Core Insights - The African Development Bank has approved a special grant of $6 million to support the African Risk Capacity (ARC) in its disaster risk management initiatives [1] Group 1: Funding and Purpose - The funding will be utilized by ARC to provide capacity building and disaster risk financing services to regional countries between 2025 and 2026 [1] - The African Disaster Risk Financing Initiative (ADRiFi) consists of two main pillars: enhancing government technical and institutional capacities in disaster management and shifting member countries from reactive to proactive disaster management [1] Group 2: Organizational Background - ARC was established in 2012 and has had 39 African Union member countries sign the ARC agreement since its inception [1] - The organization has disbursed over $230 million to 14 countries, protecting millions of vulnerable populations from disasters [1]

Group 1: Resilience Initiatives - Tanzania has integrated resilience as a core pillar of its growth strategy over the past decade, supported by the government, local communities, and international partners like the World Bank and GFDRR[4] - GFDRR has facilitated a shift from fragmented interventions to a coherent resilience agenda, focusing on ecosystem restoration, risk reduction, and urban livability[5] - The resilience investments mobilized by GFDRR include $1.7 billion, with $27 million in grants playing a crucial role in this mobilization[16] Group 2: Urban Development and Risk Management - Flooding has increased tenfold since the 1970s, with seasonal floods affecting approximately 70,000 people annually in Dar es Salaam, resulting in average losses of $80 million[15] - The Msimbazi Basin Development Project, a $260 million initiative, aims to enhance flood risk management while restoring biodiversity and creating public green spaces[40] - The Dodoma Integrated and Sustainable Transport Project (DIST), funded by a $200 million IDA credit, is expected to benefit over 430,000 people and create more than 10,000 jobs[59] Group 3: Capacity Building and Community Engagement - The Resilience Academy has trained 1,400 Tanzanian youth in risk data collection and analysis, enhancing local capacity for disaster risk management[23] - Community engagement has been central to project design, with over 150 representatives from various institutions participating in flood risk mapping and prioritization workshops[41] - The establishment of the Emergency Operations and Communication Center (EOCC) in Dodoma marks a significant step in enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities[69]

Core Viewpoint - The G20 "Hackathon" competition focuses on collaborative efforts to address disaster risks associated with climate change, emphasizing the use of digital technology and cross-national cooperation [1] Group 1: Event Overview - The G20 Hackathon, hosted by South Africa's Department of Science and Innovation, commenced on September 2 and will last for four days [1] - The event is conducted online, featuring participants from various countries including China, Canada, Singapore, Italy, Spain, Kenya, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia, who are experts in data science, urban studies, and disaster risk management [1] Group 2: Competition Theme and Objectives - The theme of the competition is "Reducing Disaster Risk through Open Innovation," aiming to enhance disaster resilience in climate-vulnerable and water-scarce regions [1] - Participants will utilize artificial intelligence, machine learning, and geospatial analysis to develop innovative digital solutions, particularly focusing on predicting informal urban expansion and its impact on flood risks [1] Group 3: Expected Outcomes - The event serves as a dynamic testing ground for evidence-based solutions that can inform urban policy-making and planning [1] - The final results will be showcased at the G20 Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting on September 23, contributing to high-level discussions on climate adaptation and urban resilience [1]