The ODINAFRICA project started in March 1998 and its main objective was to develop an ocean data and information exchange network for Eastern Africa region (including South Africa).

ODINAFRICA is built around three important needs/facts. 

• Firstly, the need to develop human resources with adequate abilities to acquire, manage, archive and disseminate data, as well as the capability to generate information in support of decision making and management of Oceans and Coastal Zones.

• Secondly, to develop capacity and procedures to collect, quality-control, archive, analyze, repackage and disseminate these data at the international, regional, national and local levels. 

• Thirdly, to develop a facility (or an organ) through which scientists, coastal zone managers, coastal projects and institutions dealing with coastal zone development could exchange information.

The various marine and coastal scientific programmes being caried out now and in the near future are expected to generate substantial amounts of data that must be communicated to different stakeholders along the coastal area. Preparation of a communication center and procedures is important and necessary. Additionally, in order to enable scientists to play a part in the highly competitive world of science, access to up-to-date and reliable scientific information and/or data is crucial. 

ODINAFRICA project tries to respond to these needs through providing support for the development of human and institutional capacity at the national and regional levels on a Pan-African scale by supporting the DNAs and local NODC and/or efforts to establish them in terms of operational and infrastructure expenses.