HydrometAFRICA
The Why
With warming happening faster than the global average, and with the majority of livelihoods dependent on rain-fed agriculture, informal labour and natural-resource sectors, this continent is facing escalating weather and climate extremes. These include recurrent droughts, more intense and erratic rainfall, devastating floods, tropical cyclones, rising sea-levels in coastal zones, and cascading hydrological impacts.
To turn the tide, modernised hydrology, meteorology and climate services are critical. These systems underpin early warning, hazard forecasting, climate adaptation, risk-informed investment, resilient infrastructure and informed decision-making across sectors.There are strong signals of investment, institutional commitment and donor engagement across Africa to modernise hydromet systems. The Africa Hydromet Program (supported by Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) / World Bank and others) is active in multiple countries across sub-Saharan Africa.
Yet significant gaps persist. Observation networks, radar coverage, hydrological monitoring and communications channels remain sparse, outdated or non-operational across many regions. Institutional capacity, financing mechanisms (especially at national/local level), private-public collaboration, and integration of hydromet data into policy and investment decisions are not yet at scale. Many countries still lack robust “last-mile” warning systems to ensure that early warnings reach vulnerable communities, and sufficient linkages between hydromet services and sectors like agriculture, energy, insurance and transportation.
About the event
HydrometAFRICA is Varysian’s flagship event and has grown larger each year, encompassing more stakeholders from donors, academia, private sector, non-profits, NHMSs, emergency management departments as well as other government departments such as health and transportation.
Our work in this region continues to bridge gaps and silos, providing a platform for connection and meaningful conversation to bring out change.
Previous HydrometAFRICA events have hosted representatives such as Directors of National Hydrological and Meteorological Services, the World Meteorological Organisation Regional Offices, regional NGO’s, Departments of Health, agricultural research bodies, national departments of water and sanitation, and national forces such as the airforce.
View the post-event pack from HydrometAFRICA 2025 by clicking the button below:
How to attend
To attend this event as a delegate or exhibitor, please use the button below to register your interest.