[Event Recap] Madagascar Completes First Crisis Simulation Exercise Under REPAIR Program

Madagascar is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. This means that it is experiencing more climate-related disasters, such as devastating droughts and cyclones. As such, it is vital for the authorities to be prepared so that when disaster hits, they are ready to face it.

Against this backdrop, Madagascar successfully completed its first crisis simulation exercise (SimEx) under the Regional Emergency Preparedness and Access to Inclusive Recovery (REPAIR) program, marking a significant milestone in strengthening disaster preparedness and financial resilience.

Held from December 10 to 12 in the capital, Antananarivo, the exercise brought together over 50 disaster risk financing and management experts from key institutions such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the National Office of Risk and Disaster Management (BNGRC), the Development Intervention Fund (FID), the National Contingency Fund (FNC), and SOLIDIS.

With the cyclone season already underway, this SimEx was vital so that key actors are ready to act as soon as disaster strikes. Being able to react quickly and efficiently will allow necessary funds and material goods, such as food and medicine, to be quickly distributed to those communities in need. The event therefore focused on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for post-shock decision making, in support of Flow of Funds from REPAIR. The SimEx also gave space for peer-to-peer learning and coordination planning among representatives for the MEF and the local delivery channels.

The three-day event featured a series of interactive sessions, including:

Team of Teams: Building a Strong REPAIR Team in Madagascar
Overview of REPAIR Program: Disaster Risk Finance and Flow of Funds
Introduction to Simulation Exercises
Upstream and Downstream Impacts of Shocks in Madagascar
Simulation Exercise (Phase 1 and 2): Preparing for Shocks and Requesting Funds
Gender Equity & Social Inclusion in REPAIR
After-Action Review and Evaluations

After these activities, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Herinjatovo-Aimé Ramiarison, emphasized the relevance of this inaugural SimEx, highlighting the importance of the event:

“Madagascar is already in the middle of the cyclone season. To address this, all actors involved in risk and disaster risk management and financing are working to strengthen the capacity for preparedness and response to shocks at the national level. This simulation was of immense importance as it allowed us to detect the operational risks associated with the process of disbursement of funds. It also taught us about the remedial measures to be taken to mitigate these risks.”

Key takeaways

Simulation Exercises were a new experience for some participants. It allowed stakeholders to connect, discuss, and agree on roles and responsibilities.
Stakeholders identified gaps and streamlined processes, ensuring that SOPs align across institutions.
The Madagascar REPAIR team is now more connected and better able to respond quickly and efficiently in the event of a shock
Commitment to continuous dialogue was evident, with participants returning early on the second day to advance planning and coordination, establishing systems for continued conversation.

Overall, participants took full advantage of the simulation exercise, leaving with aligned SOPs and coordinated stakeholders. Prepared to face the cyclone season.

REPAIR

Madagascar is one of eight countries participating in the REPAIR program, alongside Angola, Burundi, Comoros, Malawi, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Zambia.

REPAIR is financed by the World Bank with the support of the Global Shield Financing Facility and implemented by ARC Ltd. (the financial arm of the African Risk Capacity Group). It aims to improve the financial and operational preparedness of participating countries for natural disasters. You can learn more through the website.