Tanzania Strengthens Burundi’s Path Toward Quality Management in Meteorological Services: Tanzania–Burundi Partnership in Action

 

30 October 2025, Bujumbura, Burundi

The Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA), in close collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Institut Géographique du Burundi (IGEBU), successfully concluded a Quality Management System (QMS) capacity-building mission in Bujumbura, Burundi, from 13 to 30 October 2025. This technical assistance, delivered by TMA experts through a South–South cooperation framework, reflects Tanzania’s leadership in advancing operational excellence in meteorological services across East Africa.

Implemented through the WMO Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) East Africa initiative, the mission focused on building the institutional and human capacity of IGEBU to align its processes with the ISO 9001:2015 QMS standard. The TMA delegation, composed of QMS experts Mr. Geofrid Chikojo and Mr. Danford Nyenyema, provided sustained on-the-ground mentorship to IGEBU staff, guiding them through training sessions, internal audit simulations, and management planning.

The closing ceremony, held at Le Chandelier in Bujumbura, was graced by Dr. Agnes Kijazi, Director of the WMO Regional Office for Africa, who praised both IGEBU’s commitment and Tanzania’s contribution to regional capacity-building.

She remarked, “This mission is a powerful testament to what can be achieved through South–South collaboration. By investing in quality systems, we are strengthening trust in our climate and weather services, the cornerstone of resilience and sustainable development.”

In her address, Dr. Kijazi also acknowledged the instrumental role of TMA in supporting peer institutions in the region, noting that such technical missions promote long-term sustainability, standardization, and shared excellence across African National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs).

The event was also attended by the Permanent Representative of Burundi with WMO Mr Deogratius Babonwanayo, who expressed appreciation for the support received and reaffirmed IGEBU’s commitment to moving toward QMS certification. The Permanent Representative of Tanzania with WMO and IPCC Vice Chair, Dr. Ladislaus Chang’a participated virtually, reaffirming TMA’s dedication to regional advancement through cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Throughout the mission, IGEBU established a dedicated internal audit team, conducted its first management review meeting, and mobilized over 40 staff members in practical training activities. A comprehensive internal audit simulation was successfully implemented, and a tailored roadmap for ISO 9001:2015 certification was developed.

This QMS mission not only strengthened IGEBU’s internal systems but also reinforced regional solidarity in delivering high-quality, user-oriented meteorological and climate services. The effort aligns with WMO’s global push to ensure that all countries can deliver quality, reliable, timely, and actionable weather and climate information and products  for informed decision making in all socio-economic activities and for protection of life and properties amid growing climate risks.