A high-level delegation from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) along with WMO regional representative from the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute paid an assessment visit to Arba Minch Technology Institute (AMiT), Arba Minch University (AMU) on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, to evaluate the University’s preparedness to host a WMO Regional Training Centre (RTC). The proposed Centre is aimed to train meteorological professionals from East Africa and beyond, strengthening regional capacity in meteorology, hydrology, and climate resilience, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute. Click here to see more photos.
During the visit, the delegation led by Dr. Paul Bugeac and Dr. Winifred Jordaan along with the WMO Regional Representative for East Africa and the Director for the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute, Mr. Fetene Teshome held extensive consultation with Arba Minch University officials. The discussions involved AMU President Dr. Abdella Kemal, vice presidents, faculty deans, academic staff from the Faculty of Meteorology and Hydrology and the Arba Minch Water Technology Institute (AWTI) and representatives from the Ethiopian Meteorological Agency engaging in the dialogue on the University’s academic programs, ongoing research initiatives, and potential areas for institutional and regional collaboration.
In his welcoming address, AMU President Dr. Abdella Kemal underscored the University’s transformation from its establishment in 1986 as a water technology institute into a comprehensive institution operating across seven campuses. He highlighted the strength of AMU’s meteorology and hydrology programs, launched in 2001, which have produced professionals now serving in Ethiopia and across East Africa, including graduates from Burundi and Uganda. Dr. Abdella further described the University’s strategic location in the catchment of Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo as a “natural laboratory” for climate and water research, supported by AMU’s own meteorological stations and ongoing research projects. He emphasized the University’s national leadership in the field and its long-standing contributions to meteorological education and research in alignment with WMO objectives.
Dr. Tamiru Tesseme, Scientific Director of the Arba Minch Water Technology Institute (AWTI), presented an overview of the Institute’s mandate in water education, applied research, and its partnerships with national and international institutions. He expressed AWTI’s strong interest in strengthening collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization, emphasizing the potential for joint initiatives that advance research, capacity building, and regional cooperation.
The assessment focused on the capacity of the Faculty of Meteorology and Hydrology to host and operate the proposed Regional Training Centre. Discussions addressed key areas including program standardization, quality assurance mechanisms, curriculum development, laboratory and ICT infrastructure, e-learning platforms, and student dormitory facilities. As part of the visit, the delegation toured computer laboratories, High-Performance Computing (HPC) servers, and other relevant resources to evaluate their suitability for advanced meteorological training. The delegation’s feedback was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring AMU’s strong institutional commitment to advancing meteorological sciences and its readiness to deliver high-quality training and research programs.
AMU’s academic offerings in the field encompass undergraduate programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and Hydrology, as well as postgraduate Master of Science programs in Meteorology, Climate Change and Sustainable Development, and Geoinformation and Earth Observation for Hydrology. Doctoral (PhD) programs are also available in these three specialized areas. The supporting infrastructure includes a well-equipped GIS and Remote Sensing (RS) Laboratory, Meteorological and Hydrological Instruments Laboratory, and a Weather Analysis Laboratory, all of which strengthen the University’s capacity for advanced training, research, and professional development.
The visit concluded with a joint summary session, during which both parties agreed on concrete next steps, including the submission of all required documentation by the Faculty of Meteorology and Hydrology to the World Meteorological Organization by mid-January 2026 to advance the Regional Training Centre application. The assessment was described as a pivotal milestone in strengthening meteorological education and climate resilience in East Africa through enhanced institutional partnerships. Both sides expressed appreciation for the constructive engagement, reaffirming Arba Minch University’s strategic role in regional capacity building.
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