By: NECJOGHA Reporter Mogadishu, Somalia
Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia is gearing up to host a critical event aimed at addressing the nation’s pressing climate challenges.
The National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF) 2025 will convene on September 2nd and 3rd in Mogadishu, bringing together stakeholders to discuss strategies for climate resilience and sustainable development.
Organized by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in collaboration with IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) AND World Meteorological Organization and development partners, partners, NCOF 2025 comes at a crucial time as Somalia faces significant impacts on its communities, economy, and national development due to a changing climate. The forum’s overarching theme, “Climate Information and Prediction: The Foundation for Resilience in the Somali Community,” underscores the importance of data-driven approaches to mitigate climate risks.
The NCOF 2025 is particularly timely given the latest regional climate forecasts. According to the GHACOF71 Seasonal Forecast released by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) last week, the outlook for the October-November-December (OND) 2025 season indicates varied rainfall patterns across the Greater Horn of Africa.
The GHACOF71 forecast predicts below-normal rainfall for most parts of the region, with the strongest signal for reduced rain over eastern areas, including southern Ethiopia, much of Somalia, eastern Kenya, and parts of central and southern Tanzania. Conversely, above-normal rainfall is expected in western parts of the region, particularly in south-eastern South Sudan, north-eastern and south-western Uganda, northern Somalia, and parts of northern Rwanda.
Key topics on the agenda include:
- Review and Assessment of Recent Climate Outcomes: Participants will analyze the climate outcomes from the recent Gu’ (spring) and JJAS (June-July-August) 2025 seasons, providing valuable insights into current climatic trends.
- Analysis of the Deyr Rainy Season Forecast OND 2025: A significant portion of the forum will be dedicated to discussing the forecast for the upcoming Deyr (autumn) rainy season, with a specific focus on how the GHACOF71 outlook applies to different regions within Somalia. This information is vital for agricultural planning, disaster preparedness, and water resource management.
- Official Launch of the National Statement on Seasonal Forecasts for Somalia: A major highlight of the event will be the official launch of Somalia’s National Statement on Seasonal Forecasts. This initiative aims to provide accessible and timely climate information to various sectors, empowering communities and decision-makers to better prepare for future climate variability.
The NCOF 2025 will be held at the Decale Hotel in Mogadishu. The outcomes of this forum are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Somalia’s climate adaptation strategies and fostering greater resilience across the nation.
