Highlights from the GMES & Africa Geoportal Webinar

On June 30, 2025, the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) hosted webinar titled ‘Enhancing Access to Geospatial Information: Navigating the GMES & Africa Geoportal. Held via Zoom, the session introduced participants to the RCMRD GMES & Africa Geoportal-one of the platforms for accessing Earth observation data.

The webinar was designed to support technical professionals from government institutions and universities across RCMRD member States and GMES & Africa implementing countries. It aimed to build awareness and practical skills in navigating and utilizing the geoportal to support evidence-based decision-making in areas such as agriculture, natural resource management, and climate resilience

A major highlight was the live demonstration, where experts provided a walkthrough of both the GMES & Africa Geoportal and RCMRD’s own geoportal. Through a practical case study, participants learned how to navigate the platforms, access datasets, and apply various tools to real-world scenarios. The demonstration allowed attendees to see firsthand how the platforms could support data analysis and decision-making in their respective fields.

The webinar also featured an engaging Q&A and interactive discussion segment. Participants shared their questions, experiences, and insights, leading to an enriching exchange of ideas on geospatial data use and accessibility. The session concluded with a summary of key takeaways and next steps to encourage continued learning and collaboration.

By the end of the session, participants had gained greater awareness of the geoportal’s capabilities, strengthened their technical skills, and expanded their professional networks. The webinar successfully contributed to the broader goals of the GMES & Africa Programme—enhancing access to Earth observation data and supporting informed, data-driven decision-making across the continent. 

This event was part of the GMES & Africa Programme, implemented by the African Union Commission with support from the European Union, in partnership with regional consortium such as RCMRD. It marked another important step in the collective effort to promote open, accessible geospatial information for Africa’s development.