Designing Mobile-Enabled Early Warning Systems for LMICs: Lessons from Global Experience

Early warning systems (EWS) are a critical component of disaster risk reduction, helping communities anticipate, prepare for and respond to hazards before they escalate into crises. With mobile networks covering 96% of the world’s population, mobile technologies are increasingly central to delivering timely and actionable alerts. However, building effective mobile-enabled EWS requires more than technology alone and depends on strong governance, public trust, sustainable financing and coordination across stakeholders.

This report, developed by the GSMA Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation programme, draws on lessons from established early warning systems in Chile, France, India and Japan, alongside implementation experience from low- and middle-income countries. It identifies 11 practical lessons for designing and strengthening mobile-enabled EWS, exploring the institutional, regulatory, financial and technical considerations that can support more resilient, inclusive and effective warning systems.