BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and pan-African policy research institution AKADEMIYA2063 have announced plans to collaborate on artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics to enhance climate monitoring and boost food security across Africa.
Dr. Debisi Araba, Managing Director of AKADEMIYA2063, led a delegation to NiMet for a courtesy visit with Prof. Charles Anosike, Director General/CEO.
The discussions focused on practical ways the two organisations can combine expertise to tackle climate and agricultural challenges.
Professor Anosike welcomed the visit, emphasizing NiMet’s commitment to advancing weather and climate services for national development.
“AI and big data analytics are increasingly central to our operations. Our teams are already developing models that improve data collection, analysis, and forecasting. Highlighting the agency’s existing capabilities in AI and machine learning,” he said
Dr. Araba outlined AKADEMIYA2063’s mission to strengthen Africa’s climate resilience and food systems.
He cited challenges including “inadequate agricultural data, limited analytical capacity, weak research-to-policy linkages, and insufficient monitoring systems.”
He explained that AKADEMIYA2063 focuses on “building knowledge infrastructure, enhancing analytics, and translating research into actionable policies that deliver measurable impact.”
Both leaders agreed that closer collaboration could significantly improve climate adaptation strategies and support sustainable development in Africa.
While NiMet provides meteorological expertise and timely weather information, AKADEMIYA2063 brings data-driven insights for agricultural policy and climate planning.
The visit concluded with a commitment to establish a joint technical working group, develop a memorandum of understanding (MoU), and schedule follow-up engagements to operationalize key initiatives.
“This partnership represents a strategic step towards leveraging technology to strengthen Africa’s climate and food security resilience,” Dr. Araba said, underlining the potential societal and environmental benefits of the collaboration.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
