The Seychelles Meteorological Authority (SMA) achieved recertification for aeronautical meteorological services
The Seychelles Meteorological Authority (SMA) achieved recertification for aeronautical meteorological services in February 2025. This resulted from continuous efforts, development and commitment to maintain high quality standards and excellence in the operation of a Quality Management System (QMS) compliant with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 for the provision of aeronautical meteorological services to the aviation industry at the Seychelles international airport. Thereby, the Seychelles has fulfilled its international obligations as defined in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 3 and WMO Technical Regulations.
Strategic planning is widely recognized as a cornerstone of organizational success. A well-executed strategic plan can significantly enhance organizational performance. At SMA, the Strategic Plan 2019-2023 was instrumental in a transformation from a small ministerial section into an independent ISO-certified organization capable of recovering costs for its aeronautical meteorological services. In particular, the implementation of QMS improved SMA's ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. It has facilitated the delivery of enhanced products for customer satisfaction and the identification of the risks and opportunities associated with contexts and objectives of certain services. SMA can clearly demonstrate its ability to conform to specified QMS requirements.
While these achievements are significant, keeping the ISO 9001:2015 for the provision of aeronautical meteorological services requires commitment, a focus-oriented approach and hard work. In addition to aviation requirements, the evolving landscape of meteorology has necessitated a broader scope for services beyond traditional weather forecasting. Increasing vulnerability to natural hazards, extreme weather and flood events, and climate change has highlighted the need for enhanced capabilities at SMA. To address these challenges, SMA must move beyond conventional approaches and embrace innovative solutions.
Thus, a series of activities were launched in the last few months with the support of WMO, through technical assistance under the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) project . The SMA Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2029 (and associated Operational Plan) was the start as it was designed to respond to evolving needs. It also aligns SMA activities with its overarching vision - "To be the recognized national meteorological authority delivering dynamic and innovative services to support sustainable development" - ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness. The plan prioritizes the delivery of high quality, reliable and effective weather, climate and flood-related information. This will be accomplished by leveraging advancements in science and technology, fostering strong partnerships, and prioritizing data- and science-driven decision-making.
A new SMA organization structure has been developed as adjustments and new competencies were required to respond to Strategic Plan 2025-2029 priorities:
- Address the rapid changes in social conditions and evolving requirements from users/stakeholders, particularly in support of sustainable development in Seychelles
- Streamline processes and capitalize on investments from development partners
- Contribute to the Seychelles' National Development Strategy 2024 - 2028 and Vision 2033, and support Seychelles commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union's Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want
- Expand on the great potential for cost recovery and introduce commercial services.
The restructure comes with a training program that will ensure successful induction, learning and development for all staff at the outset of their employment as well as throughout their career. The program is accessible to all and will be updated to reflect the changing needs of the organization and professions within it. Quality objectives, as well as the identification of risks and opportunities, have also been part of the QMS process at SMA, that ultimately led to the ISO 9001:2015 recertification in February 2025.
