OCHA AULO Newsletter, September - December 2024

Localisation Highlighted at 2025 Global Humanitarian Overview Launch in Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya — In a bold call to action, UNOCHA and the African Union launched the 2025 Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) on 4 December in Nairobi, appealing for $47 billion to confront the growing humanitarian crises impacting over 305 million people worldwide.

Simultaneous launches took place in Kuwait City and Geneva. In Africa, the GHO emphasized the importance of localization as a key strategy for delivering effective and sustainable aid. “In 2025, 305 million people will require urgent humanitarian assistance and protection. This includes 85 million people in Southern and Eastern Africa; 59 million people in the Middle East and North Africa; and 57 million people in West and Central Africa,” said Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy at UNOCHA. “What makes these staggeringly high numbers so unconscionable, is that the two main drivers are both man-made: confl ict and the global climate emergency.” Armed confl icts and climate change are intensifying vulnerabilities across Africa.

The continent is home to more than 34 million internally displaced people, with Sudan alone accounting for a third of the total. Prolonged droughts and erratic weather patterns have disrupted food systems, leaving millions on the brink of famine. These challenges demand a shift in approach, emphasizing local action and empowerment. “Localisation is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity,” said Rita Amukhobu, Head of the African Union’s Humanitarian Affairs Division. “Local actors have unparalleled access and understanding of their communities. They are critical to delivering timely, sustainable aid. We must prioritize their empowerment to make a meaningful impact.” The 2025 GHO highlights an increasing commitment to local organisations. In 2024, 45% of funding from OCHA-managed Country Based Pooled Funds was directed to local partners—the highest proportion ever recorded.

Speaking to this progress, Eden Wosornu noted, “We will continue with efforts to improve the way we deliver for people in crises, including through increased investment in localization (…). (Local and national organizations) are always at the heart of the response. They are the first responders. They can leverage community networks that help to access affected people. They ensure more effective, efficient and sustainable action.” Ambassador Mamba Mahlaba, Chair of African Union’s PRC Sub-Committee on Refugees, Returnees, and IDPs, echoed the importance of African-led solutions. “The mantra ‘African solutions for African problems’ is not just rhetoric—it’s a call to action.

By supporting and strengthening local capacities, the African Union is fostering self-reliance, ownership, and resilience within African societies.” Despite these efforts, the humanitarian community faces signifi cant challenges. By November 2024, only 43% of the $50 billion appeal for that year had been met. This shortfall has had devastating consequences for millions in need.

“Localisation is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity, Local actors have unparalleled access and understanding of their communities. They are critical to delivering timely, sustainable aid. We must prioritize their empowerment to make a meaningful impact.” Rita Amukhobu.

For more information and to explore the full GHO 2025 report, visit www.unocha.org/events/ global-humanitarian-overview-2025.