The Ocean Data and Information Network for Africa (ODINAFRICA) brings together more than forty marine related institutions from twenty-five countries in Africa. The ODINAFRICA project is carried out under the programme 'International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange' (IODE) of the 'Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission' (IOC) of UNESCO. The network strives to address the challenges faced in ensuring that ocean and coastal data and information generated in national, regional and global programmes. The current phase will focus on strengthening the Pan-African network of National Oceanographic Data and Information Centres – NODCs and marine related institutions as a sustained mechanism for application of data, information and products for marine and coastal management in Africa.