The African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (AMMA) programme combines one of the largest research field experiments that have been launched in West Africa with the reinforcement of operational observation networks and the setting up of a centralized data management system gathering together all the data produced or used by the programme researchers. The database contains various dataset types (local observations, satellite products, model outputs, human dimension studies data…) either present or historical, either operational or research. The data management and distribution system has been designed to facilitate data exchange between researchers from different disciplines or using different methods. The AMMA database and associated online tools have been developed and are managed by two teams in France (IPSL Data Centre, Palaiseau and OMP Data Centre, Toulouse). Datasets are stored in either one of the Centres depending on their type, but all the datasets can be accessed through a single and user‐friendly data request interface. The whole system has been duplicated and is also operational in the AGHRYMET Regional Centre (CRA), Niamey.