The first Regional Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action in West and Central Africa concluded in Dakar with a strong commitment from regional and international stakeholders to act earlier and more collaboratively in addressing recurring crises. Held from 28 to 30 October 2025, the event gathered over 150 participants, including representatives from national governments, civil society, UN agencies, and development partners. Organized by the Anticipatory Action Task Force (TFAA) and the Anticipation Hub, under the leadership of CILSS and funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the discussions focused on strengthening regional coordination, financing mechanisms, and operational planning for early action.
Participants emphasized that collective and coordinated efforts are essential to protect lives and livelihoods from the growing number of crises linked to climate shocks, conflict, and food insecurity. Dr. Abdoulaye Mohamadou, Executive Secretary of CILSS, highlighted that effective collaboration, resource-sharing, and early warning mechanisms are vital to building a proactive and solidarity-based regional response system.
FAO, through its Subregional Office for West Africa (SFW), reaffirmed its leading role in advancing anticipatory action across the region. As part of the Regional Task Force on Anticipatory Action (TFAA), FAO provides technical guidance on food security and resilience, helping countries integrate early action strategies into national preparedness and crisis response frameworks. Mr. Koffy Dominique Kouacou, Head of FAO’s Emergency and Resilience Team (REOWA), stressed that anticipatory action is essential for protecting agricultural livelihoods and achieving the 2030 Zero Hunger Goal. Similarly, FAO Subregional Coordinator Ms. Bintia Stephen-Tchicaya emphasized the organization’s commitment to working with CILSS and other partners to strengthen early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms to build a more resilient West Africa.
The platform took place against a backdrop of worsening vulnerabilities across West and Central Africa, where extreme weather events—such as droughts, floods, and coastal erosion—continue to compound food insecurity and displacement. With nearly 49 million people at risk of hunger and malnutrition, anticipatory action was recognized as a cost-effective and humane solution to prevent crises before they escalate.
The event concluded with the adoption of national roadmaps from 13 participating countries, outlining their specific priorities for anticipatory interventions. These roadmaps lay the groundwork for a regional collaboration framework that will integrate anticipatory action into national risk management and humanitarian response systems. The platform marked a key milestone in the region’s journey toward building a proactive, well-coordinated, and sustainable crisis preparedness architecture.
