The inaugural edition of the ClimAfrica Forum 2025 was launched on Tuesday in Skhirat under the theme “From Risk to Resilience: Meteorology and Innovation for Early Warning Systems in Africa.”
Carrying the values of action and innovation, this two-day event, initiated by the Ministry of Equipment and Water in partnership with several regional and international stakeholders, takes place ahead of COP30, with the ambition of making this gathering a continental turning point in the fight against climate change and the deployment of early warning systems tailored to African realities.
The forum aims to encourage reflection on scientifically-based solutions, scalable innovations, and strategic partnerships to address the growing impacts of climate disruption in Africa.
It also serves as a platform for political and institutional mobilization, aligned with the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Regional Action Plan for Africa.
On this occasion, Abdelfattah Sahibi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Equipment and Water, emphasized that Africa is experiencing a critical moment marked by the increasing frequency of droughts, floods, and heatwaves that undermine economies, food security, and water resources.
In the face of these challenges, Mr. Sahibi stressed the need for a collective, ambitious, and innovative response, aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the initiative Early Warnings for All aiming to protect all populations by 2027.
In this spirit, he asserted that ClimAfrica is not just a conference but an action mechanism capable of transforming science and innovation into concrete solutions, particularly through African youth and their creative potential.
For his part, Johan Stander, Director of the WMO’s Weather Services, stated that science leaves no doubt about the climate urgency, reminding attendees of temperature records and natural disasters impacting the continent.
He highlighted the importance of the collective responsibility to develop population-centered warning systems while considering their environmental and societal impacts.
The forum, Mr. Stander continued, should facilitate the implementation of “African solutions for African problems,” ensuring that each country on the continent has an inclusive and effective early warning system.
Other participants in this conclave pointed out that climate change transcends borders and calls for a concerted global response, applauding the holding of this unprecedented forum as a decisive step towards a more resilient and united Africa.
The first day of the forum is notably marked by two high-level panels discussing “Establishing Impact-Focused Climate Services in Africa” and “Strengthening Sectoral Resilience through Climate Data and Services.”
MAP