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Abstract :
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This contribution highlights the damage caused by disasters in developing countries, in particular those in Africa, given the changing nature of disasters in Africa. With disasters becoming increasingly common and severe over time in Africa, ICTs, and more specifically early warning systems, acquire paramount importance in managing and mitigating the effects of such disasters. The experiences of developed countries show that the effects of these disasters can be further reduced if efforts to bridge the digital divide are strengthened, with one key element being advocacy for inclusive policies and positive action to ensure that no one is left behind technologically. This is based on the observation that disasters extend beyond geographical borders and affect women, children, youth, persons with disabilities and persons with specific needs. It is recognized that the possibilities afforded by artificial intelligence-based forecasting models, which are gradually being implemented on a global scale, significantly contribute to reducing the impacts of disasters on human life. For this reason, it is recommended that efforts to enhance digital inclusion be accelerated by providing accessible technologies to support end-users in the Early Warning for All ecosystem and adopt artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to enhance telecommunication infrastructure resilience. These strategies are considered essential to mitigate the effects of disasters on human life and to contribute significantly to disaster risk reduction in Africa and in developing countries in general.
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