application of climate information across the region. Abdi Fidar, Director of the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (Icpac), emphasized that the framework’s success hinges on effective implementation, strong coordination, and sustained partnerships.

Did You Know? The IGAD Regional Climate Services Framework was approved during the Second Africa Climate Summit in Ethiopia in September 2025.

Icpac has affirmed its commitment to close collaboration with national meteorological and hydrological services, governmental institutions, development partners, academic and research institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations. This collaborative approach is designed to jointly develop and implement an action plan focused on early action, disaster risk reduction, climate-resilient development, and long-term planning.

Regional Vulnerability and the Need for Coordination

The forum underscored the Greater Horn of Africa’s pronounced vulnerability to climate variability and extreme weather events, including recurring droughts, floods, and increasing land degradation. These realities, according to Fidar, reinforce the critical importance of the forum as a space for consensus-building, shared understanding of climate risks, and coordinated early action.

Expert Insight: A coordinated regional approach to climate services is essential in areas facing similar vulnerabilities. By sharing resources, expertise, and data, nations can more effectively prepare for and respond to climate-related challenges.

Icpac is working closely with national meteorological and hydrological services, relevant ministries, the World Meteorological Organization, and development partners to strengthen regional climate prediction, monitoring, and user-oriented climate services. Significant progress has already been made in these areas, officials noted.

The hybrid forum brought together climate scientists, governmental bodies, development partners, media representatives, and civil society organizations from across the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the IGAD Regional Climate Services Framework?

The framework aims to provide a coordinated and user-focused approach to improve the generation, dissemination, and application of climate services throughout the IGAD region.

What factors will determine the success of the framework?

According to Abdi Fidar, the impact of the framework will depend on effective implementation, strong coordination, and sustained partnerships.

What specific climate challenges does the Greater Horn of Africa face?

The region is highly vulnerable to climate variability and extreme events, including recurring droughts, floods, and increasing land degradation.

As climate patterns continue to shift, how might increased regional collaboration impact the ability of communities in the Greater Horn of Africa to adapt and thrive?