FOCUS-Africa and the Teal Tool Empower Southern Africa

In a region where weather and climate extremes can have life-changing impacts, the FOCUS-Africa project is transforming how communities, governments, and key sectors prepare for the future. This EU-funded initiative brings together 16 European and African partners, including the World Energy & Meteorology Council (WEMC), to turn complex climate science into practical, actionable insights. From agriculture and food security to energy, water, and infrastructure, FOCUS-Africa demonstrates how tailored climate services can protect livelihoods and strengthen resilience across Southern Africa. 

At the heart of this effort is WEMC’s Teal Tool, a free-to-use climate visualisation platform that makes forecasts and climate data accessible to a wide range of users. The platform enables stakeholders to visualise and analyse data easily, helping decision-makers in sectors such as energy, water, and agriculture to plan effectively—even without advanced technical expertise. 

Building local capacity 

 One of the project’s key strengths has been its collaborative approach, involving end-users throughout the process to ensure the services are both relevant and sustainable. For example, WEMC colleague and Data Engineer Meshack Mliwa has supported the Malawi and Tanzania case studies on energy, water, and food security, combining his expertise as a meteorologist with training activities for local users. Participants praised the session for making climate information accessible and actionable, helping them apply the insights directly in their work. 

Showcasing climate services through case studies 

FOCUS-Africa piloted eight case studies across five countries, covering agriculture and food security, water, energy, and infrastructure. By involving a diverse set of stakeholders—including climate scientists, sectoral service providers, and end-users—the project ensured that the services developed were technically robust and locally relevant. 

Experts driving innovation 

The FOCUS-Africa project and the Teal Tool benefit from the expertise of three leading WEMC professionals, who will also share their insights at the upcoming webinar series on climate services:  

• Prof. Alberto Troccoli, co-founder and Managing Director of WEMC, brings over 25 years of experience in meteorology and climate applications, particularly in the energy sector. He has led numerous international projects and capacity-building initiatives and was instrumental in the development of Teal. 

• Penny Boorman, WEMC’s Science and Technical Team Lead, has extensive experience in climate modelling, data analysis, and service development. She has contributed to multiple international projects, including SECLI-FIRM and FOCUS-Africa, ensuring technical robustness and relevance. 

• Kristian Nielsen, WEMC Data Engineer, focuses on gathering, quality control, and harmonisation of seasonal climate forecasts for Teal. With a strong background in geophysics and climate change, Kristian ensures that the platform delivers accurate, actionable insights for decision-makers. 

A lasting legacy for Southern Africa 

Through the combination of high-quality climate services, practical tools like Teal, and the dedication of WEMC and its partners, FOCUS-Africa is creating sustainable, long-term benefits for the region. Local stakeholders are better equipped to understand and act on climate risks, communities are more resilient, and sectors such as agriculture, water, energy, and infrastructure can make informed decisions that support both economic growth and climate adaptation.