OPERA Project Launches Free Online Course on Ocean Forecasting, Opening Access to a Critical Science
- Aug 12
- 4 min read
Developed in Africa, designed for the world, the first OPERA MOOC dedicated to ocean prediction is now open for enrollment, with applications closing June 29, 2026.
COTONOU, Benin - June 1st, 2026. Oceans regulate the global climate, sustain food systems, enable maritime trade, and shape the resilience of coastal communities worldwide. Yet the expertise to access, interpret, and act on ocean forecasts remains concentrated in a handful of institutions, predominantly in the Global North. The Ocean Prediction Enhancement in the Regions of Africa project, known as OPERA, is working to change that.
Beginning June 29, 2025, the FutureLearn platform will host the "OPERA Massive Open Online Course Set 1: Fundamentals of Ocean Forecasting”, the first installment in a series of online training courses developed as part of OPERA's Capacity Development Activities. The course is entirely free and delivered in English, with French subtitles.
Spanning seven sequential modules over seven weeks, the curriculum covers the full ocean forecasting chain: from the physical principles governing ocean circulation, to the numerical models used to simulate it; from the satellite and in-situ observing systems, including Argo floats, moored buoys, and High frequency radars, that continuously feed those models, to the data assimilation techniques that keep them calibrated to reality. The final modules focus on real-world applications across fisheries management, coastal risk reduction, maritime safety, and environmental policy.
At approximately 21 hours of learning content, the course combines formative quizzes with a graded final assessment. Successful participants will receive a recognized OPERA MOOC certificate issued through FutureLearn and accredited by ICMPA - UNESCO Chair of the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin. No prior expertise in oceanography or forecasting is required.
"For too long, ocean forecasting has been seen as the exclusive territory of a few specialists. This MOOC is an invitation to see things differently. Oceans affect everyone, fishers, coastal planners, policymakers, and the next generation of scientists. We built this course so that anyone, anywhere, can understand how ocean forecasting works and learn to use it.” Dr. Babette Tchonang, Scientific and Technical Lead, OPERA Capacity Development Activities.
An Initiative Rooted in Africa, Built for the World
The MOOC is co-developed by the International Chair in Mathematical Physics and Applications, ICMPA-UNESCO Chair at the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin and the Gulf of Guinea Ocean Sciences Summer School (GGOSSS), with the support of Mercator Ocean International and funding from the European Union under the African Regional Centres of Excellence for the green transition (Arc X) program. The initiative reflects a broader ambition: to position African institutions not merely as recipients of ocean science, but as active producers and disseminators of it.
The course is designed for students, early-career professionals, and practitioners working in or around oceanography, meteorology, marine science, fisheries, coastal management, maritime operations, disaster risk reduction, and environmental policy. It is equally relevant to professionals at national meteorological and hydrological services, marine agencies, regional sea conventions, and NGOs whose operational responsibilities intersect with ocean data and forecasts.
"We are proud to take this significant step toward opening knowledge to a wider public. The University of Abomey-Calavi is undertaking deep reforms in its academic programs to meet the evolving needs of our societies. This MOOC is fully aligned with that momentum. The tools to understand, forecast, and protect the ocean must also be in the hands of African institutions and the generations who will steward them. This course is a concrete first step, and it is open to all." Prof. Ezinvi Baloïtcha, Chair Holder, International Chair in Mathematical Physics and Applications (CIPMA - UNESCO Chair), University of Abomey-Calavi.
A Five-Year Project with Continental Impact
OPERA is a five-year initiative implemented by Mercator Ocean International with European Union funding under the Arc X program. It aims to strengthen the operational capacity for ocean prediction in sub-Saharan Africa by developing ocean forecasting systems and downstream applications, strengthening human and technical capacities and engaging with users and stakeholders to ensure uptake and long-term impact.
This MOOC marks the public launch of the project's capacity development activities. Additional training programs, scientific events, and learning resources will be rolled out progressively through the end of the project.
"OPERA aims to operationalize ocean science to provide information and services to help find solutions for real-world coastal issues in Africa and the rest of the world. We are building bridges between scientific institutions and field practitioners, between the Global North and South, between data and decisions that matter to benefit society. This MOOC is one of those bridges. We invite everyone to cross it." Lillian Diarra, OPERA Project Manager, Mercator Ocean International.
Key Details
Course title | OPERA MOOC Set 1: Fundamentals of Ocean Forecasting |
Platform | FutureLearn |
Language | English (French subtitles available) |
Duration | 7 modules | approx. 21 hours | 7 weeks |
Format | Asynchronous online | Free |
Application deadline | June 29, 2026 |
Course start date | July 13, 2026 |
Apply | |
More information |
Press Contacts
ICMPA-UNESCO Chair
Odette M. ATEYIHO
Communication officer
Email : odette_ateyiho@icmpa.net
Mercator Ocean International & OceanPrediction DCC
Yandeh Sallah-Muhammed
Communications & User Engagement Officer
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