Dar es Salaam, 23 June 2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today officially handed over five vehicles to the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) under the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), reinforcing Tanzania’s capacity to operate and maintain critical weather observation infrastructure across the country.
The handover, held at TMA Headquarters in Dar es Salaam, marks another important milestone in the partnership between UNDP and TMA to strengthen meteorological observation systems, improve weather forecasting services, and enhance climate resilience nationwide.

The vehicles will enable TMA technical teams to access weather observation stations, including those located in remote areas, supporting the installation, maintenance, calibration, and monitoring of meteorological equipment. This will help ensure the timely collection and transmission of high-quality weather and climate data in line with international standards.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Resident Representative of UNDP Tanzania emphasized that the investment goes beyond the provision of vehicles.
“At first glance, today’s handover may appear to be about vehicles. In reality, it is about enabling the collection of high-quality weather and climate data that underpin modern forecasting, early warning systems, climate services, and disaster risk reduction,” he said.

The vehicle handover forms part of the broader SOFF programme, one of the largest ongoing investments in meteorological infrastructure and climate resilience in Tanzania. The programme has a total value of approximately USD 13.5 million, including USD 9 million from the SOFF Multi-Partner Trust Fund and USD 4.5 million in co-financing from the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Through investments in surface and upper-air observation stations, institutional strengthening, technical training, and operational support, the programme aims to enhance Tanzania’s contribution to the Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) while improving national capacity to deliver accurate weather forecasts and effective early warning services.

Reliable weather observations are essential for safeguarding communities, supporting agriculture, transport, water resource management, disaster preparedness, and other climate-sensitive sectors. Improved observation systems enable governments, businesses, and communities to better anticipate and respond to weather- and climate-related risks.

The Director General of TMA, Dr. Ladislaus B. Chang’a, welcomed the continued collaboration and support provided through the SOFF programme, noting the importance of strengthening operational capacity to sustain a modern and reliable meteorological observation network.

UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Tanzania’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development through investments that protect lives, livelihoods, and economic growth.

About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in 170 countries and territories, focusing on ending the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change impact. UNDP helps nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. In Tanzania, UNDP works in collaboration with the Government and multi-stakeholders through strategic programmatic areas of Inclusive Democratic Governance, Inclusive Economic Growth and Sustainable Livelihoods and Environment Sustainability, Climate Change and Resilience.

About TMA
The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) is the Government institution established by the Meteorological Authority Act No. 2 of 2019 with the responsibility of coordinating, controlling and providing meteorological services found in the United Republic of Tanzania.