Côte d’Ivoire inaugurates first weather radar to strengthen climate monitoring
Date: 2026-04-06
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Côte
d’Ivoire has inaugurated its first-ever weather radar in Abidjan, marking a
significant milestone in the modernization of the country’s climate forecasting
and monitoring system. The installation forms part of the VIGICLIMM project,
funded by the Agence Française de Développement.
The
newly deployed solid-state C-band radar, with a coverage range of up to 350
kilometres, is capable of detecting rainfall, thunderstorms and wind patterns,
while also estimating the movement speed of precipitation. Authorities say the
system will enhance the monitoring of hazardous weather events and
significantly improve forecast accuracy.
The
inauguration ceremony was attended by the Minister of Transport and Maritime
Affairs, Amadou Koné, the Minister Delegate in charge of Technical Education,
Jean-Louis Moulot, the Director General of AFD, Rémy Rioux, and the Acting
Director General of SODEXAM, Abdul Sylla.
The
project is expected to play a critical role in strengthening national capacity
to respond to climate-related risks while supporting improved planning and
decision-making across key sectors.
