Supported by the InsuResilience Solutions Fund (ISF) the first phase of the Global Risk Modelling Alliance (GRMA) programme in Madagascar has been successfully completed, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s disaster risk analytics capabilities.
Initiated at the request of the Malagasy government, the programme aims to improve understanding of natural hazards and support evidence-based public decision-making. Launched in 2024, this first phase was implemented by a consortium led by AXA Climate, in partnership with Artelia and BRGM.
Capacity building activities enhance public institutions’ ability to assess and quantify disaster risk
Throughout the project, national institutions benefited from a structured transfer of knowledge, tools, and methodologies. AXA Climate conducted a series of technical workshops and practical training sessions for public officials, focusing on the analysis and interpretation of multiple disaster risks, including droughts, floods, tropical cyclones, and locust invasions. Participants learned how to use open-source modelling tools and geospatial datasets to better anticipate risks, support disaster preparedness, and guide resource allocation. The programme also emphasised the collection and integration of local data to enhance the relevance and accuracy of risk assessments.
Broad institutional participation demonstrates Madagascar’s commitment to strengthening disaster risk management
More than 100 participants from across Malagasy institutions took part in the training activities, underscoring the country’s strong commitment to building national expertise in risk modelling and geospatial analysis. All project outputs are now publicly available through the GeoNode platform, including datasets, modelling codes, analytical results, maps, and training materials. National teams have been trained to manage and enrich the platform independently, ensuring GeoNode functions as a fully operational, open-source hub for disaster risk information.
“We hope that national institutions, NGOs, businesses, and international organizations will make the most of the data available on GeoNode and gradually supplement it with local data sources,” said Eliot Pernet, Deputy Head of Public Sector Consulting at AXA Climate.
Dr. Annette Detken, Head of Public Sector at GRMA, added: “The GRMA initiative represents a major step forward for Madagascar. Thanks to the project’s technical depth and the extensive capability strengthening, government institutions and their partners now have access to high-quality risk data, practical tools, and a national platform that national stakeholders can continue to enrich over time. We are deeply grateful for the collaboration with AXA Climate and consortium partners, whose support has empowered experts in Madagascar to use and apply climate risk information as a basis for resilient public policies”.
With the completion of this first phase, Madagascar is now better positioned to design effective disaster risk financing mechanisms, inform public investment decisions, and strengthen long-term resilience for vulnerable communities nationwide.
A second phase of GRMA support, scheduled to begin in 2026, will build on these achievements and further expand national capabilities.
