Advancing Operationalization of the INFORM Subnational Risk Assessment Model in the SADC Region

25 June 2026

Zambia

Urban risk-informed development planning, Urban resilience, Disaster risk reduction, Training, INFORM

The workshop concluded a year-long capacity-strengthening process designed to improve the use of risk information for disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and long-term planning across the SADC region.

Representatives from 13 SADC Member States joined colleagues from disaster risk management agencies, early warning institutions, development organisations, and technical partners to reflect on the progress made throughout the INFORM rollout and discuss the next steps for sustaining and applying the INFORM Subnational Risk Assessment Model.

Building on the previous three workshops, which focused on validating the methodology, strengthening national data systems, and developing approaches for maintaining the model, the final workshop concentrated on putting the model into practice. Over three days, participants refreshed their understanding of the INFORM methodology, exchanged experiences on how countries are using risk information, explored practical approaches for maintaining and updating the model, and participated in hands-on exercises using trend analysis and data visualisation tools. Member States also presented the progress they had made since the earlier workshops and shared lessons from their national implementation efforts.

The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to continue working together to ensure the INFORM model remains relevant, regularly updated, and integrated into national and regional planning processes. Member States also reaffirmed their responsibility for maintaining national data and supporting the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), which will host and manage the regional INFORM model.

“We need precise and localized risk information to guide our polices, planning, budgeting, early warning systems, and humanitarian response.”

— Mr Norman Chipakupaku, national coordinator, NDRM division

Building Resilience Requires Cross-Sector Collaboration

One of the strongest messages to emerge throughout the workshop series was that managing disaster risk is a shared responsibility. Building resilience requires collaboration across sectors, bringing together expertise from disaster management, climate services, agriculture, water, health, infrastructure, planning, and many other fields.

Across the four workshops, the INFORM process brought together more than 100 representatives from government institutions, regional organisations, and technical partners.

This broad participation reflects a growing recognition that risk-informed development depends on coordinated action. By promoting a shared understanding of risk and encouraging collaboration across sectors, the INFORM Subnational Risk Assessment Model is helping strengthen more proactive and coordinated approaches to resilience across the SADC region.