IFRC Disaster Law has worked across sub-Saharan Africa since 2000. We provide technical support for the enhancement of laws, policies, strategies and plans for climate-smart disaster risk management for the 49 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in the region, their governments and regional organisations. Since 2000, we have conducted more than 25 in-country projects, resulting in the development of approximately 15 laws, policies and strategies related to national disaster risk management. IFRC Disaster Law also connects National Societies in countries undertaking law review processes with those who have been involved in similar initiatives, to foster an exchange of ideas and develop collaborative networks. In addition, IFRC Disaster Law conducts extensive research on domestic Disaster Risk Management systems and develops tools to support National Societies in the region to harness the auxiliary role in legislative advocacy, such as the 2024 publication of: The Auxiliary Role of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies in Law and Policy in Africa: A Stock Take, drawing on over five years of auxiliary role mappings across the continent. The report highlights that a strong legal base is crucial to enhancing the understanding of the auxiliary role and facilitating the humanitarian work of National Societies.
Regionally, we work with the African Union and Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to engage member states on disaster risk management and disaster law, and the role of law in managing public health emergencies. Since 2018, disaster law has been part of the curriculum for the African Union's Humanitarian Law and Policy Training Initiative. In 2025, we supported the finalization and adoption of the AU’s Model Act on Disaster Preparedness and Response in Humanitarian Context. The Model Act serves as a pivotal tool in supporting Member States to be prepared for the most common legal and regulatory issues that arise in disaster operations. Also in 2025, , the African Union Commission and IFRC convened a consultation workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, to develop a Guidance Document to align national DRM frameworks with the African Humanitarian Agency’s (AfHA) mandate. Here, IFRC Disaster Law facilitated a session focused on the critical role of comprehensive domestic DRM laws in the AfHA’s mandate, highlighting how robust legal frameworks underpin timely and coordinated humanitarian responses.
Over the course of 2025, IFRC Disaster Law facilitated a series of workshops with key stakeholders in Africa, including government officials and National Society representatives, focused on reviewing and improving national legal frameworks for DRM.
Our Africa Disaster Law and Auxiliary Role Coordinator is based in Nairobi. A Disaster Law Senior Officer for Southern Africa is based in Pretoria, A Disaster Law Officer, based in Anatanarivo, supports the team. Click here for more information and to contact the Africa team.
