The IOCAFRICA works towards development of an African Ocean Observations network (including maintenance and upgrade of sea level stations) that focuses on "ocean information for human and economic security".

Ocean observations are critical for understanding the climate system, as the ocean plays a key role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing heat, carbon dioxide, and redistributing energy globally. By monitoring the state and variability of oceanic components—such as sea surface temperature, salinity, currents, and sea level—scientists can track changes over time, identify trends, and improve climate predictions. This information supports the development of climate scenarios that guide policymaking, disaster preparedness, and sustainable resource management.

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) collaborates with international organizations such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the International Council for Science (ICSU) to design, implement, and manage the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). GOOS is a comprehensive network of systems that systematically collects, integrates, and distributes oceanic data. These data streams support a wide array of products, including forecasts, climate analyses, and tools to inform decision-making across environmental, economic, and societal domains.

On a regional scale, IOCAFRICA—part of the IOC—focuses on building capacity and infrastructure for ocean observations in Africa. This includes establishing and maintaining an African Ocean Observations network to enhance the continent's ability to monitor and respond to ocean-related challenges. A key component of this initiative is the maintenance and upgrading of sea level stations, which are crucial for monitoring coastal changes, predicting storm surges, and addressing risks associated with rising sea levels. This network supports the overarching goal of providing "ocean information for human and economic security", ensuring that African nations can leverage ocean data to protect livelihoods, manage resources, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.