As climate variability and extremes increasingly affect vulnerable communities and economies across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP), the Intra-ACP Climate Services and related Applications (ClimSA) Programme has emerged as a cornerstone for integrating climate services into policy and decision-making. Through close collaboration with Regional Climate Centres (RCCs), National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and technical partners, ClimSA has advanced the use of science-based tools and knowledge in public planning and resource management. Key achievements include equipping policymakers with smart tools, uncovering the human and economic stories behind climate trends and sparking meaningful conversations that bring climate action to the forefront of public and political agendas.
As of May 2025, ClimSA has developed 31 regional and national decision support tools, three climate impact assessment reports, a global dynamic model to predict the socio-economic benefits of climate information and achieved 60 regional and national policymaker dialogues and awareness raising events.
Enhancing Climate Policy with Tailored Decision Support Tools
The African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD), with support from the ClimSA Programme, participated to the development of four State of the Climate in Africa reports covering the years from 2021 to 2024. These reports are critical tools for informing policy and planning, offering detailed analyses of climate trends, extreme weather events and their socio-economic impacts across the continent. Under the same arrangement, four decisions support tools were developed as follows: 1) ACCOF has emerged as a vital resource, providing concise briefs and summaries tailored for policymakers and planners; 2) in collaboration with UNOCHA, a population exposure rate tool was introduced to help anticipate flood impacts and enhance emergency preparedness; 3) a tool mapping heavy rainfall and high temperature hazards was created with WMO and UNHCR to improve the safety and planning of refugee camps and displaced communities; 4) ACMAD and UNOCHA jointly developed an actional indicator that provide an estimation of the percentage of populations likely to be affected by floods based on seasonal forecasts, enabling more targeted and efficient emergency planning and budgeting for humanitarian actors.
To strengthen climate-informed decision-making in Eastern Africa, IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) developed 14 policy-making decision support materials, each produced following a Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF), to provide clear, actionable summaries for policymakers. In addition, online decision support tools, namely Maptools, the ClimSA Climate Station, East Africa Hazards Watch (EAHW) and East Africa Agriculture Watch (EAAW) have been operationalized to offer real-time, user-friendly climate data tailored for various sectors. For example, the EAHW acts as a single hub for early warnings of hazards across the ICPAC region. It provides data analysis at different scales and includes socio-economic contexts. The ClimSA-recruited Data Visualisation Expert keeps it updated and manages the ICPAC website.
In West Africa, with support from ClimSA, the Regional Climate Centre AGRHYMET has achieved notable success. It has produced 12 regular policy briefs, drawing on insights from regional and national climate outlook forums, The Centre has also developed two guides on integrating climate considerations into agriculture and water resources policies. In addition, it has delivered training workshops for policymakers in five countries (Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea Bissau and The Gambia) and used feedback from pilot initiatives to refine its approach and better meet users’ needs.
In Southern Africa, under the ClimSA Programme, the SADC Climate Services Centre (SADC-CSC) held a regional training workshop on the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus from 10 to 14 June 2024 in Johannesburg. The workshop aimed to enhance understanding of the WEFE approach among representatives of SADC Member States, with particular focus on water management and the use of climate services. Participants explored topics such as climate variability, environmental data management using the Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS) tool, and the application of climate indicators including as precipitation and heat waves. Every year, the SADC-CSC organise the Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF), bringing together stakeholders from climate-sensitive sectors and climate experts to discuss the seasonal outlook and prepare contingency strategies to mitigate adverse climate impacts in the region. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) units use SARCOF’s statements as key tools in defining and implementing contingency plans for managing climate-related disasters.
To boost public awareness and encourage the use of climate services, the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) launched a targeted communication initiative across the Caribbean. The Institute commissioned a dedicated consultancy to design tailored campaigns aimed specifically at policy-makers in Dominica, Guyana and Jamaica. These efforts began with Knowledge, Attitude and Perceptions (KAP) studies to better understand how climate information is currently perceived and used in each country. The findings shape communication strategies that make climate services more accessible, actionable and culturally relevant. At the same time, CIMH has worked closely with national agencies to develop multi-sectoral forecast bulletins, helping ensure that essential climate information reaches farmers, disaster risk managers and public health professionals.
Given the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, the Secretariat of Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) hosts the coordination of the Pacific Regional Climate Centre Network Node. Under ClimSA, SPREP has strengthened the Pacific Islands Climate Outlook Forum (PICOF), which has become a key User Interface Platform (UIP) of the Pacific region. ClimSA has also consistently supported forums at the national level in Samoa and Kiribati, two countries that had experienced long gaps in organising such events. During the most recent NCOF in Kiribati, the Office of the President participated, and the WMO-supported national consultation under the Early Warning for All initiative was held to gather wide-ranging feedback. These forums have successfully broadened stakeholder participation, bringing in ministries, island councils and national disaster offices, helping ensuring that climate services are more responsive to sectoral needs. SPREP is proud to highlight that meaningful sector integration is now evident, with end users increasingly engaged and providing valuable feedback.
Climate Impact Reports on Socio-Economic Resilience
The ClimSA Programme has played a key role in strengthening climate services across the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions by combining socio-economic data, analytical frameworks and advanced visualisation tools. In 2022, ClimSA joined forces with Ventana Systems to develop a system dynamics model designed to highlight the socio-economic benefits (SEB) of climate services, with a strong focus on contribution to national economies as measured by GDP. All RCCs and pilot countries took part in an intensive two-phase training course delivered over 16 weeks, to build skills in applying the SEB tool methodology. Six country template models (Angola, Burkina Faso, Fiji, Guyana, Jamaica and Kenya) have been developed, and the SEB tool outputs for those countries are available. The final stage of the initiative, i.e. calibrating and validating the model’s variables to reflect national realities, is currently underway. Once completed, the tool will be a valuable asset for evidence-based decision-making, clearly demonstrating the economic value of investing in climate services.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is also working with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) to carry out socio-economic benefit assessments. These evaluations help in demonstrating the value of climate services and provide a solid foundation for informed policy-making and targeted investments.
ICPAC conducted an assessment on the socio-economic benefits of climate services in Kenya and Uganda, shedding light on their vital contribution to sustainable development. The study explored the far-reaching impacts of climate change on agriculture and water resources in both countries, revealing key vulnerabilities and opportunities for climate-resilient growth. Drawing from these findings, ICPAC produced a policy brief designed not only to demonstrate value of climate services, but also to inform and inspire action among policymakers.
In West Africa, support from the ClimSA Programme enabled the AGRHYMET Regional Centre to examine the socio-economic benefits of climate services at the grassroots level, focusing on how climate information supports livelihoods and decision-making in farming communities. The findings, detailed in the publication Dissemination and On-Farm Use of the Seasonal Forecast and Other Climate Services in Southwest Niger, shed light on how timely and accessible forecasts can improve agricultural outcomes and resilience in vulnerable areas.
Fostering Climate Action through Policy Dialogues and Public Awareness Events
As part of the ClimSA Programme, ACMAD hosted a Policy Dialogue Day in Niamey in October 2022, in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the WMO, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and other partners. The event brought together key stakeholders to share insights on climate hazards, emerging trends and the impacts observed in 2021. A key highlight was the official launch of the Continental Multi-Hazard Advisory Centre, a cornerstone of the African Union’s Multi-Hazard Early Warning System. The dialogue also underscored the need to strengthen communication around climate change and disaster risk reduction, supporting more informed parliamentary discussions and international reporting efforts.
During ClimSA, ICPAC convened three high-level meetings to advance the integration of climate services into national and regional policies, plans and programmes. The first meeting, held in Entebbe, Uganda, in October 2023 focused on experience-sharing among Member States. It brought together senior officials from ministries responsible for meteorology, agriculture and water resources to promote the adoption of science-based, climate-informed policies. The second meeting in Kampala in July 2024, engaged high level representatives from finance and planning ministries, acknowledging their pivotal role in budget formulation and development strategies. The third meeting, held in Nairobi in October 2024, aimed to consolidate previous achievements and secure commitments from Ministers of Finance to allocate resources for embedding climate services into development planning. A key outcome was a ministerial communiqué reaffirming support for mainstreaming climate services across sectors.
Through support from the ClimSA Programme, AGRHYMET successfully organised the Second and Third International Scientific Conferences on Climate Change in West Africa and the Sahel, held in June 2022 and September 2024 respectively. The Third International Scientific Conference on Climate Change placed a strong emphasis on extreme weather events and the policy and strategy responses needed to address them. Drawing more 400 participants, including policymakers, climate professionals and researchers, the event served as a key platform for dialogue and action. A major outcome was the launch of the Declaration of Niamey, which calls for stronger political commitment, sustainable financing and the integration of scientific evidence into policymaking to drive resilience across the region.
As part of its efforts to strengthen the uptake of climate services, the ClimSA Programme, through the AGRHYMET Regional Centre, supported 13 national awareness-raising events across West Africa. In Burkina Faso, a ClimSA pilot country, a national gathering was held annually from 2020 to 2024, timed with the release of seasonal forecasts during the PRESASS [Prévisions Saisonnières en Afrique Soudano-Sahélienne] forum each May. In addition, eight national awareness events took place in 2022 and 2023 across other West African countries - three in Benin, three in Mauritania and two in Togo – helping to broaden the reach of climate information and promote its practical use in planning and preparedness at the national level.
In Southern Africa, SADC-CSC is actively engaged in high-level discussions, reinforcing its commitment to integrating climate considerations into regional infrastructure and development planning. In March 2024, for example, the Centre led a policy dialogue during the Infrastructure Performance Review and Planning Session in Kasane, Botswana, highlighting the importance of climate-informed decision-making in shaping sustainable infrastructure in the region.
The ClimSA Pacific team participated in the Pacific Regional Board Directors Workshop, hosted by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), marking a significant step towards co-developing a climate information product tailored for the tourism sector. Aligned with the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework, the 2030 Agenda and the Pacific 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific, this workshop offered a vital platform to engage decision-makers on how climate services can support sustainable tourism. With nearly 40 participants from 12 SPTO Member Countries, the forum sparked meaningful dialogue on the role and value of climate information in building a more resilient tourism industry across the region.
Regional Climate Outlook Forums (RCOFs) are vital platforms for delivering actionable climate information to policymakers across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. Since its inception in 2020, ClimSA has actively supported these forums, which are typically held twice annually – ahead of and following major seasons. Under the ClimSA Programme, over 40 RCOFs have been convened to date, including six in Southern Africa, ten in West Africa, 12 in East Africa, nine in the Caribbean, three in the Pacific region and one in the Indian Ocean region. These forums provide timely, consensus-based seasonal forecasts alongside tailored guidance for key sectors. By translating complex climate data into practical tools, RCOFs enable governments and institutions to improve preparedness, reduce risks and design climate-resilient policies that support sustainable development.
Complementing these high-level events, RCCs and ClimSA technical partners have actively shared best practices in climate communication on global stages. Their consistent participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conferences of the Parties (COPs) since 2021 has significantly increased the visibility and exposure of ClimSA activities. These international platforms have provided valuable opportunities to showcase the Programme’s impact, forge strategic partnerships and position climate services as essential tools for building resilience.
In addition to their presence at COPs, ClimSA partners convened annually at the ClimSA Forums, global events that consistently attract over 200 participants. These forums provide dynamic spaces for exchanging knowledge, fostering collaboration and promoting South-South cooperation. By bringing together stakeholders from across the ACP regions and beyond, the forums facilitate cross-learning and innovation, enhancing the impact and reach of climate services.
Way Forward: Keeping the Momentum
Guided by WMO’s integrated frameworks, ClimSA is embedding a globally consistent yet locally adaptable model. ACP nations are no longer just users of climate forecasts; they are becoming architects of climate-smart futures. As the Programme concludes, the challenge and opportunity lie in sustaining this momentum. Together with its broader efforts to engage stakeholders, enhance climate service delivery, expand access to climate data and build capacity, ClimSA is also supporting RCCs in becoming WMO-designated centres. These combined actions are helping to embed climate services into national and regional planning, strengthening resilience and promoting sustainable development across the ACP regions.
For more information, do not hesitate to contact the OACPS Secretariat through Dr Nsadisa Faka, Team Leader of the ClimSA Programme (nsadisa.faka@acp.int), and Ms Michela Paganini, Stakeholder Engagement Expert for the ClimSA Programme (michela.paganini@acp.int).