The Steering Committee overseeing the implementation of the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) project has approved the 2025 work plan and budget, marking a significant milestone in Tanzania’s efforts to improve weather observation infrastructure and strengthen climate resilience.
The decision was made during the second meeting of the Committee, held at Cate Hotel in Morogoro, where stakeholders gathered to assess progress made in 2024 and chart the path forward.
The SOFF project, which officially launched in July 2024, is a four-year initiative that runs through December 2027.
Dr. Ladislaus Chang’a, Acting Director General of the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) and Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), highlighted the meeting's strategic focus.
“The second meeting of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) project will focus on reviewing the implementation of the 2024 work plan, and on receiving and approving the proposed work plan and budget for 2025,” he said during the official opening.
Dr. Chang’a acknowledged the commitment of the Committee and the Secretariat in executing the year’s activities, including the official project launch, which was spearheaded by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa.
He emphasized the importance of aligning the project’s goals with the Prime Minister’s five key directives.
“We appreciate the tremendous efforts made in executing the project’s 2024 agenda. TMA has developed a strategic work plan to address the five key directives issued by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa, during the project launch,” he noted.
Among the Prime Minister’s priorities were the need for timely implementation and stronger collaboration among national and international partners—critical factors in the country’s ability to adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change.
The SOFF initiative, backed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supports developing countries and small island states in improving the quality and availability of meteorological data.
This data is essential for disaster preparedness, agriculture, and water resource management.
Speaking on behalf of UNDP, Mr. Amos Manyama, Deputy Resident Representative in Tanzania, reaffirmed the agency’s partnership with the Government of Tanzania and its continued investment in climate-related solutions.
“UNDP remains committed to working with the Government, TMA, and all stakeholders to achieve the project’s objectives.
Moreover, we believe in strengthening long-term partnerships with TMA to improve weather and climate services, even beyond the project’s duration,” said Mr. Manyama.
In addition to endorsing the 2025 Work Plan, the Committee approved the project’s 2024 Financial Report and a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Plan—tools that will be critical in tracking progress and ensuring transparency.
With climate variability and extreme weather events on the rise, the SOFF project plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Tanzanian communities by enhancing the accuracy and accessibility of weather forecasts. Its successful implementation is expected to contribute not only to saving lives and property but also to informing climate-smart development policies across the country.
