More than twelve million people in Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Seychelles, and Zambia are set to benefit from the second phase of the Regional Emergency Preparedness and Access to Inclusive Recovery (REPAIR) Program. This initiative, supported by the World Bank, aims to strengthen resilience against climate-related shocks and other disasters. The World Bank Board of Directors approved this $400 million phase with an objective to mobilize an additional $395 million in private capital through insurance solutions.
“REPAIR showcases the power of collaboration among African countries, private actors, and partners to deliver large-scale solutions that confront common challenges such as floods, droughts, pandemics, and other shocks, to save lives and livelihoods,” said Marina Wes, World Bank Acting Director of Regional Integration for Africa.
Eastern and Southern Africa are facing increasingly frequent climate shocks compounded by economic volatility and poverty. These regions lack comprehensive financial preparedness which leaves them dependent on slow sources of emergency funding. REPAIR is designed to enhance collective resilience ensuring that lives are protected while allowing development without derailing long-term investments. The program is implemented by African Risk Capacity Limited under the African Union.
“Speed, flexibility, and sustainability are the core pillars of REPAIR,” said Hassan Zaman, World Bank Regional Director for Prosperity. “Under the Program, participating countries benefit from tailored financial instruments designed to quickly deliver funds within seven days of a disaster.”
The first phase of REPAIR was approved in July 2024 with $306 million targeting financial coverage for about 6 million people in Comoros, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Rapid mobilization following tropical cyclones demonstrated its effectiveness.
The total approved financing for REPAIR amounts to $926 million aiming to attract $795 million in private capital boosting financial resilience for 28 million people across the region.
Contacts:
- In Washington: Daniella van Leggelo-Padilla,dvanleggelo@worldbank.org
- In Angola: Wilson Mbanino Piassa,wpiassa@worldbank.org
- In Burundi: Ange Dany Gakunzi agkunzi@worldbankgroup.org
- In Malawi: Henry Chimbali,hchimbali@worldbank.org
- In Seychelles: Leonor Costa Neves,lcostaneves@worldbank.org
- In Zambia: Carlyn Hambuba,chambuba@worldbank.org