AI key to Africa's climate resilience, says ACMAD Chief

Africa must urgently strengthen its climate monitoring systems, expand access to early warning services and embrace artificial intelligence if it is to withstand the growing impacts of climate change, African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD) Director General Dr. Ousmane Ndiaye has said.

Speaking during the 21st African Continental Climate Outlook Forum (ACCOF-21) in Lusaka, Dr. Ndiaye warned that rising temperatures and increasing climate variability are becoming a reality that African countries can no longer ignore.

"We are pushing for more early warnings on heatwaves because we think climate change is here. It's going to be hotter and hotter, no doubt about it," Dr. Ndiaye said.

He stressed that Africa's economies remain highly vulnerable to climate shocks because key sectors such as agriculture, water resources and public health are heavily dependent on weather and climate conditions.

"As you know full well, in Africa, the economy is mostly led by climate variability. Agriculture is rain-fed, many vector-borne diseases are related to climate, and water resources depend on climate. If we have any strong climate variability, it directly impacts the socio-economic development of each country," he said.

Dr. Ndiaye said this is why climate experts, meteorological agencies and policymakers from across the continent had gathered in Zambia to discuss the anticipated El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event and develop strategies to improve preparedness.

He explained that Africa's greatest defence against climate-related disasters lies in anticipation and preparedness rather than response.

"In Africa, we do not always have the infrastructure and resources to withstand major climate shocks. What we need is to anticipate, get prepared and ensure that we can avoid the worst impacts. That's why this meeting is really relevant," he said.

Dr. Ndiaye noted that ACMAD, working alongside the African Union Commission and Regional Climate Centres, is helping countries understand the potential impacts of El Niño and develop tailored guidance for governments and communities.

"You have heard about ENSO, with El Niño and Southern Oscillation, which is happening now. All parts of the world are discussing it, and we think Africa must also discuss it, but in our own context," he said.

He said the forum would help generate guidance on preparedness measures that can save lives, protect livelihoods and reduce economic losses.

"We want to come out of Lusaka with strong guidance on what to do and how to prepare in order to save lives and property," he said.

Dr. Ndiaye also highlighted the critical role of data in strengthening climate services and early warning systems across Africa.

According to him, the continent continues to face significant challenges in accessing reliable and comprehensive climate data.

"Data is really the big problem in Africa. We are talking about artificial intelligence, we are talking about early warning systems, but the backbone of all this is data," he said.

He revealed that ACMAD is leading efforts to establish a continental data portal that will improve access to climate information and support decision-making across multiple sectors.

"That is why ACMAD is working on a data portal for all of Africa to ensure that data is available not only for climate but also for all sectors related to climate," he said.

Dr. Ndiaye further emphasized the growing importance of artificial intelligence in weather forecasting, climate modelling and disaster preparedness.

"We know that artificial intelligence is here and it is something we can use a lot. Together with national meteorological services and under the leadership of WMO, we want to use it to solve our problems, innovate and ensure that our gaps are closed," he said.

He noted that climate and health have become increasingly interconnected, prompting ACMAD to establish a dedicated climate and health desk aimed at improving preparedness for heatwaves and climate-sensitive diseases.

As climate risks continue to increase across Africa, Dr. Ndiaye said stronger collaboration among regional climate centres remains essential.

He acknowledged the contributions of institutions including ICPAC in East Africa, regional climate centres in North Africa, SADC climate institutions in Southern Africa and other partners working to improve climate services across the continent.

Dr. Ndiaye also commended the Government of Zambia for hosting the forum and for its leadership in advancing meteorological services in Africa.

He noted that Zambia currently serves as Vice President of the African Ministerial Conference on Meteorology (AMCOMET) and has continued to play a significant role in promoting climate resilience initiatives on the continent.

"We are very happy to be here and to see the leadership that Zambia is providing. We are also proud that the Meteorological Service here is one of the leaders and is working very hard," he said.

As discussions on the anticipated El Niño continue, ACMAD says it will keep promoting innovative approaches, stronger partnerships and science-based solutions to help African countries prepare for a future increasingly shaped by climate change.

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