February 9, 2026 Cotonou, Benin - February 9, 2026 - The OPERA Capacity Development Activities have officially entered their operational phase, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen ocean science and ocean forecasting capacity across Africa. OPERA Capacity Development is implemented as part of Ocean Prediction Enhancement in Regions of Africa (OPERA) project, supported by the European Union and coordinated by Mercator Ocean International, in alignment with

Africa is entering a decisive phase in its engagement with ocean science and forecasting. The OPERA project ( Ocean Prediction Enhancement in Regions of Africa ) has moved into its operational phase, with a strong focus on capacity development-ensuring that ocean prediction systems are not only available, but usable, understood, and sustained by African institutions. Dr. Babette Christelle Tchonang, physical oceanographer and Technical & Scientific Lead of OPERA Capacity Deve