From Climate Forecasts to Early Action: Zimbabwe Participates in SARCOF-33

Zimbabwe, through the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), is participating in the Thirty-Third Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-33), being convened by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) through the SADC Climate Services Centre (SADC-CSC) in Swakopmund, Namibia, from 25 to 28 August 2026.The Forum brings together National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, climate experts, sector specialists, decision-makers and users of climate information from across the SADC region to assess the upcoming seasonal climate outlook and strengthen the application of climate information in preparedness, planning and early action.

For Zimbabwe, participation in SARCOF-33 provides an important platform for the MSD to contribute to the regional climate outlook process while strengthening the availability and application of seasonal climate information for national planning. The outcomes of the Forum will support the interpretation and communication of seasonal climate information to key climate-sensitive sectors, including agriculture, water resources, disaster risk management, health and energy.SARCOF-33 is being held under the theme, “From Climate Observation to Seasonal Prediction: Informing Early Action for the Upcoming Season.” The theme highlights the growing need to move beyond simply producing climate forecasts towards ensuring that forecast information is translated into timely, practical actions that reduce risks and strengthen resilience among communities and institutions.

Zimbabwe’s participation also follows the Climate Experts Meeting (CEM), held from 17 to 24 August 2026, which brought together climate experts from SADC Member States to undertake the technical assessment and analysis required for the development of the regional seasonal climate outlook. The CEM is a critical component of the SARCOF process, providing the scientific foundation for the seasonal forecast presented during the Forum.The SARCOF-33 process further provides an opportunity for Zimbabwe to engage with climate information users through the Climate Users Forum. This interface strengthens collaboration between producers and users of climate information and promotes the co-production of climate services, advisories and early warning information that respond to the needs of communities and climate-sensitive sectors.

Through its participation in SARCOF-33, Zimbabwe continues to strengthen regional collaboration in climate science and services while advancing the use of reliable, timely and actionable climate information. These efforts contribute to strengthening preparedness, supporting informed decision-making and building resilience to climate variability and extremes across the country and the wider SADC region.