• Climate-driven displacements in Africa rose 30% to 7.8 million in 2024
• East and Central Africa were the most affected sub-regions
• Flooding caused over 70% of all climate-related displacements since 2013

Extreme weather events linked to climate change triggered 7.8 million displacements in Africa in 2024, a rise from 6 million in 2023, according to a May 27 report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The report is titled Forced to Flee in a Changing Climate: Red Cross and Red Crescent Action Addressing Climate and Disaster Displacement in Africa.

The IFRC noted that the figure refers to recorded displacement events, not unique individuals, as many were forced to move more than once due to disasters such as floods, storms, cyclones, and droughts.

East Africa recorded 2.8 million displacements, the highest on the continent, as climate change disrupted rainfall patterns, leading to floods, droughts, and soil degradation. Central Africa followed with 2.4 million, where drought, flooding, and desertification combined with ongoing conflict and insecurity.

Flooding caused 30 million displacements between 2013 and 2024, accounting for over 70% of all climate-driven moves in Africa. Though Africa experienced 44% of the world’s droughts in the past century, drought-related displacements stood at 5 million—12% of the climate-related total over the past 12 years. This number only includes countries with available data.

Vulnerable groups, such as people living in poverty, women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities, were most affected. Many had no choice but to relocate to avoid losing their homes, health, or lives.

Most climate-displaced people stayed within their countries, though cross-border movement is rising. Climate stress often worsens other risks, including conflict, food insecurity, and economic instability.

The report warns that climate-related displacements are likely to increase as extreme weather intensifies and populations grow in low-lying coastal zones, heightening exposure to sea level rise.