African city leaders unite in Nairobi to drive green and resilient urban future

More than 250 African city leaders have issued an open letter urging national governments to embed cities’ green investment priorities into national budgets and plans and strengthen municipal finance.

The letter, which was issued during the UrbanShift Africa Forum’s opening ceremony at the UNEP headquarters on Monday was was signed by mayors and governors of some of the continent’s largest cities.

They also want government funding for cities made more predictable and barriers to public-private partnerships removed to accelerate climate action projects with the overall aim of unlocking much-needed funding for green infrastructure and sustainable urban growth.

The three-day forum, which is being hosted by C40 Cities, is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF),and supported by UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Resources Institute (WRI) and Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI).

As Africa’s cities expand at an unprecedented pace, and with 92 per cent already classified as being at extreme climate risk, the forum marks a decisive moment for resilient urban planning, sustainable investment, and climate action.

Bringing together stakeholders from countries across Africa – including Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Tanzania – the UrbanShift Africa Forum will allow national and local governments officials, investors and civil society organisations to exchange best practices, foster partnerships, and advance climate ambition. A delegation of youth climate leaders will also join discussions to ensure the voices and expertise of young
Africans remain at the center of future climate action.

With Africa projected to drive the majority of global urban growth in the coming decades, the forum’s sessions are set to focus on resilience, urban planning, and securing the financing required to build thriving, resilient cities
for future generations.

The UrbanShift Africa Forum will also see the release of a new Roadmap on Sustainable Finance Action and Advocacy for Global South cities, which outlines the practical steps that mayors and their teams can take to start
acting and advocating for climate action.

This new resource from C40, UrbanShift and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) will help mayors access affordable financing for important projects like clean energy and public transport. The roadmap also recommends giving cities more financial independence, creating national platforms to coordinate
efforts, and grouping projects together to attract greater investment.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown and Co-chair of C40 Cities said: “African cities are already at the vanguard of climate action and innovation. Our youth populations are already championing climate action and investing in their own futures.

“With approximately 70% of Africa’s population under the age of 35, young people are leveraging technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship to drive the shift toward sustainability. It is time for the international finance
community to invest in their energy and ideas.

“We know the next generation is ready to lead the charge for a greener, fairer future, it is now the duty of city leaders to access the resources they need to create a greener, fairer future for all of us.”

Sakaja Johnson, the Nairobi Governor, said: “I am really excited that C40 made the decision to host the Green & Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum which will bring representatives from some of the continent’s biggest and
leading cities to Nairobi.

“Africa’s young population means there is ample opportunity to transform the reality for many cities and many residents. We will continue leveraging technology and entrepreneurship to develop clean energy solutions which
must be accompanied by the development of a greener, fairer economic model for all.

“Investing in climate solutions in Africa works: with a projected return of US$4 for every US$1 initially invested, this is a unique opportunity for global investors to deliver the much-needed impact on the ground and address these challenges.”

Martin Krause, Director, Climate Change Division, UNEP said: “African cities are increasingly vulnerable to extreme climate events, some facing devastating floods and others extreme drought. National climate action plans, co-developed with sub-national governments, can empower cities to facilitate resources and funding for more effective implementation, protection of urban residents and low-carbon, resilient development.”

Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities said: “Many African cities are already on the frontline of the climate crisis, facing record-breaking temperatures, food insecurity and significant levels of climate migration.
African mayors are showing considerable leadership, but they need the financial power to match their ambition.
“Mayors are ready, communities are mobilising, and the solutions exist – now it’s time for governments and investors to step up. Unlocking finance for cities isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smartest possible investment in Africa’s future. Every dollar invested in sustainable urban development today will pay back in resilient economies, thriving communities, and a healthier planet for generations to come.”

Pablo Lazo, Global Director, Urban Development, Cities Program, World Resources Institute, said: “African cities are rapidly building momentum in the fight against climate change. Forthcoming WRI research identified nearly 300 nature-based solutions (NBS) projects for climate resilience, including in urban areas and city watersheds, initiated between 2012 and 2023 in sub-Saharan Africa. Collectively, these efforts secured more than $21 billion in funding.”