Forecasting a Better Future: How ActionFirst™ is Driving Collaboration in Southern Africa

At its core, this approach goes beyond providing traditional weather predictions. Instead of simply focusing on what the weather will do, it’s about what can be done in response. By turning forecasts into actionable, impact-driven services, the Met Office’s ActionFirst™ approach empowers local communities internationally to take proactive action to protect lives and livelihoods. This is perfectly aligned with the UN Secretary General's Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, which calls for universal early warning systems by 2027 that not only forecast weather but also ensure vulnerable populations are equipped to act. 

We recently celebrated the significant £30 million funding uplift granted by UK government to the WISER Africa programme, designed to increase the region's resilience to weather and climate extremes. With this funding, and in collaboration with regional and national partners, WISER has kicked off four new regional initiatives aimed at tackling weather, seasonal variability, and climate extremes to protect communities across Africa. One of these projects, WISER Africa ActionFirst™, will operate across Southern, Eastern, and Western Africa, building on lessons learned from previous projects and programmes delivered in partnership.  

Empowering Communities, Advancing Resilience 

The beauty of the approach taken by WISER Africa ActionFirst™ is in it being regionally led. By working closely with governments, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), disaster management authorities, and local communities, the initiative ensures that every voice is heard. This collaborative approach is what will make WISER Africa ActionFirst™ so impactful. It's not just about forecasting the weather; it’s about building sustainable, long-term resilience through shared knowledge and collective action. 

As WISER kicks off this project, the focus is on co-designing action plans tailored to specific regional and community needs. Together with our partners, we are identifying key areas where early warning systems can be improved, finding innovative ways to bridge gaps in preparedness and enhancing outreach efforts that better serve those most vulnerable to weather and climate extremes. 

Kick-off Workshop: A First Step in a Greater Journey 

To officially launch WISER Africa ActionFirst™ in Southern Africa, we partnered with the South African Weather Service (SAWS) to host a groundbreaking collaboration workshop. This collaboration brought together meteorologists, disaster management agencies, international finance institutes, academia, field experts, and advocates for children’s needs across the region. The event was a powerful opportunity to align efforts, share insights, and, most importantly, co-design the next steps in fostering greater resilience. 

A key moment of the workshop was dedicated to mapping each country’s progress on the EW4All journey. By collaboratively identifying gaps and prioritizing needs, we are ensuring that the Met Office’s ActionFirst™ approach through WISER has the maximum impact. The discussions led to detailed action plans, from improving observation systems to developing co-created strategies for better communication and outreach. This workshop set the stage for continued collaboration in the Southern Africa Development Community region, where the focus is on tangible, actionable steps. 

A Focus on Gender Equity and Social Inclusion 

One of the most insightful moments of the collaboration was a focus session on Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI). Through role-playing scenarios, participants gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized groups in accessing and acting on weather and climate information. A powerful example came from representatives of Botswana, who shared how a farmer refused to evacuate during a flood because he couldn’t leave behind his goats — his livelihood. 

This moment underscored a crucial truth: people’s livelihoods are often closely tied to their ability to act during a disaster. By considering the social and economic factors at play, we recognize that GESI must be at the core of early warning systems. It’s not enough to deliver information — we must ensure that every person has the resources and support to act on it. 

Moving Forward: A Collective Commitment to Resilience 

The workshop in Southern Africa was just the beginning. It laid the groundwork for the co-design of action plans that will move WISER Africa ActionFirst™ forward across the region. As we continue this journey, the relationships built, and the lessons learned will guide us in enhancing early warning systems and fostering climate resilience. 

Together, we are committed to designing and implementing actionable plans that will not only enhance weather forecasting but also empower communities to take real, meaningful action. WISER is focused on creating sustainable solutions that ensure everyone — from the most vulnerable to the most prepared — can take action to stay safe and thrive.