SADC and OCHA Launch Induction Training for Second Cohort of Emergency Response Team

The Southern African Development Community (SADC), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), has launched the induction training course for the second cohort of the SADC Emergency Response Team (ERT). The training runs from 24 August to 4 September 2025 in Nyanga, Zimbabwe.

The SADC ERT is a key component of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), based in Nacala, Mozambique. It also operates within the framework of the SADC Disaster Risk Management Strengthening (DRMSS) project, funded by the European Union, which seeks to improve disaster risk management capacities across the region.

The primary goal of the ERT is to enhance the ability of individuals and institutions to respond effectively to emergencies and crises. Participants in the training acquire knowledge, skills, and competencies required for efficient emergency response. The programme encourages collaboration among multiple stakeholders, reinforcing collective preparedness and resilience for future emergencies.

This training is particularly important given the SADC region’s exposure to various hazards, including floods, droughts, and disease outbreaks. Stronger preparedness and response capacities help reduce the humanitarian and socio-economic effects of disasters, which often disrupt livelihoods, damage infrastructure, and redirect resources away from development priorities.

The induction course gathers participants from across SADC Member States. It prepares prospective ERT members for deployment on regional emergency response missions, ensuring swift, coordinated, and effective humanitarian interventions.

This initiative strengthens the SADC region’s readiness to manage disasters and underscores the importance of regional cooperation in safeguarding communities against emergencies.