MSD Holds Its Strategic Planning Workshop in Bulawayo

MSD Officers posing for a group photo at the Strategic Planning workshop in Bulawayo

We at the Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe are proud to announce that we are holding our Strategic Planning Workshop in Bulawayo. This marks a defining moment in shaping our national meteorological roadmap for the 2026 to 2030 period. The workshop represents our shift from ambition to action, as we build on the momentum gained under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). We are honored by the recognition from Mr. Washington Zhakata, our Chief Director for Environment, Climate and Wildlife, who commended our achievements. Among these are the installation of five cutting-edge Doppler weather radars and the nationwide expansion of automatic weather stations. These advancements have significantly enhanced our ability to monitor and forecast Zimbabwe’s climate with greater precision and reliability.

Our mission is not only technical but deeply strategic. We are committed to positioning MSD as a cornerstone in Zimbabwe’s journey toward becoming an Upper-Middle-Income Society by 2030. Our work supports national development, safeguards communities, and strengthens resilience to climate-related risks.

As Director of MSD and Zimbabwe’s Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organization, Mrs. Rebecca Manzou emphasized the importance of a robust and understandable early warning system. Reflecting on the tragic impact of Cyclone Idai, she reminded us that timely and accessible warnings are essential to saving lives and building national resilience.

We are proud to share some of our recent milestones:

☑️ Over 10 million US dollars allocated for modern meteorological equipment

☑️ Graduation of officers from the University of Zimbabwe’s Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Climate Science

☑️ Progress toward establishing the University of Zimbabwe as a WMO-recognized regional training centre

While we celebrate these achievements, we remain mindful of the challenges ahead. Staffing deficits and the need for modernization persist. To address these, we are working to ensure that every station is staffed by at least two officers. This will promote proper shift coverage and support work-life balance. We are also exploring public-private partnerships and embracing technological innovation to enhance our service delivery and operational efficiency. With a clear strategic vision, dedicated leadership, and a growing network of skilled professionals, MSD is poised to play a transformative role in Zimbabwe’s climate resilience and sustainable development. This Strategic Planning Workshop is more than a planning exercise. It is a reaffirmation of our mandate to serve the nation with excellence, foresight, and innovation.

Adapted from: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=122168660966788496&id=61573654902390&rdid=d6xQmrepZ3AzZriS#

Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe 2025