ADDIS ABABA, September 12, 2017-Today, the first African Ministerial Conference on Meteorology (AMCOMET) Africa Hydromet Forum opened its doors to over 500 African leaders from governments, public and private sector representatives, civil society, and development partners who agree that improved weather, water, and climate services, known collectively as hydromet, can ease disaster-related losses and boost their economies. The capability to issue early warnings based on accurate forecasts is especially essential to preserve the lives and households of millions of people across Africa,' said H.E. Josefa Leonel Sacko, African Union Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture. Co-hosted by the African Union Commission and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, it unites Africa leaders who wish to emphasize that weather and climate-related disasters are reversing development gains across the entire continent. These disasters can reduce the Gross Domestic Product of a country by 10 - 20 percent, not only derailing economic development, but reversing economic gains. Improving hydromet services is integral to building resilience to natural disasters across Sub-Saharan Africa. 
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