The OPERA (Ocean Prediction Enhancement in the Regions of Africa) project has launched its first online course OPERA MOOC Set 1: Fundamentals of Ocean Forecasting, developed as part of its Capacity Development Activities. Developed in Africa and designed for a global audience, the course aims to expand access to ocean forecasting knowledge and strengthen capacities in ocean science, climate resilience and sustainable coastal management.
The seven-week course opened on 27 July 2026 on the FutureLearn platform and has attracted significant international interest. A total of 1,162 participants from 111 countries have enrolled, with nearly two-thirds based in Africa. This strong regional participation highlights the demand for accessible, high-quality training in ocean forecasting. From this, a total group of 500 learners have been selected to form a dedicated cohort that will benefit from additional support and interaction with the teaching team, fostering and engaging and collaborative learning experience throughout the programme.
Oceans play a central role in regulating the global climate, sustain food systems, enable maritime trade and shape the resilience of coastal communities worldwide. Yet the expertise required to access, interpret and act on ocean forecasts remains concentrated in a small number of institutions, mainly in the Global North. OPERA seeks to address this imbalance by strengthening ocean-forecasting capacity across Africa.
The OPERA MOOC Set introduces participants to the full ocean-forecasting chain. Its seven modules cover the physical principles that govern ocean circulation, the numerical models used to stimulate ocean dynamics and the satellite and on-site observing systems- such as Argo floats, moored buoys and high-frequency radars- that supply essential data. Learners also explore data-assimilation techniques that keep models aligned with real world conditions. The final modules focus on practical applications, including fisheries management, coastal risk reduction, maritime safety and environmental policy. Successful participants will receive a certificate issued through FutureLearn and accredited by the ICMPA UNESCO Chair at the University of Abomey-Calavi.
African leadership in ocean knowledge
The course is co-developed by the International Chair in Mathematical Physics and Applications (ICMPA UNESCO Chair) at the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin and the Gulf of Guinea Ocean Sciences Summer School (GGOSSS), With support from Mercator Ocean International and funding from the European Union under the Africa Regional Centres of Excellence (ArcX programme). This collaboration reflects a wider ambition to strengthen African leadership in ocean science by ensuring that expertise is developed, shared and applied within the region. It also forms part of OPERA’s broader effort to build long-term capacity for ocean prediction across the continent.
A continental effort with long-term impact
OPERA is a five-year initiative implemented by Mercator Ocean International with the European Union funding under the ArcX programme. Its aim is to strengthen operational ocean prediction in sub-Saharan Africa by developing forecasting systems, supporting human and technical capabilities and engaging with users to ensure lasting uptake. The launch of the MOOC marks an important milestone in this work, with further training programmes, scientific events and learning resources planned throughout the project.
Read the full press release both in English and French to learn more about the course, its objectives and the OPERA project's related activities.
