Dr. Babette Christelle Tchonang, Physical Oceanographer : “Building Capacity Through OPERA Will Shape the Future of Ocean Forecasting in Africa.”

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 Development, provides the scientific and strategic leadership of this component. A research assistant at Florida State University, she works under contract with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Here, she explains how OPERA Capacity Development aims to transform access to ocean forecasting in Africa and why it matters for scientists, decision-makers, and coastal communities.

OPERA has entered its operational phase. In simple terms, what is OPERA, and where does capacity development fit within the project?

OPERA is built around a clear and essential objective: strengthening ocean prediction capabilities in Africa in a sustainable and operational way. Capacity development is not a side activity; it is a core pillar of the project.

From my experience in operational ocean forecasting, data assimilation validation, and satellite observations, and through my work coordinating GGOSSS - the Gulf of Guinea Ocean Sciences Summer School, one reality has become very clear: Africa has long been underrepresented in global ocean forecasting systems. This is not due to a lack of talent or motivation, but to structural barriers, limited access to training, tools, and operational workflows.

OPERA Capacity Development directly addresses this gap. Its purpose is to build a complete pathway that takes users from ocean literacy to advanced forecasting applications, enabling African institutions and professionals to understand, design, operate, and apply ocean prediction systems in real-world contexts.

As Technical and Scientific Lead of OPERA Capacity Development, what is your main responsibility?

My role is to ensure that OPERA’s capacity development activities are scientifically sound, operationally relevant, and educationally effective.

This means:

• defining the scientific scope of training activities,

• ensuring coherence between online courses, tools, and activities,

• aligning OPERA’s educational outputs with international ocean forecasting standards,

• and, critically, adapting all of this to African realities and priorities.

Capacity development is not only about transferring knowledge. It is about building autonomy, confidence, and long-term institutional capability.

Why is capacity development in ocean forecasting so critical for Africa right now?

Africa is on the frontline of climate change impacts. Coastal erosion, flooding, extreme events, and ecosystem changes are already affecting livelihoods, food security, and infrastructure. Yet many countries still rely on limited or externally produced ocean forecasts that are difficult to interpret or integrate into decision-making.

Ocean forecasting allows societies to move from reacting to crises to anticipating risks.But this only works if people know how to use the information.

That is why OPERA Capacity Development focuses on people and institutions, not just technology. Forecasts have value only when they are understood, trusted, and embedded in national and regional systems.

How does OPERA Capacity Development make ocean forecasting accessible to a wide range of users?

OPERA Capacity Development is designed for ocean data users, broadly defined: students, early-career scientists, maritime professionals, policymakers, researchers, technical agencies, and general public.

We use a combination of:

• ocean literacy resources,

• open online courses (MOOCs),

• hands-on digital tools,

• and interactive webinars, workshops and hackathons.

A key innovation is SEA-FORWARD (Simple Educational Access for Forecast and Warning Developers). This software allows users to experiment with simplified forecasting systems without requiring heavy computational infrastructure. It gives practical exposure to how forecasts are built, analysed, and interpreted, in alignment with the OceanPrediction DCC architecture.

This approach creates a real bridge between theory and operations.

How do African institutions and initiatives contribute to OPERA Capacity Development?

Co-design is fundamental. OPERA Capacity Development is not imported; it is built with African partners.

We work closely with initiatives such as GGOSSS and the International Chair in Mathematical Physics and Applications (ICMPA UNESCO Chair), alongside universities and regional institutions. This ensures that training content, tools, and examples are relevant to African coastal systems and user needs.

The objective is regional ownership: African institutions are not just participants, but contributors and future leaders of ocean forecasting capacity.

What concrete benefits can coastal populations expect from this effort?

The benefits are very tangible, even if they are indirect.

OPERA does not deliver forecasts directly to communities. Instead, it strengthens the institutions and professionals who serve them. This leads to:

• safer fishing and navigation,

• better port and coastal infrastructure planning,

• improved early warning systems,

• and more sustainable marine resource management.

Ultimately, it is about protecting lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.

What opportunities does OPERA Capacity Development create for young African scientists?

Many young African scientists have strong theoretical training but limited exposure to operational forecasting systems. OPERA addresses this gap.

Through MOOCs, workshops, hackathons, and mentoring, participants gain:

• practical skills aligned with international standards,

• exposure to operational workflows,

• and pathways toward careers in research institutions, meteorological services, maritime agencies, and related sectors.

Capacity development is also about confidence, showing young scientists that they belong in global ocean prediction efforts.

Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for OPERA Capacity Development?

My vision is that, at the end of OPERA, Africa will not only use ocean forecasts, but produce, adapt, and sustain them independently, in collaboration with global partners.

Ocean science should not remain the domain of a few specialists. When societies understand how the ocean works, they are better equipped to protect it and to make informed decisions.

OPERA Capacity Development is part of a broader movement to reconnect people with ocean science, as professionals, decision-makers, and informed citizens.