The Greater Horn of Africa is prone to extreme climatic conditions, thus, making climate services increasingly important in supporting decision-making processes across a range of climate-sensitive sectors. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the recent advances, gaps, and challenges in the provision of climate services in the region, for each of the components of the Global Framework for Climate Services.

The study explores various milestones that have been achieved toward climate service delivery.

The achievements include the improvement of station network coverage, and enhancing the capacity of member states to utilize various tools in data analysis and generate routine climate products.

The advancement in science and the availability of high-performance computing have made it possible for forecast information to be provided from nowcasting to seasonal timescales. Moreover, operationalizing the objective forecasting method for monthly and seasonal forecasts has made it possible to translate tercile forecasts into application models.

Additionally, innovative approaches to user engagement through co-production, communication channels, user-friendly interfaces, and dissemination of climate information have also been developed. Despite the significant progress that has been made in the provision of climate services, there are still many challenges and gaps that need to be overcome to ensure that these services are effectively meeting the needs of users.

The research of the science underpinning climate variability, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, as well as improved data management and quality control processes, are some of the gaps that exist in the region.

Additionally, communication and dissemination of climate information, including timely warnings and risk communication, require improvement to reach diverse user groups effectively.

Addressing these challenges will require strengthened partnerships, increased investment in capacity building, enhanced collaboration between climate information producers and stakeholders, and the development of user-friendly climate products. Bridging these gaps will foster greater resilience to climate-related hazards and disasters in the Greater Horn of Africa and support sustainable development in the region.