SMA Strengthens Collaboration with ECMWF During High-Level Visit

On 13 October 2025, the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Meteorological Authority (SMA), Vincent Amelie, paid an official visit to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to discuss and strengthen collaboration in the use of ECMWF’s data and products in support of Seychelles’ weather and climate services.

The visit formed part of SMA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s access to high-quality global meteorological data and forecasts. Discussions focused on expanding the use of ECMWF data and products, particularly within the framework of the ECMWF Open Data Policy and the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) initiative, under which Seychelles benefits from additional data access and capacity-building support.

During his visit, Mr. Amelie held productive meetings with the current Director-General of ECMWF, Florence Rabier, the incoming Director-General, Florian Pappenberger, the Head of Cabinet, Fabio Venuti, and the WMO consultant, Alice Soares. The discussions explored practical avenues for collaboration on data utilization, forecast interpretation, and the integration of ECMWF products into national forecasting operations.

Training opportunities for SMA forecasters and technical staff were also a key part of the agenda. Both organizations agreed to strengthen cooperation in technical training, to enhance national and regional forecasting capabilities and resilience. The meeting shaped a plan of action for enhanced engagement between ECMWF and the SMA. The plan outlines next steps for capacity development, data access optimization, and operational integration of ECMWF products in Seychelles.

The visit reaffirmed SMA’s commitment to advancing the use of global scientific data to strengthen national early warning systems and improve the accuracy and impact of weather and climate services for all sectors in Seychelles.

This partnership marks another important milestone in Seychelles’ journey toward leveraging international cooperation and cutting-edge meteorological science to build a more resilient island nation.