SOFF moving forward: Morocco Hosts Key workshops to Accelerate SOFF Implementation in Africa and beyond
The start of October marked a significant milestone for the Systematic Observation Financing Facility operational partners, as Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology and SOFF co-hosted two workshops designed to drive forward the SOFF Investments in Africa. The two workshops signalled a transition in SOFF implementation – moving from theory to practice. They served as a dynamic platform, showcasing the progress and lessons learned by countries already implementing SOFF investments.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Representative of Morocco with WMO and Director General of Meteorology of Morocco, Mohamed Dkhissi, emphasized the life-saving importance of this work: “Chaque donnée collectée dans le cadre du GBON est un outil précieux pour sauver des vies.” (Each data point collected under GBON is a valuable tool to save lives.)
With new stations coming online, countries are beginning to see the real-world impact of SOFF investments. This progress is a testament to the commitment and collaboration of the entire SOFF community. Events such as the SOFF Africa Regional Workshop provide essential opportunities for regional actors and technical experts to collaborate and coordinate their actions to close the climate and weather data gap.
High-Impact Collaboration: The SOFF Africa Regional Workshop
This regional workshop, which focused on the Investment Phase Implementation brought together participants from thirteen African countries currently in the SOFF Investment Phase or in the pipeline for approval.
From the first to the third of October, Implementing Entities, Peer advisors, countries and regional entities attending the workshop shared expertise and held consultation sessions regarding the investment phase implementation.
Pascal Waniha, Vice-President WMO Commision for Observation, Infrastructure, and Information System (INFCOM) and Director of Infrastructure and Technical Services Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA), highlighted the unique value of the SOFF community of practice: “The SOFF regional workshop has been a unique platform to discuss, learn from each other, find common solutions, and areas for collaboration as we move forward in the implementation of the planned project activities.”
Key outcomes from the workshop include:
- Outlining regional partners roles and responsibilities.
- Sharing good practices and addressing technical challenges in GBON implementation.
- Consultations on the draft SOFF Compliance Phase, and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning frameworks.
Discussions also explored ways to leverage SOFF investment for EW4All priorities through initiatives such as GCF, CREWS, NORCAP and WHCA. The workshop emphasized the necessity of early engagement and collaboration within the SOFF community to ensure effective and sustainable GBON implementation across Africa.
Driving progress: SOFF Peer Advisors and Implementing Entities Workshop strengthened engagement among SOFF experts
Following the regional workshop, SOFF Peer Advisors and Implementing Entities attended an annual in-person meeting in Casablanca from October 6 to 8.
The sessions were marked by a high level of energy and commitment as experts reviewed the progress achieved in SOFF implementation so far.
“The SOFF Regional Africa Workshop and Peer Advisor & IE Workshop are a valuable opportunity for us as a SOFF community to come together, share real on-the-ground experiences, and talk with each other rather than about each other.” Said Carolin Mueller, Peer Advisor from German Weather Service (DWD). “It is truly inspiring to see the work of other countries and to learn from each other’s experiences.”
Beyond celebrating successes, the main goal was to turn lessons learned into a clear blueprint for the future, identifying concrete steps to deepen cooperation and maximize the impact of the work done by SOFF Peer Advisors and Implementing Entities.
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