SADC to host the 33rd Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-33) in Namibia

The Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), through the SADC Climate Services Centre (SADC-CSC), is convening the Thirty-Third Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-33), in Swakopmund, Namibia from 25 to 28 August 2026.

SARCOF-33 wiil bring together climate experts, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services specialists from key sectors including water, energy, agriculture, disaster risk management, health and users of climate information to develop and interpret the regional seasonal climate outlook and translate it into practical information for preparedness, planning and early action across the SADC region.

Held under the theme, “From Climate Observation to Seasonal Prediction: Informing Early Action for the Upcoming Season,” SARCOF-33 draws inspiration from the World Meteorological Day 2026 theme, “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow.” The theme highlights the importance of moving beyond the generation of climate information to ensuring that such information is effectively translated into preparedness, early warning and timely action.

Southern Africa remains highly exposed to climate variability and extreme weather events, with direct implications for food and water security, energy supply, health, infrastructure and livelihoods. Timely and reliable seasonal climate information is therefore critical to helping Member States and climate-sensitive sectors anticipate risks, strengthen preparedness and protect development gains. SARCOF provides a regional platform through which SADC Member States jointly assess the likely climate conditions for the forthcoming season. This forum is convened biannually as part of SADC’s efforts to strengthen regional cooperation in monitoring and understanding climate variability and its potential impact. 

Following the technical development of the seasonal outlook, the Climate Users Forum provides an important interface between climate information producers and users. The Forum enables stakeholders from climate-sensitive sectors to examine the potential implications of the outlook, identify risks and opportunities and develop relevant sectoral advisories and response guidance. Through this engagement, SADC seeks to strengthen dialogue and collaboration between climate experts and sector stakeholders, promoting the co-production and uptake of climate services that respond to practical decision-making needs.

As part of the SARCOF, stakeholders will work towards strengthening the adoption and use of climate services and tools across the SADC region, enhancing collaboration among regional stakeholders and developing an advisory and early warning summary to support policymakers and decision-makers. The Forum will also contribute to improving understanding of anticipatory action at seasonal timescales, supporting institutions to take informed measures ahead of potential climate-related impacts rather than responding only after hazards occur.

The SARCOF will be preceded by a Climate Experts Meeting (CEM) which will be held from 17 to 24 August 2026. The CEM aims to enhance the capacity of Climate Experts from the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) of the SADC region.