The 16th User Forum of the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites in Africa (EUMETSAT) took place in Cotonou, Benin, from September 16 to 20, 2024. The event was co-organised by the Agence Nationale de la Météorologie du Bénin (Météo Bénin) under the Ministry of Living Environment and Transport of the Republic of Benin, in collaboration with EUMETSAT. Over 150 participants from 46 African countries, five (5) European countries, and 15 regional and international organisations attended.
The forum provided a platform for discussion among climate experts, meteorologists and other African satellite data users. Discussions focused on knowledge sharing and best practices for using data from Meteosat geostationary satellites, emphasising the transformative impact of the new Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellite system in Africa.
The Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) Satellite System in Africa
One of the forum’s key highlights was the introduction of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellites, which now transmit data via EUMETCast-Africa. The MTG data promises to transform Africa’s meteorological capabilities, offering more accurate, real-time information crucial for weather forecasting. This advancement will allow meteorological services in Africa to predict severe weather events such as storms and floods with greater precision, significantly improving disaster response.
In collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), EUMETSAT is assisting in deploying European Union-funded PUMA stations across the African continent. These reception stations are specifically designed to receive data from the MTG satellites. The first PUMA receiving station was recently installed in Nairobi, Kenya, with another station set up in Cotonou, Benin, that showcased its capabilities to participants at the 16th EUMETSAT User Forum.
The “Space for Early Warning in Africa” project was also introduced. The project aims to enhance Africa’s disaster preparedness using MTG satellite data. Furthermore, the project will help the continent’s meteorological services provide quicker and more accurate predictions of extreme weather events, ultimately protecting lives and infrastructure. The lessons learned from the June 2024 storms in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, which showcased the vital role of early warning systems in saving lives, further underscored the importance of this initiative. Daouda Konaté, Director of Côte d’Ivoire’s National Meteorology Service and First Vice President of the World Meteorological Organisation, provided insights into how satellite data, with examples from Meteosat, is crucial for storm prediction and coordinating disaster responses.
Addressing Climate and Hydrology
The forum also emphasised using satellite data beyond weather forecasting, particularly in tackling climate and hydrological challenges. Attendees adopted the “Cotonou Declaration,” committing to using satellite data to monitor greenhouse gases and air quality in Africa. Furthermore, River Basin Authorities (RBAs) discussed the critical role of Earth Observation (EO) data in managing water resources and improving flood forecasting capabilities. The transition to MTG data is expected to transform these areas, ensuring better management of Africa’s water basins.
A special session on hydrology provided participants with valuable insights into the application of satellite data in water resource management. The discussion highlighted how large transboundary river basins could benefit from improved satellite-based monitoring, an essential step for sustainable water management on the continent.
Regional Collaboration
Mr Sédiko Douka, Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation at (the Economic Community of West African States) CEDEAO, and Dr Tidiane Ouattara, president of the African Space Council, highlighted the importance of technological advancements in enhancing Africa’s meteorological and security infrastructure. Several other representatives were present, such as the EUMETSAT Director General and a European Union delegation, emphasising the event’s global and regional status. The forum culminated in signing a commitment statement by various parties, including the Beninese Government, the World Meteorological Organisation, CEDEAO, and financial partners. This agreement outlines the key responsibilities of each stakeholder in implementing the forum’s resolutions.
Forum Recommendations
The forum underscored the importance of improving Africa’s satellite-based meteorological and climate services. The deployment of PUMA-2025 and ClimSA stations across the continent, funded by the European Union, was commended. The forum recommended that each National Meteorological and Hydrological Service (NMHS) confirm their contact points and prepare for installations to ensure these stations are operational. They also ensure personnel receive comprehensive training on using the new equipment. The African Meteorological Satellite Application Facility (AMSAF) was also identified as a vital tool for enhancing early warning systems and regional coordination in weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
The forum also addressed the need for improved climate and air quality monitoring through satellite technology. Recommendations included integrating the Climate Monitoring SAF (CM-SAF) tools into ClimSA stations, allowing for a more robust climate data analysis. Additionally, the forum encouraged the AUC to establish partnerships to implement the Cotonou Declaration, which promotes using satellite data to monitor greenhouse gas emissions and air quality. Further training in air quality monitoring was emphasised, with a proposal to establish a dedicated African training infrastructure to support long-term expertise development.
The forum recommended that River Basin Authorities (RBAs) transition to using MTG satellite data for water management and flood forecasting in the hydrology and blue economy sectors. Significant progress was also noted in the GMES & Africa marine and coastal services. The forum urged the consortia to expand their geographical reach and strengthen safety-at-sea operations. Across all themes, continuous training, technical upgrades, and regional cooperation were reiterated. This is to ensure that African countries can fully benefit from satellite data and technology for sustainable development and climate resilience.
Conclusion
The 16th EUMETSAT User Forum in Africa marked a significant milestone in the continent’s journey towards enhancing its meteorological infrastructure. The forum’s focus on integrating MTG satellite data into Africa’s meteorological services represents a leap forward in the region’s ability to manage natural disasters, adapt to climate change, and ensure sustainable management of water resources. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the forum set the stage for a future where Africa can proactively address its meteorological and climate challenges.
