Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Seychelles and Zambia join REPAIR for rapid access to disaster response funding
Johannesburg, July 24, 2025 – The World Bank has approved the accession of Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Seychelles and Zambia to Regional Emergency Preparedness and Access to Inclusive Recovery (REPAIR) under Phase 2 of the program.
They will join Phase 1 countries – Comoros, Madagascar and Mozambique – in REPAIR which provides for the rapid and effective disbursement of emergency funds – within seven business days – for a range of natural shocks to boost national disaster relief and recovery efforts, save lives and protect livelihoods.
As participating countries in REPAIR, they will have access to tailored, pre-arranged financing under the Regional Climate Risk Fund (RCRF), a USD926 million multi-layered vehicle created to respond to shocks according to their severity.
In addition to unlocking swift payouts in the event of a disaster, participation in REPAIR gives these countries access to a regional platform for the enhancement of their Disaster Risk Financing and Operational Preparedness capabilities. World Bank Lead Financial Sector Specialist and REPAIR Regional Lead, Caroline Cerruti, highlights the importance of the program’s regional nature:
“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.”
REPAIR has been specifically designed for speed, flexibility and sustainability, principles that are indispensable in times of crisis. As the frequency and intensity of natural shocks increase, the ability to deliver vital foodstuffs, medicines and shelter to affected populations within the first days of a disaster is critical.
By widening its geographical reach, approval of Phase 2 of the program boosts its ability to enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), as REPAIR’s Senior Program Manager, Avinash Ramessur, says:
“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 so 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.”
REPAIR was approved by the World Bank in August 2024. In this brief timespan to-date, two participating countries – 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 USD16.8 million, less than two business days after the request for the purchase of life-saving supplies.
REPAIR 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.
It aims to strengthen the financial and operational preparedness of countries in ESA, a region which remains heavily dependent on agriculture and thus particularly vulnerable to nature hazards such as droughts, floods and cyclones. As the interim CEO of ARC Ltd., David Maslo explains, approval of Phase 2 represents a significant milestone for the program:
“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.”
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.
Beyond its contribution to national emergency relief and recovery efforts, REPAIR also seeks to reinforce the long-term economic resilience of its eight participating countries via support for MSMEs and women-led SMES.
English version – Version française – Versão portuguesa
Media contacts:
Avinash Ramessur, Senior Program Manager, REPAIR: aramessur@ltd.arc.int
Nicholas Rainer, Communications Specialist, REPAIR: nrainer@ltd.arc.int