Wits Universities Climate Risk Modelling project has been awarded a $50,000 (approximately R925,000) Phase I grant by the Bezos Earth Fund’s AI Grand Challenge for Climate and Nature.
This remarkable initiative, led by Professor Rendani Mbuvha from the Wits School of Statistics and Actuarial Science, aims to revolutionise weather forecasting across the continent using advanced artificial intelligence technologies.
The implications of this project are profound. Currently, Africa faces severe limitations in reliable weather data and forecasting infrastructure—crucial resources for the millions who rely on rain-fed agriculture. Alarmingly, the continent has only one-eighth of the weather station density cover recommended by the World Meteorological Organisation. This significant gap in data density dramatically hampers the effectiveness of early-warning systems crucial for climate adaptation.
“We are deeply grateful to the Bezos Earth Fund for selecting us as a grantee in this highly competitive AI Grand Challenge for Climate and Nature,” says Professor Mbuvha.
He expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Together with our partners, we’re thrilled to democratise skilful AI-driven weather forecasts that will generate multisectoral impact across the Global South. This grant award is a vote of confidence in our work and inspires us to accelerate inclusive, community-informed solutions for climate resilience.”
To tackle the pressing issue of weather data scarcity, the Wits-led initiative plans to deploy automatic weather stations in underserved areas while collaborating closely with grassroots research communities and national weather services. The project will synergise ground-based, satellite, and historical climate data to develop robust, open-access forecasting models, ultimately benefiting both local and international stakeholders striving for improved climate conditions.
Professor Stephen Jurisich, Head of the Wits School of Statistics and Actuarial Science, remarked on the significance of this grant, stating, “I am delighted that the Bezos Earth Fund is supporting the climate risk modelling work of Professor Mbuvha. It really strengthens the research of the School in this important area. Many congratulations to Rendani and his collaborators.”
Moreover, the project stands out for its commitment to ethical AI development. By prioritising data privacy, environmental sustainability, and equitable access, the initiative ensures that all outputs—including data, models, and forecasts—will be made open source, thereby amplifying their value in global efforts to improve climate resilience.
With the successful acquisition of this Phase I grant, the Wits team is now positioned to compete for a Phase II implementation grant of up to $2 million (approximately R37 million). Should they succeed, this funding could enable further development and scaling of the project over the next two years, marking a pivotal advancement in the quest for climate resilience.
This recognition from the Bezos Earth Fund not only underscores Wits University’s leadership in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address real-world challenges but also represents a significant leap forward in building climate resilience for vulnerable communities throughout Africa.
