Brief History of NMA

Meteorology in the country first attained its importance in aviation, and a small Meteorological unit was established in 1951 with in the Civil Aviation Department (now Civil Aviation Authority) to cater services solely for aeronautical purposes. As the other socio-economic sector slowly began to realize the importance of meteorological information and advice for their respective activities, requests began to flow into this small unit. Thus, the unit had been promoted to Meteorological Department under the auspices of Civil Aviation Authority in 1974. Further expansion of the service resulted the stablishment of the National Meteorological Agency, as an autonomous government organization, by proclamation numbered 201/1980 on 31st December 1980 . Since then, it has reorganized itself in different time to meet the growing demand in meteorological services from diversified socio-economic sectors. In 1994, for a better attainment of its objective, NMA is organized in one Director General , one Deputy Director General, five Departments, eleven Teams, five Services, four sections, and Branch Offices Coordinating Office with five Branch offices. Recently the Branch offices are replaced with eight Branch Offices (Adama, Assossa, Awassa, Bahirdar, Gambella, Jijiga, Mekelle and Samara) and three Sub Branch Offices (Bale Robe, Kombolcha and Jimma).

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The Mission of NMA

By collecting, analyzing and studying the atmosphere, we provide weather forecast and early warnings on the adverse effects of weather and climate of Ethiopia .

The Vision of NMA

World-class meteorological services in Ethiopia

The Values of NMA

• Timely and reliable meteorological services are our mark.
• Teamwork and ethical to the profession is our motto.
• Forecasting the possible adverse effects of weather and climate is the measuring tool of our success.

Strategy of NMA

(under development)

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Powers and Duties necessary for the attainment of its purpose

• Establish and operate a national network of meteorological stations designed to represent various climatic regions of Ethiopia and to satisfy the needs of various national development plan and activities;
• Collect all meteorological data.
• Exchange meteorological data in accordance with international agreements to which Ethiopia is a party.
• Establish and operate communication systems, in accordance with the law, for the collection and dissemination of meteorological data.
• Publish and disseminate analyzed and interpreted meteorological data and meteorological forecasts.
• Give advance warning on the adverse weather conditions; disseminate advice and educational information through the mass media; and provide, upon request; meteorological services to any person.
• Control and centrally administer any meteorological data collected by any person in the country.
• Control air pollution and maintain the natural balance of the air in the country.
• Permit any person to register and collect meteorological data when it deems it necessary.
• Ensure the implementation of international agreements regarding meteorology, which are ratified by the Government.
• Undertake meteorological studies and researches; implement fruitful results thereof.
• Collect fees and charges for the services it renders after having them determined by the appropriate government office.
• Represent the government in any meeting, conference or seminar concerning meteorology.

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Staff Information

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