AfDB Warns Super El Niño Could Cost Africa $20bn

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has issued a warning regarding the anticipated "super" El Niño weather event, predicting it could cost African nations between $10 billion and $20 billion. This phenomenon, caused by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific, is expected to disrupt global weather patterns, resulting in severe droughts and flooding across the continent.

Anthony Nyong, the AfDB's Director for Climate Change and Green Growth, stated that affected countries could see their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) decline by 1 to 2 percent on average. The worsening climate conditions threaten food and water supplies, damage infrastructure, and strain government finances, which are already burdened by debt.

The AfDB estimates that African farmers have lost approximately $330 million in income this year due to climate impacts. Countries including Nigeria, Sudan, and South Sudan may face significant humanitarian challenges, such as food shortages and displacement, with maize prices potentially doubling in some regions.