Built Before the Storm: How Disaster Finance Is Redefining Resilience

As El Niño-driven droughts and intensifying hurricaneseasons push millions into crisis, one question is reshaping disaster finance:what if communities built financial resilience before the storm hits? Thisepisode explores two pioneering models — from Barbados and the Horn of Africa —proving that preparation can mean the difference between a shock and a crisis.

We examine how Barbados has built a layered nationaldisaster financing strategy and why digital payment infrastructure is just ascritical as the funds themselves. In the Horn of Africa, the DRIVE Project(De-risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement of Pastoral Economies in the Hornof Africa) uses parametric insurance to protect pastoralists from drought, andhow intentional product design has ensured that 55% of its beneficiaries are women.

Guests:

• Dr., The Most Honorable Kevin Greenidge,Governor, Central Bank of Barbados
• Hope Murera, Managing Director and Group CEO, ZEP-RE

With a contribution from Charity Mueni, CommunityMobilizer, DRIVE Project, Kenya

Producer: Lamis Daoud, CGAP External Affairs Officer

Audio Editor and Sound Producer: Samantha Malhotra,World Bank Group Interactive Media Program 

Executive Producer: Jahda Swanborough, CGAPCommunications Lead 

© CGAP/World Bank, 2026