ABIDJAN — African countries face growing economic and humanitarian risks from extreme weather and will need stronger investment in climate resilience, infrastructure and early-warning systems, according to the African Development Bank. The warning comes as governments across the continent continue to deal with the effects of droughts, floods and other weather-related emergencies. Africa remains particularly vulnerable to climate shocks because many communities depend heavily on agriculture and have limited resources for responding to major disasters. When severe drought or flooding damages crops, the effects can extend beyond farmers to food markets, transport networks and household incomes. Governments may also be forced to divert scarce resources toward emergency assistance and reconstruction. The African Development Bank has repeatedly called for greater investment in adaptation. Such investment includes improving irrigation, strengthening drainage systems, protecting water supplies and developing agricultural practices that are better suited to changing weather patterns. Early-warning systems are another important component because timely information can allow authorities and communities to prepare for extreme events and evacuate vulnerable areas before conditions become dangerous. Flooding is among the most serious risks facing many African cities and rural communities. Rapid urbanisation has increased the number of people living in areas vulnerable to flooding, while inadequate drainage and poorly planned development can worsen the impact of heavy rainfall. Roads, bridges, schools and health facilities can also be damaged when floodwaters rise rapidly. Drought creates a different set of challenges. Farmers can lose crops and livestock when rainfall falls below normal levels, while communities that depend on groundwater or surface water can face shortages. Prolonged drought can increase food insecurity and force families to migrate in search of water and livelihoods. Countries affected by conflict face additional difficulties because insecurity can prevent humanitarian organisations from reaching vulnerable communities and limit the ability of governments to invest in resilience. Climate shocks can also increase existing social pressures by reducing employment and household incomes. Agriculture is particularly important to African economies. Millions of people depend on farming either directly or indirectly, and disruptions to production can have significant effects on national economies. Lower harvests can reduce export earnings for agricultural commodities while increasing domestic food prices. Governments may then need to increase food imports or provide emergency support to affected households. The economic impact can therefore extend well beyond the communities directly affected by a weather event. The bank has argued that climate adaptation should be integrated into development planning rather than treated solely as an emergency response. New roads, bridges, housing developments and public facilities can be designed to withstand the weather conditions expected in the areas where they are built. Existing infrastructure can also be upgraded to reduce vulnerability. Financial resources remain a major obstacle. Many African countries have limited fiscal space and high debt burdens, making it difficult to finance large-scale adaptation projects without international assistance. Development institutions and international climate funds therefore have an important role to play in providing affordable financing and technical support. Private investment can also contribute, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, resilient agriculture and water infrastructure. Climate resilience is increasingly being linked to economic development because damage from extreme weather can reduce the returns on investments and delay development projects. Protecting infrastructure can therefore help governments preserve economic gains and reduce future reconstruction costs. Communities also need access to reliable information so that households, farmers and businesses can make informed decisions. Better weather forecasts can help farmers adjust planting dates, select suitable crops and prepare for periods of unusually heavy or low rainfall. Governments can use the same information to prepare emergency services and manage water resources. The African Development Bank's warning highlights the importance of acting before disasters occur. Emergency relief remains essential when communities are affected, but preventive investment can reduce both casualties and economic losses. Building resilient infrastructure, strengthening institutions and improving public awareness can help countries respond more effectively to future shocks. For African governments, the challenge is to balance immediate development needs with the growing requirement to prepare for extreme weather. With limited resources, investment decisions must focus on measures that protect the greatest number of people and strengthen essential services. International support will remain important, but domestic planning and implementation are equally necessary. As extreme weather continues to threaten communities across Africa, climate resilience is becoming an increasingly important part of economic and public policy. The African Development Bank's call for stronger preparedness reflects the need for governments to treat adaptation as a long-term development priority rather than waiting until disasters strike.