The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will convene the Sixth Ordinary Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management on 13 May 2026 in Masvingo, as part of efforts to strengthen regional disaster preparedness and resilience.
In a statement on X, the SADC Secretariat said the meeting will focus on reviewing progress in the implementation of previous regional decisions on disaster risk management.
“The meeting will, among others, consider progress on the implementation of the decisions made during the previous Summits of Heads of State and Government, SADC Council of Ministers and Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management,” the statement said.
It added that Ministers will receive updates on key regional programmes aimed at strengthening disaster response systems.
“The Ministers will also receive updates on the implementation of disaster risk management and related programmes, including the operationalisation of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre,” read part of the statement.
The Secretariat said the meeting will also focus on improving coordination and long-term resilience planning across the region.
“The meeting will further consider strategic and operational instruments to guide disaster risk management interventions,” it said.
It added that engagement with development partners will be a key feature of the discussions.
“The meeting will serve as a platform for Ministers to engage with International Cooperating Partners and the Donor Community on investment for post-disaster recovery for a resilient region,” the statement said.
A Ministerial Roundtable on resilient recovery will also be held alongside the main meeting.
“The Roundtable is convened as a strategic political and investment platform to reposition disaster recovery as an enabler of resilience, economic transformation, and regional integration,” the Secretariat said.
The Ministers’ meeting will be preceded by the Meeting of Senior Officials Responsible for Disaster Risk Management, scheduled for 11–13 May 2026 at the Great Zimbabwe Hotel.
