WASCAL has unveiled its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan in Belém, Brazil, during a dedicated side event at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The side event gathered policymakers, representatives from regional institutions, technical and financial partners, and climate experts from West Africa and beyond, showcasing WASCAL’s vision and priorities for the next five years. It reaffirmed WASCAL’s position as a leading regional institution in climate research, capacity development, and policy support for sustainable development and climate resilience.
Prof. Emmanuel Wendsongré Ramdé, Executive Director of WASCAL, outlined the 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, highlighting the institution’s renewed focus on advancing climate science, expanding capacity development, and supporting governments in building climate resilience and sustainable development across West Africa. “Our Strategic Plan reaffirms WASCAL’s commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and strengthening the capacities of our member states to ensure research and services, deliver real impact for climate action in the region.” He stated,
The Strategic Plan is structured around six interconnected objectives, which include strengthening WASCAL’s institutional effectiveness and operational efficiency, improving resource mobilization and management to ensure sustainability, enhancing regional research and development on climate change and sustainable energy, leveraging technologies, data, and digital solutions to improve climate and environmental service delivery, expanding capacity-building initiatives tailored to member states, and reinforcing communication and partnerships.
Implementing this ambitious plan will require an indicative budget of €96.2 million. Its execution is guided by a results-driven, decentralized model, supported by strong leadership, robust technical expertise, and advanced digital systems, with clearly defined investment priorities to ensure effective and coherent delivery. The plan also incorporates transparency and accountability measures, including key performance indicators and a comprehensive risk and mitigation framework to safeguard institutional continuity, stability, and operational efficiency.
WASCAL also highlighted its Top 10 institutional priorities for 2026–2030, reflecting the institution’s commitment to consolidating scientific leadership, expanding climate services, deepening strategic partnerships, and contributing more effectively to national and regional climate resilience initiatives.
The session was conducted under the leadership of WASCAL Board Chair, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, who underscored the significance of the new Strategic Plan and called on policymakers, development partners, and regional stakeholders to support its implementation. “WASCAL’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan is a milestone for climate action in West Africa. I urge policymakers, partners, and stakeholders to support this vision, a collective commitment through which we can strengthen scientific leadership, enhance capacity development, and build resilient communities across the region;” He spoke.
For over a decade, WASCAL has worked closely with governments and key stakeholders, earning a reputation for scientific excellence and delivering services that guide climate action across its member countries.
The new Strategic Plan builds on this foundation, reinforcing WASCAL’s commitment to advancing climate science, developing future experts, and fostering resilient and sustainable development across West Africa.
