ARUSHA: Tanzania has positioned itself at the centre of global efforts to improve weather forecasting after hosting the Fourth World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Operational Forecasting for Operational Purposes Conference (OCP-4), the first edition of the prestigious meeting to be held in Africa.
Opening the three-day conference in Arusha on Monday, Minister for Transport Prof. Makame Mbarawa said Tanzania's selection as host reflects growing international confidence in the country's meteorological capabilities and its commitment to strengthening climate services.
The meeting, jointly organised by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA), has brought together weather experts, researchers, policymakers and development partners from around the world to explore how advanced forecasting can better protect lives, strengthen economies and improve resilience to climate change.
Prof. Mbarawa said the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has significantly expanded investment in modern weather infrastructure, including weather radar systems, observation stations and early warning technologies, to improve the delivery of timely and accurate forecasts.
He said reliable weather information has become an essential tool for sectors ranging from agriculture and transport to fisheries, disaster risk management and energy, enabling institutions and communities to make informed decisions and minimise losses caused by extreme weather events.
"As climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe, investing in weather services is no longer optional. It is a strategic investment in public safety, economic resilience and sustainable development," Prof. Mbarawa said.
He noted that Tanzania remains committed to strengthening its meteorological systems while deepening international cooperation to ensure weather information reaches users quickly and accurately.
Speaking earlier, WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett underscored the importance of global collaboration in addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change.
She said no nation can effectively confront climate risks in isolation, calling for stronger partnerships in sharing scientific knowledge, weather data, forecasting technologies and technical expertise.
"Climate change knows no borders. Strengthening international cooperation is essential if we are to provide reliable weather and climate services that protect lives and livelihoods," Barrett said.
For his part, TMA Director General Dr Ladislaus Chang'a said the conference offers a valuable platform for meteorological professionals to exchange experiences and examine emerging technologies transforming modern forecasting.
He highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning in improving forecast accuracy, enabling meteorological agencies to produce faster, more precise and more reliable weather information.
Dr Chang'a said embracing such technologies will help countries strengthen preparedness for floods, droughts and other climate-related hazards while supporting long-term economic planning.
Acting Arusha Regional Commissioner Joseph Mkude welcomed delegates to Tanzania, saying the conference further reinforces Arusha's reputation as one of Africa's leading destinations for international conferences.
He added that the event also provides an opportunity to showcase Tanzania's tourism attractions, cultural heritage and hospitality to visitors from across the globe.
The conference is expected to produce recommendations aimed at advancing operational weather forecasting, promoting technological innovation and strengthening global cooperation in climate services as countries seek more effective ways to respond to the increasing impacts of climate change.