The African Union Commission (AUC) is set to officially kick off the African Meteorological Satellite Applications Facility (AMSAF) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 18–19 May 2026.

The initiative is part of the EU-funded Strengthening Early Warning Systems in Africa (SEWA) project under the broader Africa–EU Space Partnership Programme.

AMSAF is designed to enhance Africa’s capacity to use meteorological satellite data for improved weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster preparedness. It will also support impact-based forecasting systems aimed at strengthening early warning services across the continent.

The project aligns with the AU’s Integrated African Strategy on Meteorology (2021–2030), which seeks to improve weather, water, and climate services to support resilience and sustainable development.

The kick-off event at the AU headquarters will bring together key stakeholders including the European Union Delegation to the AU, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), EUMETSAT, ECMWF, African meteorological institutions, and regional climate centers.

Key discussions will focus on governance, operationalization of AMSAF, impact-based forecasting, and strengthening continental and global partnerships in meteorology and space science.

By integrating satellite technology with African-led climate systems, AMSAF is expected to significantly improve early warning capabilities, helping communities better prepare for climate-related risks and disasters across the continent.