NiMet DG calls for investment to close Africa's weather data gaps

Professor Charles Anosike, Director-General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has called for urgent investment in weather and climate observation infrastructure to address significant data gaps in Africa. Speaking at the 2026 Alliance for Hydromet Development Annual Meeting in Lagos, Anosike noted that Africa accounts for approximately 30% of the global weather and climate observation deficit.

According to Anosike, the continent possesses only about 12.5% of the minimum weather station density recommended by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Across 53 African countries, compliance rates for basic data exchange are just 7% for surface land stations and 9% for upper-air stations. He emphasized that these gaps undermine global forecasting accuracy and urged development banks, financial institutions, and private investors to support hydrometeorological infrastructure through public-private partnerships, noting that public budgets alone are insufficient.

WMO President Dr. Abdulla Ahmed Al Mandous also advocated for increased investment in meteorological and hydrological services across Africa. He stated that strengthening these services is essential to improving early warning systems, protecting lives and livelihoods, and supporting sustainable economic development through 2030.