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broadband infrastructure. This has been achieved through cross-border transmission links
using fibre-optic technology. The regional target is that by 2025, at least 80 percent of the
SADC population, including those in rural areas will be connected to affordable and re-
liable broadband services.

Meteorology

The Meteorology Sector Plan, which is part of the RIDMP aims to promote
the generation and dissemination of timely and credible meteorological and
climate information and products to stakeholders to support planning for socioeconomic
development, as well as to improve weather-related disaster risk management and the ra-
tional use, conservation and protection of natural resources.
In this regard, much of the infrastructure priorities in the meteorological sector have
focused on investments in Early Warning System products and services, including capacity
and monitoring. To achieve this, the Meteorology Sector Plan of the RIDMP is supported
by various legal instruments such as the World Meteorological Organisation Strategic Plan
(2012-2015); and the Protocol on Transport, Communications and Meteorology.

Robust Institutional Arrangements
The Meteorological Association of Southern Africa (MASA) is the implementing agency
in the region, together with the SADC Secretariat. MASA aims to provide National Me-
114 teorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in the SADC region with priority pro-
grammes in support of socio-economic development of the region; and to promote the
development, establishment and operation of efficient, affordable and accessible meteoro-
logical services within SADC that meet the diverse needs of users.
The main objective of establishing vibrant institutional arrangements is to encour-
age the uptake of weather and climate information services for development planning that
strengthens knowledge frameworks and builds partnerships between public institutions,
private sector, civil society and vulnerable communities.

Climate Services Centre
The SADC Climate Services Centre (CSC) provides operational, regional, climate
information services for monitoring, and provides forecasts of all facets of seasonal
climate conditions, including extreme variations.
The Centre develops and disseminates meteorological, environmental and
hydro- meteorological products that are critically important in strategic and tactical
planning in multi-sectoral socioeconomic development, including water resources
management, health, agriculture and food security, and energy, among others.

Improved Climate and Weather Forecasts
To improve climate and weather forecasting, SADC established the Southern
African Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF). The forum provides a plat-
form for Member States to review the rainfall season in the region, as well as discuss
the potential impacts of the seasonal climate outlook on other socioeconomic sectors,
including disaster risk management, food security, health, water resources and hydro-
power management.
SARCOF meets annually in August/September, and has released seasonal proba-
bility forecasts to help Member States to prepare for their agricultural season, including
early warning of natural disasters such as floods, limiting the impact on citizens. This co-
ordinated approach has allowed countries to share information on time, thereby mitigating
any potential threats.