There was a time when cooking brought tears to Fatima Bangura’s eyes. It wasn’t necessarily the ingredients that went into the 25-year-old’s culinary creations. Or pride that her popular dish of cassava leaves and beans draws customers back to her food stall in Susan’s Bay, an informal settlement in Sierra Leone’s Freetown. The real culprit? … Continued

As urbanisation accelerates across Africa, the challenges posed by climate change become increasingly urgent, highlighting the valuable role that urban natural assets and nature-based solutions (NbS) can play in fostering sustainable urban environments. As we celebrate International Youth Day, it is important to recognise that youth in African cities have inherited compounding crises that they … Continued

Currently, 55% of the global population resides in urban areas, totalling approximately 4.5 billion people, with women constituting half of this demographic. Despite their significant presence, cities often overlook women’s specific needs in their design and planning, resulting in a lack of inclusivity. Prioritising inclusivity in urban areas extends beyond mere representation for women; it … Continued

Climate change poses significant challenges to Africa, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and threatening the livelihoods of millions. In the face of these challenges, ICLEI Africa is at the forefront, supporting our cities and regions in implementing a range of projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing climate resilience across the continent. From urban food systems to disaster … Continued

“The solutions rest with us; we just need to find the bridge,” shared Gertrude Rose Gamwera, Secretary General, EALGA, in the opening session of the RISE Africa 2024 Action Festival. This provocation set the tone for three days of sessions focused on inspiring a shift towards a solutions-oriented mindset. This year’s theme, “SOLUTIONS ONLY [failures … Continued

As climate change continues to reshape our planet, African cities like Lusaka in Zambia face escalating risks from extreme heat. With temperatures soaring and heatwaves becoming more frequent, the need for proactive measures to safeguard communities has never been more urgent, especially on Heat Action Day, 2 June 2024. At this critical juncture, initiatives like … Continued

Along South Africa’s vibrant eastern coastline, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, which encompasses the city of Durban – home to the largest port on the east coast of Africa – is pioneering urban sustainability amidst the challenges of rapid urbanisation and climate change. Climate vulnerability and commitment to resilience eThekwini, the third largest metropolitan municipality in South … Continued

South Africa’s just transition to an inclusive, prosperous, climate resilient and low carbon economy is well under way. The Just Transition Framework emphasises that “major economic, social, and environmental decisions required for a just transition require social partners to forge a consensus around the transition.” (Presidential Climate Commission, 2022: 25) ICLEI Africa is supporting the … Continued

Our AfriFOODlinks Youth Ambassadors recently shared their insights on the vital role of youth voices in shaping our future. As we confront the complexities of today’s global landscape, the need for a diverse array of voices in decision-making processes becomes unmistakably crucial [1]. The inclusion of young perspectives is not merely beneficial—it is essential for … Continued

The City of Dar es Salaam has revised and strengthened its Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, clearly showing how the intersection between biodiversity and urban planning can help to identify projects that balance rapid urban growth with the need to retain and enhance the benefits from urban nature. LBSAPs: A local tool for biodiversity … Continued

Stay in the loop

Sign up to our newsletter

Sharing impactful, innovative and inclusive action in African cities and regions