TANZANIA HOSTS HISTORIC WMO CLIMATE PREDICTION WORKSHOP IN ARUSHA. 

Arusha, Tanzania – June 29, 2026
The United Republic of Tanzania is hosting the Fourth World Meteorological Organization (WMO) International Workshop on Operational Climate Prediction (OCP-4) in Arusha, bringing together climate experts, scientists, policymakers and development partners to strengthen climate prediction, early warning systems and climate services for sustainable development. The workshop is guided by the theme: "Addressing the Full Value Chain, from the Production of Climate Predictions to their Transformation into Decision-Oriented Services."

In his opening remarks, the Minister for Transport, Hon. Prof. Makame Mnyaa Mbarawa(MP), expressed  appreciation that Tanzania was selected to host the event, describing the selection as a reflection of Africa's growing role in global climate discussions and the increasing importance of strengthening climate services across the continent.

 “We are honored that WMO selected Tanzania to host this important workshop, particularly as it is being held in Africa for the first time. This reflects the growing role of Africa in global climate discussions and highlights the importance of strengthening climate services across the continent.”
He also showcased the contribution of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, under the leadership of Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, commitment to strengthening meteorological infrastructure and observation systems as part of its broader efforts to improve weather and climate services across the country.

The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Hon. James Kinyasi Millya, reaffirmed Tanzania's commitment to international cooperation in climate science, saying the decision to host the workshop demonstrates the confidence the international community has in Tanzania's leadership.

“The decision by WMO to organize this important global workshop here in Tanzania is a testament to the confidence that the international community places in our country and in the growing role of Africa in global climate discussions.”

The Deputy Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) congratulated the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) for its outstanding leadership  and commitment in organizing the workshop. She emphasized that the workshop provides an important platform for transforming scientific advances into practical, decision-ready climate services and highlighted the role of innovation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), in strengthening operational climate prediction and delivering better climate services for all.

“I also thank the Tanzania Meteorological Authority for its outstanding leadership and commitment in organizing this workshop. We must turn scientific advances into decision-ready climate services that strengthen resilience and support sustainable development.”

The Director General of the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) and the Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Dr. Ladislaus Chang'a, emphasized the growing demand for reliable climate information that supports timely and informed decision-making, particularly for vulnerable communities.
“The Fourth WMO International Workshop on Operational Climate Prediction (OCP-4) being held for the first time in Africa comes at a critical time, when the demand for effective, reliable, actionable and user-oriented climate information is increasingly becoming urgent and high, especially for the most vulnerable communities whose livelihoods depend largely on climate-sensitive activities.”

The workshop is expected to strengthen international collaboration, improve operational climate prediction systems, and enhance climate services across key sectors, including agriculture, water resources, energy, transport and disaster risk management, while supporting the implementation of the United Nations' Early Warnings for All initiative.