A powerful Super El Niño event expected to develop in 2026 is raising concerns about droughts, floods, food insecurity and health challenges around the world. As countries prepare for potential climate impacts, Africa’s decades of experience managing extreme weather events offer important lessons for building resilience.
El Niño occurs when Pacific Ocean surface temperatures become unusually warm, disrupting global weather patterns and increasing the likelihood of extreme events such as droughts, floods and heatwaves. Previous El Niño cycles have had severe consequences across Africa, affecting food systems, water supplies, healthcare access and livelihoods.
Southern Africa has experienced drought conditions that pushed millions of people into hunger, while parts of East and Central Africa have faced destructive flooding that damaged homes, farmland and essential services. The 2015–2016 Super El Niño contributed to widespread food insecurity, affecting more than 36 million people across eastern and southern Africa.
Despite these challenges, African communities and institutions have developed valuable approaches to managing climate risks. These experiences highlight the importance of preparation, locally adapted solutions and stronger international cooperation.
One key lesson from Africa’s climate response is the importance of acting before disasters occur. Early warning systems, emergency planning and advance preparation can help communities protect lives and livelihoods before crises become more severe. While gaps remain, improvements in climate monitoring and early action systems are helping governments respond more effectively.
Agricultural adaptation is another area where Africa offers important insights. Many communities are turning to climate-resilient crops such as sorghum, millet, cowpea and bambara groundnut, which can withstand harsher conditions better than some traditional crops. Expanding the use of these locally adapted varieties can strengthen food security as climate pressures increase.
Africa’s experience also demonstrates that climate challenges cannot be addressed separately. Droughts, for example, affect agricultural production, food prices, nutrition, water availability and healthcare systems at the same time. Integrated approaches that connect water, energy, food security and health planning are becoming increasingly important.
A major challenge remains financing. Many effective climate adaptation solutions already exist, but vulnerable communities often lack the resources needed to expand them. Greater access to climate finance, development funding and flexible investment mechanisms is needed to support infrastructure, healthcare systems, farmers and social protection programmes.
Experts also emphasize the importance of partnerships based on collaboration rather than one-way solutions. Local communities, researchers and institutions have developed valuable knowledge through years of responding to climate challenges. Supporting local leadership and strengthening existing systems can help create more effective and sustainable responses.
The arrival of a potential Super El Niño will test climate preparedness worldwide. However, Africa’s experience shows that resilience can be built through early action, local innovation, stronger institutions and international partnerships that recognize communities as sources of knowledge and solutions.
As climate risks continue to grow, lessons from Africa may help countries around the world prepare for a more uncertain environmental future.
