Press release

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

SPEED SAVES LIVES: REPAIR PROGRAMME DELIVERS USD 16.8 MILLION PAYOUT TO MOZAMBIQUE TWO DAYS AFTER GOVERNMENT REQUEST

The Regional Emergency Preparedness and Inclusive Access to Recovery (REPAIR) programme has demonstrated the vital role of speed in disaster response, disbursing over USD 16.8 million to Mozambique just two business days after the Government submitted an official request for support.

REPAIR is led by the World Bank, with financial support from the Global Shield Financing Facility (GSFF) and implemented by ARC Ltd., an affiliate of the African Risk Capacity Group.

ARC Ltd. and Milliman Award Scholarships to Empower Africa’s Next Generation of Climate Change Leaders 

Nairobi, 21 February 2024 – Five exceptional African students are set to become sustainability changemakers as the first recipients of fully funded climate change scholarships from African Risk Capacity (ARC) Limited and Milliman Inc. The Africa Scholarship Programme aims to empower the next generation of leaders to drive solutions to Africa’s climate threats.  The recipients stood out among 15 finalists for their academic excellence, community activism, demonstrated leadership, and passion for sustainability.  Ange-Emmanuelle Gblaka from Côte d’Ivoire, Sandrine Dorvale Bassong Bayegle from Cameroon, and Kossi Mose Doumassi from Togo began their studies at the Institut de Formation en Alternance pour les Générations Engagées (IFAGE) in Dakar, Senegal in January. Doreen Mulwa from Kenya and Maulid Seleman from Tanzania will embark on their academic journeys at the University of Cape Town in 2025, pending admission.  “The scholarship recipients are an impressive group. With limited resources, they are already driving change and making a real impact as young changemakers in their communities. We are excited to be a part of their journey and watch how they take this educational opportunity to turn it into meaningful action,” says ARC Ltd. CEO Lesley Ndlovu.  The comprehensive scholarships will fully cover tuition, housing, living stipends, and other essential expenses for up to three years of full-time study. This exceptional opportunity will allow the students to gain expertise in critical fields like actuarial science, risk management, and agricultural statistics.  Since 2014, ARC Ltd. has delivered climate risk insurance to African Union member states. These scholarships seek to extend that mission by developing highly skilled talent to contribute to developing African solutions to African problems. Milliman Inc. lends its risk management and actuarial expertise to the scholarship programme.  As ARC Ltd. CEO Lesley Ndlovu says: “The urgent need for Africa to develop leaders, including women leaders, well-versed in the complex challenges of climate change cannot be overstated. With threats like droughts, floods and extreme weather events, Africa remains one of the most vulnerable regions globally. These scholarships empower the next generation to gain the skills needed to drive climate resilience back home.”  Milliman Inc. Principal Joy Schwartzman echoes the sentiment: “We hope to make a real impact on Africa’s ability to understand and address climate risk through the Africa Scholarship Programme. By investing in the next generation, we are investing in a more sustainable future.”  The scholarships for Master’s programmes in Actuarial Science and Insurance at IFAGE play an essential role in working towards the goal of developing the insurance and risk management sectors across Africa. These scholarships enable talented students to access quality education by eliminating financial barriers.  “Our collaboration with the Africa Scholarship Programme perfectly aligns with IFAGE’s mission to train a new generation of insurance and finance professionals who can provide the African insurance market with operational and competent professionals right after graduation. This scholarship represents much more than an opportunity. It is an invitation to explore, learn, and grow in the financial sector,” said Mrs. Kandji Rokhaya, General Manager of the Inter-African Institute for Training in Insurance and Business Management of IFAGE.   Chantal Swartz of the University of Cape Town (UCT) added that the Africa Scholarship Programme would strengthen UCT’s transformation imperative and contribute to UCT’s efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion within its student body. Swartz added that UCT’s goal is to produce research that answers the complex problems of today and tomorrow.   “In line with UCT’s Vision 2030, our dream is to draw from the extraordinary social and cultural diversity, creativity and capacity for innovation of all our staff and students to contribute to making the 21st century, the African century,” said Swartz.   “These students carry the hope of Africa on their shoulders. We challenge them to make the most of this life-changing opportunity. The future needs their ideas, their passion, and their leadership,” Ndlovu concludes.  The Africa Scholarship Programme was launched in 2023 and will soon release applications for the 2024 programme. Find out more at www.arcltd.org/scholarships.

African Risk Capacity Limited and Milliman launch postgraduate scholarship programme for African students studying climate change risk

JOHANNESBURG, 16 MARCH 2023 – Africa’s premier institution for disaster risk financing on and for the African continent, African Risk Capacity Limited and Milliman, a risk management, benefits and technology company, have come together to launch a postgraduate Africa Scholarship Programme exclusively for African students.   Aimed at studies relating to mitigating the impact of climate change on African economies, the programme will offer four scholarships to qualifying applicants, covering up to three years of full-time postgraduate study at select universities on the continent.   The Africa Scholarship Program seeks to assist students who cannot afford postgraduate studies while promoting actuarial and related professions and gender equality. As such, female students are strongly encouraged to apply.  Milliman will provide the funding, while ARC Ltd. has already leveraged its relationships in Africa to make the programme a reality and will oversee it going forward. Additionally, the Africa Scholarship Programme ties in with the critical work that ARC Ltd. does in Africa, where it has been providing disaster risk insurance to its member states since 2014, and Milliman’s social responsibility objectives, with the latter serving the full spectrum of business, financial, government, union, education, and non-profit organisations.   Additionally, Milliman helps mitigate risk in vulnerable countries through their actuarial strengths and modelling frameworks.   Says Christal Morris, Milliman Chief Sustainability and DEI Officer: “We also seek to diversify talent and change the landscape and the demographics of the actuarial industry – this aligns well with the scholarship programme in Africa. Our desire to bring more gender parity to the profession has always been prominent, and by being part of the programme, we can aid in bridging that gap to access and educational resources.   “Our collaboration with ARC Ltd. presents an excellent opportunity to make a differential investment in demographic groups that don’t typically get this kind of attention. The programme has created the ability for both of our organisations to contribute in impactful ways.”   With the synergy between the two organisations evident, it is CEO of ARC Ltd., Lesley Ndlovu, who is the architect of the Africa Scholarship Programme, as he himself was once given a helping hand. Ndlovu explains: “My passion for scholarships providing opportunities for students stems from my own experience as a student at the University of Oxford. I was a beneficiary of a scholarship which was the foundation of my career. Working with Milliman to set up our own scholarship programme is my way of contributing to expanding access to opportunities for the next generation.”  Students will be able to apply to the following universities:   They may choose from the following postgraduate degrees:  With applications now open, students are encouraged to put themselves forward for this life-changing opportunity. A prerequisite, however, is that they must commit to working in an African country for two years after graduation.  “We desire to see these graduates succeed, and therefore ARC Ltd. and Milliman will also be providing internships to give them a strong foundation in their chosen careers and an immersion in the challenges of risk management,” Ndlovu concludes.  Details of the scholarship and the application form are available on https://africanscholarship.org/.