The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) to enhance joint research, project development, and capacity-building in the fight against climate change.

The signing ceremony, held on March 31, 2025, during the “Outreach Event on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Processes for Eastern Africa,” marks a significant commitment to tackling climate impacts in Tanzania and the wider East African region.

The Guest of Honor, Prof. Judge Mshibe Ali Bakari, Chair of the TMA Board, emphasized Tanzania’s progress in addressing climate change. As a member of both the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations, the country has made considerable advancements, particularly in meteorological infrastructure. This includes upgrading weather radar networks, deploying Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), and enhancing the skills of meteorological experts.

He also highlighted that under the leadership of Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, the government has been taking decisive steps to address climate change and close early warning gaps. These efforts align with the ruling party’s election manifesto, which calls for bolstering meteorological infrastructure and early warning systems. They are also part of the implementation of the “National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS),” aimed at improving climate resilience across the country.

Prof. Maulilio Kipanyula, Vice Chancellor of NM-AIST, underlined the significance of the collaboration, stating, “This agreement strengthens our shared commitment to finding solutions to the climate challenges that affect our society, environment, and industries.”

The MoU paves the way for closer collaboration between NM-AIST and TMA in the fields of climate science, policy development, and disaster management. With a focus on joint research, climate adaptation strategies, and capacity building, the partnership is poised to play a crucial role in equipping the region to better tackle the evolving climate crisis.

 “By combining our expertise and resources, we are not only strengthening our climate science capabilities but also ensuring that this knowledge leads to real-world solutions for communities and industries,” Prof. Maulilio Kipanyula

The event also provided an opportunity for global climate leaders to discuss the IPCC’s processes and the potential contributions of NM-AIST to the upcoming seventh assessment report cycle. This aligns with NM-AIST’s ongoing mission to support climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, both in Tanzania and globally. “We are proud to be actively engaged in climate-related research and in shaping policies that will have a lasting impact on climate change in our region,” added the Vice Chancellor.

The outreach event featured distinguished figures in climate science, including Prof. Bart Van den Hulk, Co-Chair of the IPCC Working Group II, and Dr. Andrew Okemi, Head of Science at the IPCC Technical Support Unit (TSU), as well as Dr. Ladislaus Benedict Chang’a, Acting Director-General of TMA.

The MoU signing, followed by discussions during the outreach event, marks a significant step forward in the region’s efforts to combat the climate crisis. With a united front and a shared vision, NM-AIST, TMA, and their partners are now positioned to make an even greater impact in the fight against climate change.