Creating a future defined by unprecedented resilience and inclusivity in African cities

The project reframes traditional top-down approaches, enabling communities to define their own resilience needs. Participatory methodologies, including innovative techniques like photovoice, Learning Labs, and knowledge-sharing events, contribute to co-creating risk and resilience profiles for informal settlements. Photovoice, championed by UKZN (University of KwaZulu-Natal) partner Professor Catherine Sutherland, empowers community members to share their stories visually, overcoming language and power dynamics while fostering relationships among co-researchers and city officials.

Knowledge brokering, a key element, ensures the elevation of produced knowledge into policy spaces, with ICLEI Africa and university partners playing pivotal roles. This enhances the local understanding of community and municipal responses, both during and after events, playing a crucial role in shaping policies and guiding actionable measures for better outcomes. The project’s commitment to co-learning, co-design, and community empowerment positions it as a ground-breaking endeavour in reshaping the vision of a truly resilient African city.

As ICLEI Africa leads these innovative projects, the collective efforts aim to create a future where African cities are defined by resilience and inclusivity. These projects not only respond to the immediate challenges posed by climate change, but also pave the way for sustainable, community-driven solutions that empower and protect vulnerable populations. The commitment to gender equality, inclusive planning and community engagement underscores a vision for a future that is not only resilient but also equitable and sustainable. Through these projects, ICLEI Africa strengthens its existing work on the continent and takes a significant step forwards in building a future that safeguards the well-being of all, ensuring that no one is left behind.