By Alfred Zacharia
Tanzania marked World Meteorological Day on March 23, 2026 with a strong focus on expanding weather monitoring, early warning systems, and climate resilience.
The 76th anniversary of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is being observed under the theme “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,” highlighting the importance of accurate meteorological information for safeguarding communities, guiding economic planning, and supporting national development.
Transport Minister Prof. Makame Mnyaa Mbarawa (MP) said that timely weather and climate data is essential for decision-making in critical sectors including agriculture, transport, energy, health, and mining.
He emphasized that meteorological services save lives, protect property, and reduce economic losses caused by extreme weather events.
“Let us continue to invest in meteorological observation systems now to protect the future of our beloved country and our people,” Prof. Mbarawa said.
He pointed to global trends showing that between 1970 and 2021, extreme weather caused US$ 4.3 trillion in losses and nearly 2 million deaths, mostly in developing countries.
For Tanzania, accurate forecasts and early warning systems are critical in mitigating the impact of floods, storms, and droughts on agriculture and infrastructure.
The government has linked its meteorological strategy to the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, which seeks a “climate-ready nation.”
Investments in weather monitoring are framed as national security measures and economic safeguards. Prof. Mbarawa highlighted the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies in improving forecasts and early warning capabilities.
Under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the country has upgraded its meteorological infrastructure. Key initiatives include a Meteorological Instrument Calibration Centre in Dar es Salaam and the National Early Warning for All (EW4ALL) program.
Through the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), Tanzania has added nine new surface Automatic Weather Stations, four Upper-Air stations, and rehabilitated 18 existing surface stations.
Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) Director General Dr. Ladislaus Chang’a said the country now operates five weather radars in Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Kigoma, and Mbeya, with two additional radars planned.
The network also includes 50 Automatic Weather Stations, 60 Automatic Rain Gauges, 15 Agrometeorological stations, and 10 Aviation Meteorological Systems. Strategic projects under construction include the Eastern Zone building, a Tsunami Warning Centre, and the Instrument Calibration Centre.
A High-Performance Computing cluster has been deployed to improve data processing and forecast accuracy.
TMA is using AI, Machine Learning, and Big Data to enhance weather services. Innovations such as the Digital Meteorological Observatory, the Marine Meteorological Information System, and the Meteorological Aviation Information System strengthen Tanzania’s observation and response capabilities.
These tools improve forecast accuracy and ensure timely alerts for floods, storms, and other hazards.
Tanzania also plays a leading role internationally. Dr. Chang’a serves as Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Dr. Pascal Waniha is Vice-President of WMO’s INFCOM, and Dr. Hamza Kabelwa co-chairs the WMO Standing Committee on SC-WIPPS.
The country has supported Burundi, South Sudan, Namibia, and Zimbabwe in improving meteorological systems, including Quality Management and digital aviation services, positioning Tanzania as a regional hub for expertise.
Education and training are central to sustaining these advancements. Tanzania operates the National Meteorological Training Centre in Kigoma and partners with the University of Dar es Salaam and the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology to develop skilled meteorologists.
This ensures a steady workforce capable of managing modern weather systems and responding to climate risks.
Prof. Mbarawa and Dr. Chang’a called on the private sector, media, academia, and development partners to support government initiatives and comply with the Tanzania Meteorological Act No. 2 of 2019.
They stressed that robust meteorological systems are critical not only for protecting communities but also for sustaining economic growth and national resilience.
“Observing today protects tomorrow,” Prof. Mbarawa said. Investments in meteorology, he added, are measures that save lives, reduce economic losses, and strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to climate shocks.
Tanzania’s approach demonstrates how emerging economies can combine technology, infrastructure, policy, and regional collaboration to build climate resilience and secure sustainable development.
