There are valuable lessons to be learned from drought risk management around the world for the SADC region. Nations and regional governments must improve their drought monitoring and early warning systems. A better drought plan must consider risk assessments at all levels, from the community level to the regional level, to achieve better vulnerability and risk/impact assessments at the national and regional levels. Restoration of degraded lands, balancing land and water resources, improved conservation, sustainable utilisation and expansion of storage through dams and reservoirs are some of the mitigation measures recommended for the SADC region. It is beneficial for governments in the SADC region to establish institutions that are exclusively responsible for drought management, improving monitoring, early warning capabilities, and developing programs for preparedness, response, and recovery.