Malawi Launches USD 3.84 Million SOFF Programme to Strengthen Weather Observation and Early Warning Systems
Blantyre, Malawi, 11 February 2026 – The Government of Malawi, through the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), today officially launched the SOFF Malawi Project at an event held in Blantyre.
The USD 3.84 million initiative will significantly enhance Malawi’s capacity to generate, process, and share high‑quality weather and climate data in line with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) standards.
It will also enhance evidence-based decision-making and improve access to tailored early warnings that protect lives, livelihoods, and property across Malawi.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Patricia Wiskes, said Malawi’s priorities include modernising meteorological infrastructure, building technical capacity, and improving climate information services for vulnerable communities: “Our government fully supports partnerships that enhance Malawi’s ability to respond effectively to climate variability and extreme weather events.”
UNDP Resident Representative Fenella Frost reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to strengthening Malawi’s resilience: “SOFF Malawi represents a strategic investment in saving lives, protecting livelihoods, and supporting climate‑resilient development. By improving the country’s observing systems, we strengthen the backbone of early warning services.”
Underscoring the regional and global importance of the investment, Markus Repnik, SOFF Director, said: “With the installation of a new radiosonde, Malawi is restoring upper-air observations after 15 years. This investment will benefit not only the country, but also the region and the world, with scientific evidence showing that targeted investments in weather observations in Africa can reduce forecast uncertainty by more than 30 per cent in high-impact regions.”
The project will support the rehabilitation of four land-based meteorological stations: Kasungu, Ngabu in Chikwawa, Mlowe in Rumphi, and Bilira in Ntcheu, as well as the installation of an automatic upper-air station, restoring a vital capability for monitoring atmospheric conditions. It also includes capacity building, technology upgrades, and long-term operations and maintenance support.
SOFF Malawi is implemented by DCCMS in partnership with UNDP, with peer advisory support from MET Norway and Iceland MET, and oversight from the SOFF Secretariat and WMO. The programme contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action, the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, and implementation of the Disaster Risk Management Act and Meteorological Policy.
About the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS)
The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) is the Government of Malawi’s national authority mandated to provide meteorological and climate services essential for safeguarding lives, property, and socio-economic development. Operating under the Ministry of Natural Resources, DCCMS is responsible for the management of Malawi’s national weather and climate observation network, the generation of meteorological data, and the delivery of weather forecasts, climate information, and early warning services across the country.
About SOFF
Established in 2022, the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) is a United Nations fund solely dedicated to closing the basic weather and climate data gaps in the world’s most resource-constrained regions. SOFF provides grants and peer-to-peer technical assistance to help Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States generate and sustain surface-based observations that meet Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) standards. By enabling a steady flow of high-quality weather and climate data, SOFF delivers a global public good that strengthens forecasts, improves early warnings, and supports climate-resilient development everywhere.
About WMO
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting international cooperation in atmospheric science and meteorology. WMO monitors weather, climate, and water resources and provides support to its Members in forecasting and disaster mitigation. The organization is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and improving public safety and well-being through its work.
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in over 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, reduction of inequalities, and sustainable development. In Malawi, UNDP supports the government and people of Malawi in achieving their development goals, including the implementation of Malawi 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Blessings Samuel Phumisa, Communications Analyst, UNDP Malawi blessings.samuel@undp.org
Amos Mtonya, Deputy Director of Engineering and Communications, Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services amos.mtonya@metmalawi.gov.mw
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