In 2023, Africa experienced one of its warmest years on record, with temperatures rising faster than the global average, according to The State of the Climate in Africa report.
North Africa saw the sharpest increase, with temperatures climbing by 0.4°C per decade since 1991. Extreme heat waves hit the region in July and August, and countries like Mali, Tanzania, and Uganda reported their hottest year ever.
The effects of this warming are profound. Egypt’s wheat yields dropped, exacerbating water shortages. West Africa faced severe floods between September and October, affecting 300,000 people, while Zambia suffered its worst drought in 40 years.
Rising temperatures devastate agriculture across Africa, pushing nations toward food and water shortages.In the Sahel region, over 700,000 people were displaced due to flooding. Meanwhile, droughts impacted numerous countries, cutting agricultural production and disrupting local economies.
Flooding, a significant concern, claimed thousands of lives. Libya’s floods following Storm Daniel in September caused 4,700 confirmed deaths, with 8,000 still missing. Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia also suffered from severe flooding, displacing millions.
The report underscores the need for Africa to strengthen early warning systems and adapt to climate change, particularly in agriculture, which employs over 60% of its population.
Experts call for increased investment in climate resilience and mitigation, noting that Africa’s agriculture is one of the hardest-hit sectors.
With only 40% of the African population having access to early warning systems, the Early Warnings for All Action Plan was launched in 2023 to address this gap and enhance preparedness for future extreme weather events.