More than 250 African city leaders, including mayors, policymakers, investors, and business leaders, are convening in Nairobi for the Green & Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and hosted by C40 Cities, the event receives support from prominent global organizations, including the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Resources Institute (WRI), and ICLEI.
Ahead of the event, Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the forum, highlighting the continent’s significant opportunities for transformation.
“Africa’s young population presents a significant opportunity to reshape the reality for many cities and residents,” Sakaja stated.
The forum is expected to address the urgent need for climate financing in African cities, which are increasingly susceptible to extreme weather events such as floods and droughts.
“African city leaders are demonstrating remarkable leadership, but they need financial support to match their ambition. It’s time for governments and investors to step up,” Sakaja reiterated.
Martin Krause, Director of UNEP’s Climate Change Division, added, “National climate action plans, co-developed with sub-national governments, can empower cities to mobilize resources and funding for more effective implementation, protection of urban residents, and low-carbon, resilient development.”
Recent research by WRI underscores the progress African cities have made in adopting climate solutions. Nearly 300 nature-based projects for climate resilience have been initiated across sub-Saharan Africa in the past decade, securing over $21 billion in funding. However, more than 80% of these projects have relied primarily on grants, highlighting the necessity for new funding mechanisms.
The forum will also launch a new Roadmap on Sustainable Finance Action and Advocacy for Global South cities, aimed at helping mayors access funding and advocate for fiscal decentralization.
The Green & Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum is expected to pave the way for sustainable urban development across Africa, fostering stronger partnerships among city leaders, national governments, and global investors.
By KBC Digital
