Hon. Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, has launched a weather balloon to symbolically mark the beginning of the US$13.9m Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) project.
This milestone initiative, undertaken by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI), aims to enhance Tanzania’s meteorological observation capabilities, strengthen climate data exchange and bolster the country’s resilience to climate-related challenges.
SOFF’s technological investments
Dr Ladislaus Chang’a, acting director general of the TMA and permanent representative of Tanzania with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the vice chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), highlighted how SOFF is helping to address gaps identified in Tanzania’s meteorological infrastructure to meet Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) standards. He said that the gap analysis, conducted in 2023, “indicated that Tanzania requires at least 27 surface stations for the minimum global resolution of 200km by 200km, and five upper air stations for the minimum global resolution of 500km by 500km”.
With a budget of US$13.9m, US$9m of which is provided by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF), with the remainder funded by the government of Tanzania, the SOFF project marks a significant step in improving the national and global climate data infrastructure, enabling better-informed decisions to support economic and environmental resilience. As part of the project, Tanzania is expected to benefit from enhanced observation systems, advanced technologies and increased international cooperation, positioning the country as a key player in climate action and adaptation efforts in the region.
Protecting Tanzania with early warning systems
In his remarks, the prime minister said, “The launch of the Systematic Observation Financing Facility (SOFF) – Investment Phase Project is a commitment to a better future for Tanzania and the global community. By enhancing Tanzania’s capacity to collect and share meteorological data, this initiative supports disaster preparedness, climate change adaptation and informed decision-making across key sectors such as agriculture, energy and transportation. SOFF aligns with our national strategies and demonstrates the government’s dedication to resilience, sustainability and prosperity.”
The Deputy Minister of Transport, David Kihenzile, emphasized, “SOFF is not just an investment in advanced technologies but a catalyst for broader socio-economic development as reliable meteorological data saves lives, protects livelihoods and fosters sustainable growth.” He said that the Ministry of Transport, which oversees the meteorological industry in Tanzania, recognizes that the success of the SOFF initiative depends on its sustainability and long-term impact.
UNDP’s resident representative, Shigeki Komatsubara, commended the government on the steps taken to promote disaster preparedness. He stated, “SOFF will serve as both a foundational element and a delivery mechanism for early warning systems, helping to make these systems a reality for vulnerable communities around the world.” This, he stated, was in line with the United Nations secretary-general’s Early Warnings for All initiative, which aims to ensure that, by 2027, every person on Earth is protected by effective early warning systems.
In related news, SOFF recently invested US$7.8m to help Mozambique achieve Early Warnings for All by 2028. Click here to read the full story.