Knowledge hub to bolster risk-informed urban development in Africa

Francis Francis
Mar 11, 2026 - 11:26
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Knowledge hub to bolster risk-informed urban development in Africa

The Resilience Initiative Africa (RIA) together with its partners,the African Union Commission, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Regional Office for Africa, Slum Dwellers International, the Southern African Development Community and the African Adaptation Initiative, are launching a knowledge hub to enhance the capacity of state and non-state actors on Risk Informed Urban Development (RIUD).

The RIA project, commissioned by the Government of Germany and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), is committed to transform how African cities anticipate, prepare for and respond to disaster risks. RIA works closely with its partners to facilitate technical training, develop inclusive disaster risk management strategies and support the African Union’s Africa Urban Resilience Programme.

To this end, RIA has developed the Resilience Insight Africa digital platform with partners as an accessible hub to collate research, practical tools, policy guidance and expert insights to strengthen the capacity of policymakers, city officials, planners, researchers and communities to plan and build resilient cities. Looking ahead, the platform is envisioned to be strategically aligned with the African Union Commission’s institutional frameworks, ensuring its long-term sustainability and its reach across all member states.

The hub has been developed in response to partner demand to centralise information on RIUD. Over the next development phases the hub will compile a wide range of resources that were previously scattered across different sources into a one-stop-shop.

The platform aims to help regional, national and local governmental and non-governmental organisations and communities identify and address risks, to support climate resilience and sustainable urban development across the continent.

The shareable nature of the hub’s resources reflects GIZ’s and its partners’ belief that resilience must be built collectively. The hub is being further developed and updated together with its partners to improve its utility.

The hub will contain content in English and French, including:

  • Research reports, frameworks and fact sheets

  • Practical policy and planning tools

  • Expert insights and case studies

  • News and updates

  • Upcoming events and collaboration opportunities

  • New tools, including for integrating and navigating knowledge

By connecting knowledge, practice and lived experience, RIA moves resilience from policy statements to practical solutions.

Issued on behalf of Resilience Initiative Africa (RIA). For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Ayanda Siswana at ayanda@flowsa.com or +27 72 597 8219.