REPAIR programme’s Phase 2 extends to Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Seychelles and Zambia

The World Bank has approved the accession of five countries – Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Seychelles, and Zambia – under Phase 2 of the Regional Emergency Preparedness and Access to Inclusive Recovery (REPAIR) programme.

This widens the programme’s geographical reach, boosting its ability to enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA).

REPAIR provides rapid and effective disbursement of emergency funds, usually within seven business days, for a range of natural perils to boost national disaster relief and recovery efforts, save lives and protect livelihoods.

The countries join the Phase 1 countries – Comoros, Madagascar and Mozambique. As participating countries in REPAIR, they will have access to tailored, pre-arranged financing under the Regional Climate Risk Fund (RCRF), a $926 million multi-layered vehicle created to respond to shocks according to their severity.

The programme is financed by the World Bank with support from the Global Shield Financing Facility and implemented by ARC Ltd, a hybrid mutual insurer and financial affiliate of the African Risk Capacity Group.

REPAIR was approved by the World Bank in August 2024. So far, Comoros and Mozambique have successfully triggered disbursement requests following the passage of tropical cyclones Chido and Jude, respectively. In the latter case, the program paid out $16.8 million, less than two business days after the request for the purchase of life-saving supplies.

REPAIR disburses the funds to the Ministries of Finance of participating countries, which then transfer them to pre-approved delivery channels, including national disaster agencies and competent ministries, for effective disaster response.

Caroline Cerruti, Lead Financial Sector Specialist and REPAIR Regional Lead, World Bank, commented, “We are thrilled by the expansion of REPAIR to five additional countries, which brings the program to scale. The regional approach enhances the cost-effectiveness of financial instruments to respond to disasters, fosters the exchange of knowledge and innovative practices, and strengthens financial preparedness to ensure timely support for vulnerable communities in times of crisis. We look forward to the collaboration with ARC Limited and participating countries to build their resilience to shocks.”

Avinash Ramessur, Senior Program Manager, REPAIR, added, “We are extremely proud of our partnership with the World Bank and the trust provided to us through the extension of REPAIR to five additional countries ao as to continue our support to the ESA region. REPAIR is a pioneering programme to provide, support and facilitate the flow of funds to affected populations for responding to loss and damage caused by disasters and to support the resilience of local economies through innovative financial mechanisms. We look forward to continued engagement with our participating countries and to improve their capacity in being better prepared against shocks.”

David Maslo, Interim Chief Executive Officer, ARC Ltd., said, “This expansion underscores the relevance of REPAIR in providing innovative financial solutions that deliver fast and flexible support to communities facing growing climate risks. We greatly value our partnership with the World Bank and appreciate their trust in extending the programme to five more countries. ARC Ltd remains fully committed to working alongside Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Seychelles, Zambia, and all participating nations to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience across the region.”

Alongside payouts, being a REPAIR member allows countries access to a regional platform to enhance their Disaster Risk Financing and Operational Preparedness capabilities. Beyond its primary functions, REPAIR also aims to reinforce the long-term economic resilience of its eight participating countries via support for MSMEs and women-led SMES.

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