RCMRD Hosts AFREF Training Workshop

As part of its ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations, the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) recently held a week-long training workshop on the African Geodetic Reference Frame (AFREF). The event, held from 16th to 20th June 2025 at the RCMRD headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, brought together a diverse group of professionals from across RCMRD’s member States. Participants included surveyors, geodesists, Land Administrators, GIS and remote sensing experts, academics, researchers, policymakers, and staff from national mapping and space agencies, among other fields. The workshop was a timely and strategic effort to strengthen Africa’s technical capacity in geodesy and geospatial science fields that are increasingly critical to sustainable development and regional integration.

The AFREF initiative, which RCMRD has championed since 2008, seeks to establish a unified and modern geodetic reference frame for Africa. Such a framework is essential for accurate mapping, surveying, disaster management, infrastructure planning, scientific research, and the effective management of natural resources. Despite its technical nature, AFREF addresses deeply practical challenges-such as inconsistent datums that can lead to cross-border conflicts and inefficiencies in land administration.

The training was designed not just to build skills, but also to deepen collaboration across African institutions. Through a dynamic mix of keynote presentations, hands-on GNSS practicals, and expert-led technical sessions, participants learned about GNSS data collection and processing; Reference Frames, Datums and coordinate systems; Reference frame maintenance, alignment of National frames with regional and global frames such as African Geodetic Reference Frame (AFREF) and the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF).

One of the highlights of the workshop was a visit by Hon. Patrick Mucheleka, Chair of RCMRD’s Governing Council and Permanent Secretary at Zambia’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Speaking to the trainees, Hon. Mucheleka emphasized the importance of harmonizing geospatial tools and standards across African countries. He noted that discrepancies in national reference systems often lead to inaccurate maps and land records, which can trigger disputes and hinder development. He urged all participants to embrace AFREF as a shared continental solution.

By the end of the workshop, participants had not only enhanced their technical knowledge but had also developed national and regional action plans and built professional networks that will support future collaboration. 

More than just a technical training, the AFREF workshop demonstrated RCMRD’s continued leadership in geospatial innovation. As the Centre marks five decades of service to Africa, its vision remains clear: to deliver excellence in geospatial services, foster regional cooperation, and empower nations with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve sustainable development.