Burkina Faso commemorates World Meteorological Day with new forecasting facility
Burkina Faso marked the 76th World Meteorological Day on Monday, March 23, 2026, under the theme “Observe today, protect tomorrow.” The celebration provided an opportunity to assess the impact of climate change on human activities and highlight the country’s progress in disaster risk prevention.
The main ceremony in Ouagadougou saw State Minister Émile Zerbo, Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, inaugurate a new forecasting and monitoring room for the National Meteorological Agency (ANAM).
Delegations from Mali and Niger attended, underscoring regional cooperation on shared climate challenges.
The new facility aims to significantly strengthen the capacity of the country to anticipate and track weather events, providing reliable information for both citizens and decision-makers.
Minister Zerbo noted that Burkina Faso now operates a network of 260 automatic stations, over 140 conventional stations, and around ten lightning detection stations.
“This system is a pillar of national climate sovereignty,” he said, reaffirming the commitment to further capacity building.
ANAM Director General Mariam Tidiga added that the monitoring room will enhance forecast accuracy and reliability.
Technicians will now be able to issue alerts and meteorological information up to 72 hours in advance, improving protection of lives and property and strengthening the nation’s climate resilience.
Olivier Toe
