The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) is continuing to position itself as a regional hub for advancing weather and climate services in Africa through capacity-building programmes supported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
TMA in Dodoma is currently hosting senior officials and meteorology experts from the Burundi Meteorological Institute (IGEBU) and the South Sudan Meteorological Service (SSMS) for hands-on training aimed at improving modern forecasting skills and strengthening early warning systems.
The training, which runs from 13 to 17 April 2026 in Tanzania, focuses on Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP), severe weather forecasting, and Quality Management Systems (QMS).
It is designed to equip participants with advanced technical skills needed to improve the accuracy and reliability of weather information in their respective countries.
The programme is implemented in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization through the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative.
It aims to enhance regional preparedness and improve the delivery of timely weather alerts, helping communities better respond to climate change and extreme weather events.
Opening the training, the Director General of TMA and Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Task Group, Dr. Ladislaus Chang’a, said Tanzania remains committed to strengthening cooperation among African countries in meteorological services.
He said improved weather forecasting is critical in supporting key sectors such as agriculture, aviation, water resources, and disaster management, adding that stronger collaboration will help countries build resilience against climate change impacts.
“We are committed to improving weather services not only in Tanzania but across Africa. Through joint efforts and knowledge sharing, we can strengthen forecasting systems and improve preparedness against extreme weather events,” said Dr. Chang’a.
He added that TMA will continue to host and support regional training programmes from its centres in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam to ensure African countries benefit from shared expertise.
Speaking on behalf of the World Meteorological Organization, Zablon Shilenje expressed appreciation for Tanzania’s leadership in supporting capacity development across the continent.
He said WMO values Tanzania’s continued cooperation in training meteorology experts from countries such as South Sudan and Burundi, noting that strengthening human capacity is key to improving weather and climate services in Africa.
“Working together ensures that no country is left behind in accessing reliable weather and climate information. This cooperation is vital in protecting lives and livelihoods,” said Shilenje.
The training is expected to improve forecasting accuracy, enhance quality management systems, and strengthen regional cooperation among meteorological institutions in Africa.
