The Integrated African Strategy on Meteorology (Weather and Climate Services) provides Africa’s strategic framework for the development and application of weather and climate services to support the continent’s social, economic and environmental development. Revised from the initial strategy adopted in 2013, it aims to strengthen cooperation among African countries and promote coordinated and harmonised actions to address development challenges associated with weather, climate variability and climate change. A key objective of the Strategy is the modernisation of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) to enhance their capacity to deliver reliable, timely and accessible weather, water and climate information. Aligned with the African Union Agenda 2063, which identifies climate change as a major challenge to Africa’s development, the Strategy recognises the urgent need to strengthen climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. In this context, multi-hazard early warning systems are essential components of climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies and must be further developed across the continent. Weather, water and climate services provided by NMHSs play a critical role in safeguarding communities and supporting key socioeconomic sectors, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, water resources, energy, transport, aviation, health and tourism. These services also underpin effective disaster risk management by improving preparedness, reducing vulnerability and strengthening resilience to climate variability and climate change impacts. Through the Integrated African Strategy on Meteorology, African countries seek to enhance regional cooperation, strengthen institutional capacities and ensure that NMHSs are adequately modernised and equipped to fulfil their responsibilities in supporting sustainable development, climate resilience and the well-being of African societies. The Strategy comprises the following 5 strategic pillars (SPs) (1) increased political support and recognition of NMHSs; (2) improved observational networks, data access and processing; (3) enhanced capacities for the production and delivery of tailored weather, water, climate and climate change services for sustainable development; (4) Research, Innovation, Development and Training; (5) strengthened partnerships with relevant institutions and the private sector. The overall purpose of the Strategy is to position weather, water and climate services as essential components of national and regional development frameworks and as key enablers of sustainable development in Africa, particularly in supporting poverty reduction, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction efforts. The Strategy aims to enhance cooperation among African countries and strengthen the capacity of governments, particularly National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), to provide effective and reliable weather, climate and hydrological services. It also serves as a strategic framework linking the actions of African NMHSs with key continental and global commitments. Furthermore, the Strategy provides a framework for integrated and coordinated approaches to guide Member States and stakeholders in developing and implementing policies that address the challenges and opportunities related to the provision of effective weather, water and climate services at national, regional and continental levels.
2021-01-01