Quarterly newsletter | June 2026
This quarter, CoM SSA cities are making strides in climate action, while urban leaders convened to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and shape resilient futures.
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Learn about climate action planning: Self-paced Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP) course
The CoM SSA climate planning course is designed to guide local governments through the full SEACAP process from strategy development to implementation.
The SEACAP is a key document that outlines a city’s strategies, plans, and actions for a sustainable and low-emission development pathway, incorporating adaptation actions and ensuring access to secure, affordable, and sustainable energy in response to the current and future impacts of climate change in the region.
CLIMATE FINANCE COURSE: An introductory guide to climate finance for African cities
The CoM SSA finance course is a self-learning online course that will teach government officials in signatory cities about unlocking finance for climate action. The training will prepare participants to successfully deliver on their mandates to secure investments in climate change mitigation and adaptation projects on behalf of their regions.
Sign up here
CoM SSA Mayors contribute to regional urbanisation discourse at the Africa Urban Forum 2
AUF2, held in Nairobi (Kenya) from 8 to 10 April 2026, was convened by the African Union Commission and hosted by the Government of the Republic of Kenya with technical support from UN-Habitat and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. The Forum gathered 40 Ministers and about 8000 delegates under the theme Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio-economic and Environmental Transformation towards the Realisation of Agenda 2063.
More informationCelebrating a decade of driving local climate action in sub-Saharan Africa
This year, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), the regional chapter of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), is celebrating ten years of catalysing local climate action in the region. Launched in 2015, the same year as the historic Paris Agreement, CoM SSA has grown to over 400 local governments, committed to building sustainable, livable, safe and resilient communities powered by clean energy.
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Insights for change: Essential snapshots for climate-smart African city leaders
Available in ENG, FR, PT
In the fight against climate change, local action is where the rubber meets the road. However, without ambitious, comprehensive and integrated climate plans, local authorities risk maladaptation, poor governance, and low investor confidence. To truly succeed, these climate plans also need support from the national government.
Local decision-makers operate within frameworks shaped by national policies, and the local government’s ability to implement projects is determined by the national government support.
414
Cities
42
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137 Mil
People
Committed
Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana
Date Joined: September 2023
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Bringing biogas to Ghanaian schools
In partnership with Oekobit, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa co-implementing partner GIZ, and the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), Ghana, is implementing school-based waste separation and biogas systems that reduce waste while generating renewable energy.
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PRESS RELEASE | After the floods: Eight Ghanaian cities pledge to turn climate plans into action
Following catastrophic flooding that claimed lives across Greater Accra, Mayors and Chief Executives from eight Ghanaian local governments pledge to turn climate adaptation plans into action — but say that citizens, government at every level, and partners must join them. TEMA, GHANA — [July 24th] — Eight of Ghana's coastal and climate-vulnerable municipalities have concluded a landmark two-day workshop last week with a shared commitment: to translate years of climate risk planning into concrete, fundable action — starting now.
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Renewable energy as a vehicle for equity and urban resilience in sub-Saharan Africa
As cities across sub-Saharan Africa continue to grow, so too does the urgency to ensure that urban development is powered by energy systems that are reliable, affordable and equitable. This was the central message emerging from the recent Regional Dialogue on Renewable Energy, co-hosted by the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) Secretariat, Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) and REN21.
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African cities are stepping up as climate leaders, and the data proves it.
In 2025, CoM SSA signatories were awarded over 100 badges for reporting on their climate action and sustainable energy progress.
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Advancing access to finance for urban infrastructure in Africa
The EU Regional Business Forum held from 30 March to 1 April 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, brought together finance institutions, European investors, and public sector stakeholders, strengthening connections between the EU Global Gateway investment agenda and African government priorities, with African governments as partners and co-creators. GIZ, under the CIVIC Platform - Climate Resilient Infrastructure Investment in Cities, is one of the implementation partners of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), and joined the forum to showcase how locally grounded urban priorities can connect to the EU’s policy and investment mobilisation agenda.
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CoM SSA Mayors contribute to regional urbanisation discourse at the Africa Urban Forum 2
“Africa’s urban future will define Africa’s political and economic future.” This was the sentiment shared by all at the Africa Urban Forum 2 (AUF2). AUF2 was a key event for CoM SSA this year. The initiative hosted/supported three side events and one high-level plenary session. CoM SSA Mayors and experts, from Expertise France, GIZ and the Secretariat (hosted by ICLEI Africa) participated in numerous session sharing their insights and experiences.
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Celebrating African cities leading on climate transparency
African cities are not only on the frontlines of the climate crisis, they are also actively responding, innovating, and setting the pace for locally led climate action. Despite facing escalating risks, cities across the continent are demonstrating that data-driven planning and local action can deliver powerful, people-centred climate solutions.
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CoM SSA kicks off 2026 with strategic engagement with cities
Early in the year, CoM SSA co-implementing partners, Expertise France and GIZ, intensified engagement with partner cities to define cooperation priorities and prepare new partnerships to work on spatial planning, flood and water management, and waste management.
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Opinion: Why Tema must lead Africa’s climate-smart urban future
This September, I had the honour of representing Tema—and Africa—in Germany on a study tour with the theme “Fit for Climate Change – How Cities and Municipalities Are Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change.” The week-long seminar brought together mayors, town planners, and urban experts from across Europe, North America, Asia, and Israel to discuss practical solutions for sustainable urban development.
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Bridging the gap: African cities prepare for the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities (SRCC)
Global efforts to strengthen urban climate resilience advanced at the From Science to Action workshop in Bonn, convened by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), UN-Habitat, and the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM). The session focused on one central question: how can the forthcoming Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report lead to practitioner-oriented action in cities?
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Celebrating a decade of driving local climate action in sub-Saharan Africa
This year, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), the regional chapter of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), is celebrating ten years of catalysing local climate action in the region. Launched in 2015, the same year as the historic Paris Agreement, CoM SSA has grown to over 400 local governments, committed to building sustainable, livable, safe and resilient communities powered by clean energy.
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Advancing waste-to-energy solutions in African cities through EU collaboration
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) recently marked a significant milestone in supporting sustainable urban development with the implementation of the GCoM–Ökobit biogas pilot project across three African cities: Mombasa County (Kenya), Basse Area Council (The Gambia), and Sekondi-Takoradi Municipal Assembly (Ghana).
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CoM SSA Mayors elevate local priorities in global advocacy events
November brought together urban, national, private sector and diplomatic leaders at three major global climate events, the Local Leaders Forum (LLF), the Urban Transition Mission (UTM) Summit and the long-anticipated COP30. Across these events, CoM SSA Mayors amplified the priorities and perspectives of African local governments, how city-level climate action is gaining momentum across the continent, and how, with the right partnerships, local leaders can scale these actions to drive meaningful, lasting change.
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Celebrating 400 signatories: CoM SSA reaches a milestone in urban climate action
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) has officially surpassed 400 local governments, spanning 41 countries, each committed to building sustainable, livable and resilient communities, powered by clean energy. The milestone comes at a particularly meaningful moment, as CoM SSA — the regional chapter of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy — marks ten years of championing local climate action on the African continent.
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Cities at the Centre: CoM SSA at the Africa Climate Summit 2
As leaders convened in Addis Ababa for the Africa Climate Summit 2 (ACS2), access to finance was again at the heart of the agenda. The question is no longer whether cities matter, but how their work is recognised, resourced, and integrated into national and global climate priorities. CoM SSA entered ACS2 as a coordinated constituency. Taken together, the RMF interventions brought a strong urban voice to sessions, one that conveys their consolidated messaging across thematics, converting city experience into agenda-setting signals.
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Unlocking private investment for urban solar in Africa: Key players convene to address financing gaps
Over 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to electricity, with urban populations expected to double by 2050. On-grid rooftop solar presents a strong opportunity to power public buildings, lower energy costs, and strengthen climate resilience. However, investment remains limited due to persistent financing gaps and market barriers.
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GIS training strengthens urban planning in Sekondi-Takoradi through CoM SSA
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) recently organised a Geographic Information System (GIS) training for staff from key departments of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA). As the city faces rapid growth and increasing urban challenges, having the right tools to manage infrastructure, zoning, and environmental concerns is essential. This session provided hands-on knowledge on how GIS can support urban planning, development, and decision-making processes, equipping participants with skills to enhance efficiency in city management.
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Embedding climate strategies in local development plans in the Gambia
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) recently united several Gambian cities—Banjul, Brikama, and Kanifing in the Greater Banjul Area, along with Basse, Kerewan, Kuntaur, Mansakonko, and Janjangbureh—and important stakeholders, including several representatives from the European Union, in a powerful demonstration of commitment to driving climate action.
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Facilitating collaboration: How CoM SSA connects cities for climate solutions
Collaboration is at the heart of effective climate action. Across sub-Saharan Africa, cities face shared climate risks such as extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and resource scarcity. Addressing these challenges in isolation is neither efficient nor sustainable. Recognising this, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) has championed over 25 city-to-city exchanges, fostering peer learning, strengthening capacities, and empowering local governments to implement impactful climate solutions. As the regional covenant to the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM) for Climate and Energy, CoM SSA connects signatories with global peers, paving the way for regional and international city-to-city peer learning opportunities.
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Press release: Mombasa strengthens climate resilience with a locally driven Flood Management Strategy
Mombasa, 4th March 2025 – Mombasa has long battled urban flooding, with extreme weather events disrupting daily life, damaging infrastructure, and affecting vulnerable communities. In response, the County Government of Mombasa (CGM) and the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) launched the Mombasa City Lab in December 2023—a year-long collaborative initiative to develop sustainable solutions to this pressing issue. Today, the initiative has reached a major milestone: the adoption of a Flood Management Strategy, to be institutionalised within the county’s governance framework to ensure long-term impact.
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Douala’s energy transition opens doors for investment
With rising energy demand and only 75% of Cameroon's urban population having access to electricity (World Bank, 2025), Douala is accelerating efforts to expand clean energy solutions. Over the past seven months, CoM SSA through its Urban Smart Energy (USE) product, in collaboration with municipal leaders, energy experts, legal advisors, and financial specialists, has assessed the feasibility of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects across nine municipal sites. Their findings lay the groundwork for a cost-effective urban energy system and a strong case for future investment.
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CoM SSA Mayors lead the charge for climate action amidst disappointing COP29 ambitions
The outcomes of COP29, held in Baku from November 11 - 22, fell short of the ambition required to combat the escalating climate crisis. However, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) demonstrated an unwavering leadership and urgency, advocating for actionable solutions to support cities amidst a growing planetary polycrisis. CoM SSA Mayors Called for direct access to finance at the local level, and the establishment of a fully operational Loss and Damage Fund that local governments can access directly.
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World Urban Forum Twelfth Session: CoM SSA champions African cities’ sustainable urban futures
At WUF12 (4 - 8 November) in Cairo, African cities showcased their leadership in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite progress, the need for scalable financing and implementation remains critical to sustaining momentum and unlocking transformative solutions.
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Nakuru County hosts Urban Smart Energy (USE) Workshop: A path to sustainable energy solutions
Nakuru County recently hosted the Urban Smart Energy Workshop from September 25-26, 2024, in partnership with CoM SSA. The event focused on presenting viable renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions tailored to Nakuru’s energy needs.
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PRESS RELEASE: Sekondi-Takoradi paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for African cities
Sekondi-Takoradi has become the first city in Ghana to launch a comprehensive Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP), building on Accra’s pioneering efforts in partnership with C40 Cities. This new plan marks another significant step in the country’s climate action journey. Developed in collaboration with the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), the SEACAP aims to reduce emissions, enhance climate resilience, and provide clean, affordable energy by 2050, positioning Sekondi-Takoradi as a model for sustainable urban development in West Africa.
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Mayors lead the charge: Highlights from the inaugural Africa Urban Forum
The inaugural Africa Urban Forum (AUF) 2024, held from 4 to 6 September in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marked a significant milestone for urban development across the continent. Organised by the African Union Commission and the Government of Ethiopia, with technical support from UN-Habitat and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, this unprecedented event culminated decades of advocacy and commitment to prioritising urban Africa.
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Comprehensive data collection advances development of Sekondi-Takoradi Climate Action Plan
The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) in Ghana recently made significant strides in the development of its Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP) with an extensive data collection effort. The initiative was coordinated and carried out in collaboration with the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) and PSS Urbania, a consultancy firm specialising in Ghana’s urban development.
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KwaDukuza Local Municipality: Committed to low-emissions development for a greener future
KwaDukuza, is a pioneering municipality in South Africa, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to combating climate change since joining the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) at its inception in 2015. As one of the longest-standing signatories, KwaDukuza showcases a proactive approach to building climate resilience by engaging in vital climate action activities such as baseline reviews and regular reporting. These efforts align seamlessly with the objectives outlined in South Africa's recently endorsed Climate Change Act, underscoring KwaDukuza's readiness to align with national climate goals.
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Press Release | Embu County’s Dallas Settlement Launches Green Infrastructure Plan to Tackle Climate Change
Embu, August 29, 2024- Like many informal settlements in African cities and in Kenya, the residents of Dallas settlement in Embu County, Kenya, face escalating climate change challenges. These include intensified flooding, a rise in weather-related diseases, and degradation of natural assets. In response, the Dallas ASILI (Adaptation Solutions, Inclusive Locally-led Infrastructures) project was launched following Embu County’s commitment to the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), an initiative co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The Dallas ASILI project is a collaborative effort between the Dallas community, Embu County Government, CoM SSA, and the Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI). It focuses on three pillars: developing a Green Infrastructure (GI) Plan, designing Nature-based Solutions (NbS), and involving the community through awareness and capacity-building activities.
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Protecting the green lung of Pikine: turning an invasive species into an ecological opportunity
A feasibility study on the commercial exploitation of this invasive plant in the Grand Niaye Natural Reserve in Pikine (Senegal) confirms its potential to create jobs and be both economically and socially beneficial. This approach addresses one of the major challenges facing this crucial wetland.
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From Data to Action: Mombasa's Urban Smart Energy Journey
Access to clean and affordable energy is a top priority for Mombasa County in Kenya. To advance towards this goal, the County has been working with the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa's co-implementing partner, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in implementing the Urban Smart Energy (USE) product since 2022. Following an evidence-based approach, the USE focuses on developing decentralised energy systems and energy efficiency measures on county-owned sites. The recent USE Results Workshop reviewed the feasibility of solar PV systems and energy efficiency improvements in Mombasa, recommending solar rooftops for six locations, LED retrofits for three, and AC replacements for one.
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Abuja Urban Lab workshop showcases collaborative progress on future waste management strategies
Maintaining its steadfast commitment to sustainable urban development and building on the success of the initial launch in December 2023, the Abuja Urban Lab has hosted a feedback workshop, marking a crucial step forward in ongoing efforts to improve the waste management governance system in Abuja.
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Fifteen thousand trees to fight against coastal erosion
CoM SSA has funded a study proposing the planting of 15,000 trees along nine kilometers of coastline to stop the advancing sea and protect the ecosystem.
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In conversation with the captain Seynabou Diop Fall
Protecting the dune coastal system and its vegetation means protecting the population.
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Eight years on: evaluating the Kampala Climate Change Action Plan
On June 7th 2024, a workshop was organised by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to present the findings of the Kampala Climate Change Action Plan (KCCAP) evaluation. The KCCAP is a strategy developed by the Kampala Capital City Authority in 2016 to address climate change challenges and opportunities. It covers the following areas: energy, urban mobility, land use planning, and eco-practice. The plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 22% by 2030, enhance adaptive capacity, mainstream climate change response in city services, promote low-carbon development, increase stakeholder awareness, and foster city-to-city cooperation on climate change issues. The KCCAP, developed with the financial support of AFD and the technical support of Expertise France, is a transversal framework for mainstreaming climate response in all KCCA mandates and services.
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Waste Management in Nigeria: CoM SSA Urban Lab brings Abuja and Lagos together
The Abuja Urban Lab is a pivotal initiative of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), focusing on creating a sustainable waste management system in Nigeria’s capital city. In 2022, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) launched its Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP), setting ambitious targets for climate change adaptation, mitigation, and improved access to sustainable energy. One key focus of the SEACAP for Abuja was waste management.
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Creative transformation of urban waste to design a cleaner and more ecological city
A creative waste reuse workshop proposes a sustainable and ecological alternative to revitalize urban spaces in Dakar with furniture created from municipal waste.
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In conversation with the Director of Technical Services in Dakar City Council
Cheikh Oumar El Foutiyou Ba was formed in engineering but also, he is an specialist in public infrastructure management. He has been the Director of the Technical Services of the Dakar City Council since 2021, although his work in the municipality began in 2014. Previously, Ba led the transport division and the public lighting and roads division. His current mission is to lead the transformation of the Senegalese capital into a more efficient, livable, and environmentally friendly city. Dakar, in the midst of a transition to clean energy, adopts an ecological approach to become a resilient, intelligent, and innovative city.
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Celebrating Realities and Resilience: A glimpse into sub-Saharan African cities through photography
In every corner of Africa, the climate crisis leaves its mark, yet amidst the challenges, resilience offers hope. This duality formed the basis of the recent CoM SSA photo competition themed "Realities and Resilience". From bustling urban landscapes to serene corners of nature, photographers captured the essence of African cities grappling with climate change, while also showcasing their unwavering spirit of resilience.
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Press release: Accra reinforces climate and energy leadership with support from the European Union and the German Cooperation
Accra, 24 May 2024 - The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), which is co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) in Ghana, this agreement reinforces AMA’s dedication to sustainable energy and low-emission infrastructure development. With this move, AMA underlines its commitment to a sustainable future for its citizens.
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Advancing sustainable energy solutions at the local level in Ghana
Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), Ghana, made progress towards addressing climate change and advancing sustainable energy solutions by joining the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2023. Driven by the goal of reducing energy costs and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to become a smart and green city, STMA reinforced its commitments through the implementation of Urban Smart Energy (USE), one of GIZ CoM SSA standardised products. The USE productaims to explore the potential of renewable energy and energy efficiency in public buildings owned by the city. Under USE, CoM SSA partner, GIZ, will assess the feasibility of such projects and work towards establishing a business case, enabling private sector investment in these initiatives. Within this collaborative area, CoM SSA will closely cooperate with the respective city departments, initially focusing on ten sites, and facilitate capacity-building activities for the county staff involved.
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Building healthy cities: Mozambique’s pioneering Air Quality Network
Barcelona and Maputo came together between April 15 and 20 in Barcelona for a week of training and exchange of experiences aimed at strengthening and expanding Mozambique's first air quality control network, established thanks to the CoM SSA project and co-financed by the European Union and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID).
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Enter our Realities & Resilience photo competition
In every African city, there is a juxtaposition. On one hand we all witness and face the devastating effects of climate change, for example drought that affects food production and impacts the livelihoods of millions. On the other hand, our African cities are trailblazing the road toward resilience as our adaptability is one of the key attributes that makes Africans unique. In recognising how much work still needs to be done, while acknowledging how resilient we are, we invite community members from all cities across the continent to submit two photographs before 30 April 2024.
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Abuja and CoM SSA formalise their collaboration to boost climate commitment
In February 2024, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), in partnership with CoM SSA’s co-implementing partner, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), signed a Letter of Collaboration that paves the way for significant advancements in urban sustainability and smart energy solutions. The agreement establishes a cooperative framework for exploring alternative energy sources, emphasising the Urban Smart Energy (USE) product and the Abuja Urban Lab, focusing on enhancing waste management governance.
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A year in review: CoM SSA innovations and collaborations propelled local climate action to new heights in 2023
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa initiative (CoM SSA), a European Union action, reached new heights in 2023. Seven Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAPs) were launched, over 50 climate and energy badges were awarded, CoM SSA Mayors led the sub-Saharan Africa climate action agenda at regional and global forums, and CoM SSA grew to over 360 signatories. See the full CoM SSA 2023 overview document here.
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Pikine and Dakar wrap-up successful joint project
The final steering committee meeting of the third phase of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) project for Pikine and Dakar (PACMAS III) took place in January. The event saw the participation of prominent local authorities, including the Mayor of the city of Pikine, Mr. Abdoulaye Thimbo, and Mr. Jean Louis Ndiaye, Deputy Mayor of the city of Dakar, along with representatives from the Municipal Development Agency (ADM) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), including the General Coordinator of AECID in Senegal, Javier Vega Barral.
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Implementing climate action plans for urban transformation in Togo
The municipalities of Kloto and Tchaoudjo are well aware of their responsibility in transforming their climate action plan into a reality. In January, 2023, the municipalities took an active part in meetings to monitor the implementation of their Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP).
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The Nouakchott region promotes sustainable energy solutions for public lighting in the Mauritanian capital
The inaugural ceremony for a new public lighting installation, powered by photovoltaic technology, recently took place in Toujounine, Mauritania. The event was attended by key actors, such as Mr Nany ould Chrouga, Minister of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines, Ms Fatimetou mint Abdel Malick, the Council President of the Region of Nouakchott, Mauritania, accompanied by the EU Ambassador, Mr Gwilym Jones and the General Coordinator for the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), Ms Rita Santos. This action is co-financed by the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) and the project Supporting the Nouakchott region for sustainable, resilient and equitable development ARENDDRE.
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CoM SSA Mayors spearhead sub-Saharan Africa's local climate action agenda at COP28
Amid the scorching temperatures marking 2023 as the hottest year on record, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) showcased unwavering determination and vigour at COP28 in Dubai. The landmark event, which spanned from November 29 to December 14, culminated in the UAE Consensus, which includes: a call to transition away from fossil fuels, a framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation as well as unprecedented references to multilevel action. Despite these strides, the Consensus fell short of closing the climate ambition and implementation gaps, underscoring the critical role of subnational governments in charting a sustainable course for the future.
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Building climate-resilient subnational governments in Southern Mozambique: A collaborative approach to climate action planning
Climate change is a global challenge that disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities, and African cities are particularly susceptible to its adverse effects. In a recent workshop held in Inhambane, Mozambique, ICLEI Africa and the Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) Secretariat, in collaboration with CoM SSA co-funder and co-implementing partner, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), with technical support from UN-Habitat, highlighted the urgent need to address climate vulnerabilities at the local municipality level. This collaborative effort brought together political representatives, municipal leaders, and various organisations to discuss SEACAP development, with a particular focus on the development of risk and vulnerability assessments (RVA’s).
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Press release: Mombasa launches city LAB to address urban flooding
Mombasa, 15 December 2023 – The County Government of Mombasa takes a groundbreaking step in combating urban flooding issues with the introduction of the City Local Adaptation Booster (LAB), a collaborative initiative between the County Government and the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) co-implementing partner, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The Mombasa City LAB aims to unite local and international experts in creating sustainable, locally tailored solutions to enhance adaptation to climate change.
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Press release | Successful Launch of Abuja Urban Lab Transforms Waste Governance in the City
Abuja, December 13, 2023 – In a ground-breaking move towards sustainable urban development, the Nile University, in partnership with the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) co-implementing partner, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), successfully unveiled the Urban Lab initiative to establish an efficient waste management system in the Abuja Municipal Area Council. This initiative also seeks to enhance community awareness about waste issues and promote environmental sustainability through strategic partnerships and innovative waste management solutions.
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Press release | EU Climate Diplomacy Week: Four Mayors unite to confront climate change challenges
At a roundtable during the European Union (EU) Climate Diplomacy Week, Mayors and representatives from Accra, Tema, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Awutu Senya East join forces to address the pressing issue of climate change.
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Genuine collaboration critical for African cities to combat devastating climate change
We need to take a long, hard look at the state of our planet and map a better course for our future. We need genuine collaboration, true inclusivity and authentic commitment to decrease the significant gap between promises and climate action. The recent Africa Climate Summit and UNFCCC Africa Climate Week, together with the Global Stocktake Report, highlighted that there is an urgent need to scale up a rigorous all-of-economy, all-of-society approach which leads to significant climate action this decade in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
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Urban sustainability takes centre stage: Key takeaways from Climate Chance Conference Africa 2023
The Climate Chance Conference Africa 2023 brought together over 800 actors from high-level climate experts, local governments, ministries, financiers, the private sector, and civil society.
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Mainstreaming gender into renewable energy action planning
Gender equality is a significant objective of CoM SSA as tackling climate change and improving access to energy needs to be an inclusive process which leads to inclusive outcomes while reducing gender inequalities. CoM SSA is committed to mainstreaming gender across all climate and energy actions implemented.
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Press release: Sekondi-Takoradi Reinforces Climate Leadership with the Support of the European Union and the German Cooperation
Sekondi-Takoradi, 12 October 2023 - The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), reinforcing its dedication to climate resilience, sustainable energy, and low-emission development. With this move, STMA underlines its commitment to a sustainable future for its citizens.
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Mombasa and Nakuru Exchange on Urban Smart Energy
Clean energy is a significant concern for both Mombasa and Nakuru counties in Kenya, requiring joint efforts for effective solutions. In recognition of this, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA)’s co-implementing partner, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), organised a city-to-city exchange between these counties in September. This discussion enabled county governments to share experiences on Urban Smart Energy (USE), renewable energy, climate change and energy efficiency projects.
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The Maputo Metropolitan Area launches a joint Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan
The Municipalities of Maputo, Matola and Boane have developed a firm commitment to carry out the actions defined by their newly developed climate action plan, as was evident in September 2023 when the plan was officially launched.
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CoM SSA Regional Mayors Forum (RMF) Africa Climate Week Declaration
We, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) Regional Mayors Forum (RMF) - Governors and Mayors representing the voices of over 350 cities in sub-Saharan Africa, with a total population exceeding 150 million people - make the following Declaration at the Africa Climate Summit and the Africa Climate Week 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya
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Highlights from Africa Climate Week: Multilevel governance, a key enabler of a new dispensation for climate ambition and action
African subnational governments have evidence-based plans and projects to accelerate climate action, but significantly increased funding is needed to implement these at scale. An unprecedented number of subnational government leaders present at the Africa Climate Week and Summit, held from the 4th to the 8th of September in Nairobi, Kenya called for the mandatory inclusion of subnational governments in the preparation of the next phase of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by 2025, re-emphasising the critical importance of multilevel governance in tackling the climate crisis.
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Cameroon and Kenya Strengthen Climate Commitment: Cities Sign Memorandums of Understanding
Cities in Cameroon and Kenya have taken remarkable strides toward securing a sustainable energy future by formally signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) in June and August 2023, respectively. These formal agreements outline the terms of cooperation between the cities and CoM SSA's partner, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), to establish a collaborative framework for exploring alternative energy sources through the Urban Smart Energy (USE) process and focusing on nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation.
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Breaking barriers: channelling climate finance to local government
In Africa, 277 billion USD must be mobilised annually to meet 2030 climate goals. However, at current levels, at least nine times more climate finance is required to meet this need. The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) Secretariat, in partnership with the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia (ALAN), brought financiers, local and national governments together at its first in-person climate finance learning lab in Windhoek, Namibia, last month.
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Launch of a climate and energy plan to build a sustainable and resilient territory in the communes of Tchaoudjo
In July, over 275 people attended the launch of the Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP) of the cities of Tchaoudjo in Togo. Officially signed by the Mayors of the four cities in the presence of representatives of the Ministry of the Environment and Forest Resources, the Ministry for Territorial Development, technical and financial partners, and importantly representatives of the community, the document and its objectives were presented by the municipal teams.
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Mombasa County embraces sustainable energy solutions
Mombasa County, located on the Kenyan coast, has taken a significant step towards addressing climate change and advancing sustainable energy solutions as a signatory to the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA). As Kenya’s second-largest city, with an urban population of 1.2 million people, the fast-growing County recognises the crucial need for an uninterrupted power supply for its residents and government services. In addition to its rising energy demand, the County has also experienced increased energy costs due to recent tariff adjustments in 2018 and 2023.
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Transforming Abuja: Innovative waste management solutions
The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) is committed to reducing projected carbon emissions by 25%, increasing household access to electricity to 99.6% and access to clean cooking alternatives to 85% by 2030. To accomplish these ambitious goals, AMAC, with the support of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), has launched their Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP). The plan outlines practical and impactful actions to bolster resilience and enrich the lives of its citizens.
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CoM SSA signatory cities visit schools to tackle sustainability and climate change together
The Municipality of Praia implements valuable information and awareness-raising activities on climate and sustainable energy in the city's secondary schools, presenting its environmental projects with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the European Union initiative, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA).
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Kisumu County waste to biogas project awarded at the Cities and Climate Change Technical Workshop
In May 2023, Kisumu County’s waste-to-biogas project was rated the ‘best overall’ and winner in Africa during a pitch contest at the Cities and Climate Change Technical Workshop in Mombasa, Kenya. This workshop, organized by the World Bank and CoM SSA partner, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), focused on ‘Moving from Plans to Implementation’, highlighting climate action at the local level for resilient urban development.
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Kenyan CoM SSA Signatories Exchange on Solid Waste Management
City-to-city exchanges are an important component of the work of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) network, where local governments can share knowledge amongst one another on the processes, challenges and opportunities faced during the development and implementation of climate action.
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Kampala tackles the issue of household access to electricity
Uganda has one of the lowest per capita electricity consumption rates in the world. Generation capacity is dominated by hydropower, supported by heavy fuel oil and biomass cogeneration power plants. Nonetheless, Uganda is richly endowed with renewable energy resources for energy production and the provision of energy services.
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Circular Economy: A climate action aligned approach to Sustainable Waste Management in Nairobi
The responsibility to effectively manage waste is a major challenge to many cities. Nairobi, like most cities, has faced many challenges in transforming their waste management system. The city currently produces an estimated 2.3 million tonnes of waste daily. With an expanding population putting pressure on the current system, it is becoming harder to manage the growing waste volumes using linear waste management solutions for collection and disposal. The effects of an under-resourced waste management system have led to wider impacts on climate, including high levels of methane produced from the composting of waste disposed of at landfill sites, and emissions from waste incineration.
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Togolese local governments are committed to building climate-resilient futures with CoM SSA
With almost 80 signatories, Togo is the country with the most signatories to the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA). Over the past few years, CoM SSA has continued to deepen its support to these signatories by providing practical support to accelerate their Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP) journeys.
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Kribi 1 takes a step towards becoming a sustainable and clean energy city
On 18 April 2023, the municipality of Kribi 1 in Cameroon officially launched its Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP). The event that commemorated the completion and solemn handover of the SEACAP to the Kribi 1’s Executive Council featured different stakeholders of the city, representatives from sector ministries, local civil society and youth.
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The "Feeding and greening Nouakchott" experience, urban vegetable gardens in a desert climate
At the beginning of 2021, during a major public ceremony, the Mauritanian Ministry of Rural Development granted the Region of Nouakchott a 10-hectare plot of land located on the outskirts of the capital, as well as a large batch of agriculture equipment intended for the development of agricultural land, the fruit of the cooperation efforts of the region with the State. The "Feeding and greening Nouakchott" project was born. Thus, one of the recommendations of the Action Plan for Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP), drawn up in 2020, has materialized: to develop urban and peri-urban agriculture in the city.
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CoM SSA participates in the Africa Infrastructure Futures Conference
CoM SSA participated in the Africa Infrastructure Futures Conference, organised by the African Centre for Cities (ACC) in Cape Town, South Africa. Since 2021, the partnership between CoM SSA and ACC, the South-African interdisciplinary hub at the University of Cape Town, has aimed to create a bridge between academia and local municipalities to address urban challenges and create a dialogue on sustainable and climate resilient urban infrastructures. It is in the context and vision of this collaboration that CoM SSA supported the 2022 edition of ACC’s annual Urban Conference. In light of the close collaboration with Mombasa County (Kenya), CoM SSA supported the participation of Mombasa staff to attend the Conference. The event brought together organisations and personalities from academia, the private sector, local government and civil society to discuss and share ideas on the main challenges faced by African cities in a context of rapid urbanisation, increased impacts of climate change, and a growing need for sustainable infrastructure.
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MAKING AN IMPACT: In 2022, CoM SSA brought African perspectives to the global arena and accelerated local climate action
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa initiative (CoM SSA), a European Union action, went from strength to strength over the course of 2022, from the regional and national level to the global stage. 18 Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAPs) were launched, more than 230 climate and energy badges were awarded, a new leadership structure was set in motion, signatories were able to access tailored resources to accelerate their actions, pilot projects were implemented and the CoM SSA community of practice grew to more than 320 signatories.
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CoM SSA partners with Lagos State water authorities and the French Development Agency to improve waterways transportation
In October 2022, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and the French Development Agency (AFD) - with additional funding from the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) - announced preparatory studies aimed at setting up a world-class public inland waterways transit system in Lagos State as part of the Waterways Investment and Development of the Environment in Lagos State project (WIDE-LAG).
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How can cities promote renewable energy projects? A training with Cameroonian CoM SSA cities
As part of the cooperation between FEICOM (Special Council Support Fund for Mutual Assistance) and CoM SSA, a training on municipal solar projects was organised in November 2022 in Douala with CoM SSA signatories across the country. Participants included Mayors and technical staff from the 14 City Councils in Cameroon along with FEICOM executives.
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Launch of the Kloto Climate and Energy plan: The cities present their strategy for a sustainable, resilient and modern future
On 17 and 18 February 2023, the mayors of Kloto officially signed their joint Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP), with the aim of making their cities "climate resilient, with a low carbon footprint, for a harmonious and sustainable development, and community prosperity". On this occasion, they presented the content of this strategic document to an audience of over 300 participants representing international, national and local technical and financial partners, as well as civil society and the populations of Kloto.
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Climate planning and financing: Present and future in Cabo Verde
The Municipalities of Praia and Ribeira Grande de Santiago voluntarily committed to becoming key actors in the fight against climate change with CoM SSA in 2020. The first step to turn their political commitment into tangible actions is to create a Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP) that will guide all the actions that the municipalities need to undertake to make their territories more adapted, safe and resilient to the effects of climate change.
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Bobo Dioulasso launches climate action plan to ensure a resilient future for the city
The city of Bobo Dioulasso reached a milestone by launching its Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP), a crucial document that will help the city navigate the climate hazards that it faces, prepare mitigation actions and provide its population with access to sustainable, reliable and affordable energy sources.
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The city of Kasese is implementing nature-based solutions to adapt to climate change by mapping urban forestry and wetlands
Since joining the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), one of the Kasese municipality’s commitments has been to increase the management and mitigation of climate risks. Recently, the city took a step towards accomplishing this goal by completing the mapping of its urban forest areas and wetlands.
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In the face of unavoidable trade-offs, leveraging existing climate finance for multiple uses is key
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) Secretariat hosted a session at COP27 in the Local Governments and Municipal Authorities Constituency (LGMA) Multi-Level Action Pavilion which brought together local government leaders and finance experts to unpack the trade-offs that African city decision-makers face every day in the midst of the climate crisis.
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COP27, the African COP, was a step forward towards climate justice but more ambitious action is needed to safeguard our cities
Following decades of calls for better inclusion of local government, COP27 made history in bringing greater importance to those considerations unique to local governments which is crucial as cities are first responders to the climate emergency.
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Kampala is working to improve air quality for its citizens with a study to measure and mitigate air pollutants in the city
Monitoring air quality is key to developing solutions to mitigate air pollution, and meet public health, environmental, research and climate change goals for Kampala. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Strategic Plan 2020-2025 sets out a clear objective to reduce and address disaster and climate risks through effectively addressing air pollution and air quality challenges. Although KCCA cannot yet effectively monitor and implement a city-wide air quality policy, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), the European Union and its implementing partner Expertise France (EF) are supporting the local authorities to measure air quality more effectively in the city.
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Statement on speeding up urban climate action in sub-Saharan Africa | COP27
We, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub Saharan Africa Regional Mayors Forum, representing the voices of over 320 cities in sub-Saharan Africa, with a total population exceeding 150 million people, and building off the Dakar Declaration, make the following statement here at COP27:
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Mombasa County joins the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa
On 27 October, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the County Government of Mombasa, building on the County becoming a Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) signatory earlier this year. The partnership lays the foundation for future activities to tackle climate change and provide access to sustainable energy.
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CoM SSA signatories in Togo provided with practical support to mobilise for climate finance for their local territory
After a year of working with 73 signatory Togolese municipalities, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) closed off a support phase with a meeting where the municipalities highlighted their energy and climate projects. Owing to their proximity to the population and their knowledge of the territory, Togolese municipalities are key players in the fight against climate change and access to sustainable energy. Their efforts are translated into concrete actions in the localities and they thus participate in achieving climate and energy objectives of Togo.
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How can sub-Saharan African cities mainstream gender in their climate and energy actions?
On 4 October 2022, at the Climate Chance Summit in Dakar, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) became the first initiative in sub-Saharan Africa to launch gender guides specific for local governments on climate action planning and project implementation.
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CoM SSA Day: Local governments in Africa need to take immediate and impactful adaptation measures to build climate resilience
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) through its co-implementing partner the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID), hosted over 300 participants from local and national government, civil society, and the private sector at the CoM SSA Day event held during the week for Sustainable Mobility and Climate #SMDC202 in Dakar, Senegal on 4 October. Over 1000 people from all over the world gathered in Dakar for the week-long conference jointly organised by CODATU Association, CETUD, and the Climate Chance Association. The conference's main theme was the adaptation to climate change through energy efficiency and ecosystem-based solutions, with a focus on coastal areas. CoM SSA Day was an opportune moment for CoM SSA signatories to reflect on the needs and challenges that local governments face and to also present different experiences and lessons learned by pioneering Sub-Saharan African cities.
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Innovative adaptation measures to boost African cities’ resilience to climate change lie in nature
During the CoM SSA Day event held in Dakar, sub-Saharan African cities advocated for investing in being better-prepared and resilient to climate change effects through innovative adaptation measures that lie in nature. While solutions can be found by working with nature, these also need to be sustainable, safeguard ecosystems, and add value to communities.
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CoM SSA signatories echo energy efficiency is necessary for solving the climate crisis and building resilient cities
The CoM SSA Day event held in Dakar was the ideal place to exchange knowledge and experiences among the different actors of the climate community on cost-effective ways to address climate change while reducing energy waste, saving money, and affordably expanding the use of renewable energy resources. Some of the conclusions achieved at the event is that energy efficiency is critical to solving the climate crisis, and local governments are central to achieving the transition into resilient cities.
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Adaptation finance is critical to building more climate resilient cities in Africa
At CoM SSA Day during the week for Sustainable Mobility and Climate, the Secretariat hosted a session focussed on climate finance for adaptation. At COP26 new records in resource mobilisation for adaptation funds were reached, and a two-year work programme on the global goal for adaptation was launched. Small-medium African cities, however, still continue to face major technical and institutional capacity constraints in accessing climate finance, particularly for adaptation. Organisations like CoM SSA are working to close that gap and unlock climate finance at the local level.
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PRESS RELEASE: Innovative adaptation approaches needed, urged African cities at CoM SSA Day, ahead of COP27
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) through its co-implementing partner the Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID), hosted over 300 participants from local and national governments, civil society, and the private sector at the CoM SSA Day event held during the week for Sustainable Mobility and Climate #SMDC202 in Dakar, Senegal on 4 October.
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CoM SSA resources to mainstream gender in climate and energy actions
Gender equality is a significant objective of CoM SSA as tackling climate change and improving access to energy needs to be an inclusive process leading to inclusive outcomes while reducing gender inequalities. In accordance with international standards, the initiative has therefore committed itself to mainstreaming gender across all activities implemented and projects supported.
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Ségou and its neighbouring towns organise their response to climate change amid high vulnerability
Located in the Sahel – a region particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change – the cities of Ségou, Pelengana, Sakoiba and Sébougou have worked together in the past two years to draw up Mali’s first intercommunal Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP).
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Newly released CoM SSA reports provide context-specific insights to climate challenges facing African governments
This series of evidence-based reports, developed by the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa Technical Helpdesk and Secretariat, is intended to synthesise the best available evidence regarding common challenges faced by African local governments when planning for climate change and showcases potential solutions for addressing these challenges. The reports can be used by local governments and associated partners to innovate around climate action planning and implementation.
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Charting the way forward towards a just energy transition in Africa
At Africa Climate Week 2022, Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa hosted a session focused on harnessing renewable energy for the just energy transition in African cities. Leaders from African local governments, energy experts and other stakeholders discussed ambitions and needs to drive this transformative change.
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CoM SSA signatories receive support to kick-start their climate action planning
Local governments face several challenges when embarking on their climate action journeys but through support from the CoM SSA Technical Helpdesk, signatories to the initiative are able to move forward on a solid footing.
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African cities explore how to unlock finance for SEACAP implementation to accelerate climate action
Developing a Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP) is a critical step on the journey to unlocking climate finance and accelerating climate action. However, recent data from the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) shows it will cost millions to implement climate action plans. Thus, cities need to become innovative to access all the finance they need to implement their projects.
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Abuja plans ambitious climate and energy actions with launch of robust plan
On 5 July 2022, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) launched its Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan, which features tangible and impactful actions that will build resilience and enhance the lives of citizens. By 2030, AMAC intends to reduce its overall projected emissions by 25%, extend household access to electricity to 99.6% and increase access to clean cooking alternatives to 85%.
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Kampala takes concrete measures to improve air quality, how does this link to its broader climate plan ?
Air pollution accounts for over seven million premature death annually, yet many African countries still lack reliable air quality data to make informed actions to reduce air pollution. As a result of the increasing greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and its concentration in urban areas, the deterioration of air quality is becoming a public health issue in many African cities. According to the State of Global Air, the annual deaths due to particles in the air, have been steadily increasing over the last 30 years in Uganda, reaching over 27 000 in 2019.
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Register now for our next regional CoM SSA Day event
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa is pleased to invite you to the Week for Sustainable Mobility and Climate which will take place in Dakar, Senegal, from the 3rd to 7th of October 2022.
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Climate finance in Africa: Challenges and opportunities
As part of the Africities 9 Summit the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa hosted a session focused on climate finance for green infrastructure. While global investment in addressing climate change reached a record high of USD 612 billion in 2017, channeling this climate finance to the subnational level is administratively and politically challenging for local governments in Africa is an ongoing challenge.
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CoM SSA milestones at Africities: Climate Action Plans launched and a new leadership structure set in motion
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa participated in the Africities Summit 9 by hosting several sessions including a high level opening plenary to mobilise and expand the CoM SSA network and officially launch the Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAP) of two signatory cities. CoM SSA used the Summit as an opportunity to bring together the newly-elected CoM SSA Regional Mayors Forum for their inaugural meeting. Nine mayors representing the four regions of Sub-Saharan Africa took part in a closed session where the chairperson, Mayor of Kloto I (Togo) was elected.
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Frontrunner cities from across Africa gather to share climate and energy planning insights
Leaders and technical experts from six local governments discussed their climate action plans during a CoM SSA session at Africities. These cities have already completed, or are near completing, robust Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans and are motivated to implement on-the-ground change.
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CoM SSA advocates for the financing of waste projects of African local authorities at the Africities Summit 9
The Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) and its implementing partner Expertise France decided to highlight the cross-cutting issues of climate, energy and waste management in African cities during two technical sessions at the Africities Summit with representatives of CoM SSA signatories, climate experts, civil society, technical and financial partners and specialised lawyers were able to dialogue.
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Praia signs a cooperation protocol for promoting energy and water efficiency
The signatory city of Praia opens paths of collaboration for the materialisation of specific activities and actions related to climate and energy. Through CoM SSA and with the support of its co-implementing partner, the Spanish Cooperation (AECID), the Municipality of Praia reinforces its commitment to climate action by the signing an important cooperation protocol with the Portuguese Energy Agency.
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CoM SSA successfully celebrates its fourth Steering Committee Meeting
Members of the Steering Committee Meeting who provide support, guidance, and oversight of the progress of the CoM SSA programme reflected on its 2021 achievements, exchanged thoughts, and discussed topics to help teams implement their actions during the next years.
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Lessons learnt: How African cities are communicating their climate action plans to gather support for implementation
A critical part of a city completing its Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP) is communicating its plans and actions to different audiences in order to raise awareness and gather support for action implementation
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Garoua launches Cameroon's first intercommunal climate action plan
Among the objectives of the climate plan, the city intends to strengthen its resilience to climate change in the most affected sectors such as agriculture, reduce its overall projected emissions by 25%, and extend household access to electricity to 90% by significantly increasing the production of renewable energy.
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Togo: From strategy to climate and energy action
Representatives from the 56 Togolese cities that are signatories of the Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) met in Sokodé for a two-day training workshop organised by Expertise France, the implementing partner of the CoM SSA in Togo, with funding from the European Union.
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Household surveys to bridge climate data gaps in African cities
Cities need detailed information about their emissions and climate risks to plan for transformative climate action. In the case of Abuja (Nigeria), where data is like gold dust, obtaining this information can be a costly and daunting task, but household surveys can yield high-quality results and provide crucial insights into how emissions are generated and how climate change impacts communities on the ground.
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CoM SSA activities kick-off in Uganda
From 14th to 18th February 2022, Kampala and Kasese authorities officially kicked off their CoM SSA climate action activities with Expertise France
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The Praia City Council involves various national and international partners in its commitment to combating climate change
The Praia City Council, CMP, is committed to transforming the municipality and contributing to local and global sustainability. CMP has taken an important step by joining CoM SSA and is currently developing its Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP) in partnership with the Ribeira Grande City Council.
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Exploring the critical partnership between youth and cities to accelerate climate action
During a youth-focused session at Africa-Europe Week, African mayors and youth-led civil society organisations (CSOs) engaged in a candid conversation about how they can join forces to take action against the climate crisis.
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Networking between cities to tackle the climate crisis
Representatives from the municipalities of Nouakchott (Mauritania), Praia and Ribera Grande de Santiago (Cabo Verde) as well as Dakar and Pikine (Senegal) travelled to Tenerife to exchange knowledge and experiences in the fight against climate change and shift towards sustainable energy.
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Nakuru County launches climate action plan to ensure a sustainable future for its people
“This plan will not merely be shelved. It will be used as daily guidance for the grassroots actions needed to achieve Nakuru County’s climate change and sustainable energy vision”, said Erick Korir, Deputy Governor at the launch event on 15-16 February 2022.
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Understanding city emissions when data are limited
The first step to reduce future urban greenhouse emissions is to understand what cities are currently emitting and where these emissions are coming from. But how can this be done in cities where data are limited? The proxy data tool developed as part of CoM SSA might be just what cities need.
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Join us: Youth and Cities vs. Climate Change
We are pleased to invite you to join a virtual session at Africa-Europe Week on 17 February 2022 at 3.00 pm CET. The event will be streamed in English and French. This session will focus on how cities, local organisations and youth can team up to fight climate change. Register here to join virtually.
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Register now for CoM SSA Sessions at Africities Summit 2022
The Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) is pleased to invite you to the Africities Summit which will take place in Kisumu, Kenya, from 17 to 21 May 2022.
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CoM SSA sets in motion Cabo Verde local governments’ ecological transition
Through the installation of solar panels, the local government of Ribeira Grande de Santiago will be able to produce its own 100% sustainable energy in its headquarters and at the city's heritage sites.
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Climate change adaptation projects are a priority for signatory city, Maputo
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) programme, in Mozambique, co-financed by the European Union and the Spanish Cooperation, is supporting the municipality of Maputo in a pilot project for the reforestation and conservation of mangroves in an area prone to storms and flooding.
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Kisumu takes action and materialize its climate plan: a biogas plant in operation at the Ahero Vocational Training Center
County Government of Kisumu (CGK), supported by the Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) through its implementing partner Expertise France in the development of its Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP), is transitioning from planning to action. CoM SSA is a programme co-funded by the European Union that supports CGK and other signatories in the region to take tangible climate actions, both in planning and in implementing projects.
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Were African voices really heard at COP26?
In the run-up to COP26 the common belief was that this COP would only succeed if Africa was at the heart of the negotiations. In order to put the spotlight on African voices at COP26, CoM SSA hosted one of the few sessions where African mayors could have their say. However, as we reflect on this much-anticipated event, it is apparent that Africa was not only under-represented at COP26 but that the continent’s priorities are not fully represented in the final agreement, called the Glasgow Climate Pact.
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Making Abuja a better city by identifying the impact of climate change on its population
Less than ten months after joining the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in Nigeria achieved another milestone by identifying the climate hazards with the biggest impact on the city and its people during an interactive workshop
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Multi-level dialogues are bridging the gaps for African cities to become climate action champions
To discuss the CoM SSA initiative’s successes and challenges, a one-hour online panel discussion was organised on 27 October in the framework of GIZ’s Urban October event. The session brought together a range of speakers to discuss how they have benefited or supported horizontal and vertical dialogues among cities in Africa.
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Ribeira Grande City Council commits itself to the fight against climate change
In Cabo Verde the Spanish Cooperation is supporting Ribeira Grande de Santiago and Praia municipalities in their journey as signatory cities of the Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), a programme co-financed by the European Union. Since 2019, CoM SSA focuses on attracting climate-related funding at the local level to move from planning to action.
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City of Garoua in Cameroon to benefit from the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity awarded to GCoM
Glasgow, Scotland (9 November 2021): Today, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM) was awarded the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity during a ceremony held at the COP26 conference along with 1M Euro to finance projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
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CoM SSA participates in the fourth edition of the Sustainable Mobility Week in Maputo
Maputo celebrated the Sustainable Mobility Week in which Maputo, Matola, and Boane, three CoM SSA signatory cities that make up the metropolitan area of the Mozambican capital, participated.
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APPLICATIONS OPEN: Bilingual consultant
ICLEI Africa seeks to appoint a bilingual (English and Portuguese) consultant to support the work of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) Secretariat and Technical Helpdesk.
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Join us: Messages from African Mayors for COP26
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan African would like to invite you to join our hybrid session at COP26 on 4 November 2021 in the Multi-Level Action Pavilion. The event will be streamed in English, French and Portuguese. This session will provide an opportunity for African Mayors to engage in discussion with high-level climate representatives from the United Nations, the European Commission, and other key stakeholders around the expected outcomes of the negotiations at COP26 and the implications for local governments.
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CoM SSA Day at Climate Chance puts the spotlight on capacitating local government to finance and implement climate actions
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa, a European Union action, recently hosted CoM SSA Day at the Climate Chance Summit Africa 2021. The event focused on topics related to climate action plans and unlocking climate finance for sustainable infrastructure, climate change adaptation, energy access and Nature-based Solutions.
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APPLICATIONS OPEN: Climate finance expert(s)
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa seeks to appoint a climate finance expert/team of experts to support us in providing early stage project identification and development support for urban climate change and energy access projects across Sub-Saharan Africa.
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APPLICATIONS OPEN: Climate change mitigation and energy access service provider
ICLEI Africa seeks to appoint a climate change mitigation and energy access service provider to support the work of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) Secretariat and Technical Helpdesk.
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Announcement: Request for proposals
In the framework of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa, AFD is opening a call for proposals to recruit a service provider, bilingual English and French, to carry out a Training and coaching for access to climate finance of cities supported by Expertise France.
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SEACAP development process can enhance climate change awareness amongst communities and drive local action
CoM SSA signatories exchanged on how they are using the development process of their Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAPs) to not only address issues of climate change and lack of access to sustainable energy, but also to inform the public about them.
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Setting ambitious targets for a climate resilient future in Nakuru county, Kenya
“So far, most climate change initiatives have been top-down. However, this county is looking at a bottom-up approach; the pyramid is inverted to put the people who are suffering from the effects of climate change at the center.” - Mr. Kiogora Murithi of the County Government of Nakuru
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Abuja is prioritising low emission and climate resilient development to transition to a more sustainable city
The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) is in the process of identifying the sectors and communities which are most impacted by, or are the biggest contributors to, climate change impacts in the city.
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Garoua in Cameroon is making significant headway with its climate action journey with CoM SSA
Faced with the adverse impacts of climate change, including increasing temperatures and irregular rainfall, the City of Garoua in Cameroon is committed to taking climate action, with support from the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA). The city is in the process of completing its Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP), having finalised its baseline reports.
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Putting African voices at the center of COP26
The world is waiting with bated breath to hear from world leaders on their climate action progress since the Paris Agreement, but where does Africa fit in?
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CoM SSA Technical Helpdesk launches tailored deep dive technical support services to selected signatories
CoM SSA signatories are now able to access additional services to move forward in their climate action journey.
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Kisumu County officials trained in sustainable energy management strategies
From 26th to 31st July 2021, Kisumu County officials from the Department of Energy & Industrialisation attended a certified Energy Manager training, supported by Expertise France through the European Union funded the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) initiative.
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Register now for CoM SSA Day at Climate Chance Summit 2021
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa would like to invite you to join this year’s CoM SSA Day at Climate Chance on 15 September. The virtual event will be streamed in English, French and Portuguese. The event will include a high-level institutional opening followed by two deep technical sessions that will focus on, first, the climate action journeys of some of our signatories and, second, on adaptation and nature-based solutions.
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CoM SSA, "triggering a real fight against climate change" in Bamako
On 2 July 2021, the District of Bamako officially launched the development of its Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan in the presence of the Malian Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation who is the national focal point for climate change at the Ministry of the Environment, Sanitation and Sustainable Development. This follows the completion of territorial baseline studies, which are the basis for defining the city's strategic energy and climate priorities.
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Kisumu County is moving forward in its climate action journey
The County Government of Kisumu in Kenya is prioritising climate action and has completed its Baseline Emissions Inventory and Access to Energy Assessment. Stakeholders in the territory provided primary data for these studies which will support Kisumu in planning climate actions to reach desired objectives in reducing emissions and increasing access to energy.
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Cape Verde: Terms of Reference for designing a climate action plan
The cities of Praia and Ribeira Grande de Santiago, AECID’s local partners in the country, are opening a call for proposals for the preparation of a joint Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP).
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Conversations with CoM SSA | African cities take control of waste management
CoM SSA signatories and industry experts exchange lessons and experiences while building relationships to strengthen and encourage innovation in the waste sector.
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New publication "The State of Renewable Energy in Cities", features Sub-Saharan African cities’ leadership in renewables
As the demand for energy rises due to rapid population growth and urbanisation, cities in Sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly recognising the opportunities of renewable energy use. While national governments often have the mandate to govern energy infrastructure, local governments hold a unique position to positively influence energy use towards climate-friendly systems and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Conversations with CoM SSA webinar | African cities take control of waste management
Join CoM SSA for a city knowledge exchange on waste management on 29 July at 14h00 CAT. Participants will be able to learn, discuss and share experiences of waste management challenges and innovations in Africa. The session will be available in French and English.
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We are still looking for professional photographers and/or videographers in two of our cities
Terms of Reference for a professional photographer/videographer to take high-quality photo and video footage for four CoM SSA signatory local governments. Bids due: 25 August 2021.
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Conversations with CoM SSA | Gender sensitive public lighting: Why and how?
The webinar was a first attempt to discuss the importance of mainstreaming social and gender issues within the development of Street Lighting projects. CoM SSA partner, AFD took this opportunity to launch a Gender Sensitive Public Lighting User Guide developed to help municipalities to develop SL projects that integrate gender at different stage of project development.
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Applications open: French and/or Portuguese translation
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa seeks to appoint a professional service provider/ s to translate climate and sustainable energy access related communications from: English (United Kingdom) to Portuguese (Portugal) and Portuguese (Portugal) to English (United Kingdom) and/or English (United Kingdom) to French (France) and French (France) to English (United Kingdom)
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States strengthen the involvement of local governments and municipalities in their climate action
Facing the current climate issues and the health crisis, local governments become the first partners of the State in the implementation of their sustainable development policy and their transition to low-carbon economies. West African local governments met from 9 to 11 June 2021 at the Lomé Regional Forum on Resilience and Climate Ambition to examine the conditions of access to climate finance.
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Dakar and Pikine, from planning to action
Dakar and Pikine are moving forward in the fight against climate change, having completed their respective climate plans. These cities have identified actions, designed to provide climate and energy-related solutions, and ultimately solve the problems of the territory and its population.
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Pikine: From planning to action
Being severely affected by the effects of climate change, the city of Pikine, with the support of CoM SSA, has identified the vulnerabilities of its territory and elaborated an action plan against climate change.
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Conversations with CoM SSA webinar on Gender-sensitive public-lighting: How and why?
Join CoM SSA for a deep-dive on “Gender mainstreaming in the development of public lighting projects in sub-Saharan African cities” webinar on 24 June at 13h00 CAT (13h00 CET) for English speakers, and on 24 June at 15h00 CAT (15h00 CET) for French speakers.
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Launch of the support to CoM SSA signatory cities in Togo on the sidelines of upcoming Regional Forum
CoM SSA implementing partner Expertise France is pleased to invite you to a workshop to launch the national support process for CoM SSA signatory cities in Togo. This launch will take place alongside the Regional Forum on Resilience and climate ambition of West-African local governments, organised by CoM SSA. In hybrid form, the forum will be held in Lomé (Togo) from 10 to 11 June 2021 and online. The forum is titled, "Strengthening the resilience and increasing the climate ambition of local authorities in Africa”.
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Women political leaders and finance experts share strategies for financing gender responsive climate action
In order to prioritise gender relevant climate actions, gender needs to be entrenched from early on in the planning process. Understanding the context and unique challenges women face is critical to plan for, develop and implement gender sensitive climate actions.
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A game-changer tool to fast-track climate action in African cities
The Proxy Data Tool allows local governments to develop a Greenhouse Gas inventory in just a few hours and without the extensive data collection exercise, capacity and resources usually required. It will help bridge the data gap evident across Sub-Saharan Africa.
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New climate change act set to accelerate local climate action and unlock finance in Nakuru County, Kenya
The signing of the Nakuru County Climate Change Act, 2020 establishes the County Climate Change Fund, a pioneering financial mechanism that makes addressing climate change a legal requirement.
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Abuja in Nigeria kick starts planning for enhanced climate resilience and improved access to energy
Having just recently become a CoM SSA signatory, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in Nigeria has already started putting together a strategy to create a robust action plan that will address climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as sustainable energy access.
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Public lighting in Cameroon: Finding a balance between economy and ecology
A training dedicated to strengthening the capacities of local actors in Yaoundé with a particular focus on renewable energies was organised by CoM SSA. Affordable solar solutions, stages of implementing public lighting systems, profitability, challenges, and monitoring mechanisms were discussed in an impactful three-day session.
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Register now to join CoM SSA at RISE Africa 2021
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa is excited to invite you to the RISE Africa Action Festival 2021.
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Applications open: Stakeholder engagement and capacity building workshop facilitation in Abuja, Nigeria.
Under the Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) initiative, GIZ and ICLEI Africa are seeking a consultant to facilitate a stakeholder engagement and capacity building workshop in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria.
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Applications open: Convene SEACAP Validation Workshops in Nakuru County, Kenya
ICLEI Africa is working with GIZ to support Nakuru County, Kenya, under the Covenant of Mayors in Sub Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) initiative to develop their Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP).
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Applications open: Convene SEACAP Validation Workshops in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria
The Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) initiative is seeking a consultant to assist ICLEI Africa and GIZ with a number of workshops required to support Abuja Municipal Council Area (AMAC), Abuja, Nigeria with developing the content for a Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP).
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Cameroon, in collaboration with CoM SSA, is taking a step closer towards unlocking climate finance
Synergies created between CoM SSA and the FEICOM in the fight against climate change, aim to support Cameroonian municipalities towards more ambitious and effective climate actions and access to funding.
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Conversations with CoM SSA: Financing local climate action in Africa
Cities worldwide need to take action to fight against and adapt to climate change, and African cities are no exception. But municipalities often face the challenge: how can such projects be financed to make them happen?
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Nakuru County advances climate planning by identifying hazards and conducting Vulnerability Assessments
Nakuru County in Kenya has conducted the first Risk and Vulnerability Assessment workshop as part of developing its Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan. This SEACAP will feed into the five-year County Integrated Development Plan that guide Kenyan counties’ development activities.
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Conversations with CoM SSA: Renewables in Cities 2021 Global Status Report webinar
Join CoM SSA’s next webinar on 25 March at 14h00 CAT, for a deep-dive on the state of renewable energy in African cities. The webinar brings together city and renewable energy experts to share their perspectives on the current status, challenges and discuss how local governments in the region are heeding the call to act on renewable energy.
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Conversations with CoM SSA: The state of renewable energy in African cities
Join CoM SSA’s next webinar on 25 March at 14h00 CAT, for a deep-dive on the state of renewable energy in African cities. The webinar brings together city and renewable energy experts to share their perspectives on the current status, challenges and discuss how local governments in the region are heeding the call to act on renewable energy.
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Cooperation strengthens between regions in Mauritania within the framework of CoM SSA
Local authorities in Sub-Saharan Africa are prioritising climate action and identifying potential sources of funding for their local climate and energy projects with the support of CoM SSA.
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Four mayors in Mali have come together to intensify efforts for the sustainable development of their cities
Common challenges have brought four municipalities in the Segou region together to join the CoM SSA initiative. The four mayors, the first in Mali to decide to meet the challenges of climate change and access to sustainable energy together, joined their voices to talk about their objectives and the reasons why they decided to join the initiative.
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Conversations with CoM SSA: Case Studies on Solid Waste Management
New report: “Lessons on Recent Solid Waste Management Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa”, highlights four approaches to waste management in SSA local governments, from a small-scale community recycling solutions to multi-million-dollar regional waste programmes, across the continent from Sierra Leone to Kenya.
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INFOGRAPHIC: 11 reasons to do a SEACAP
The Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP) aims at supporting CoM SSA signatory cities and local governments in their climate and energy efforts by presenting the technical framework for the three pillars of the initiative.
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Local governments find innovative ways to continue SEACAP data collection during the pandemic
CoM SSA signatories recently met online to share their successes and challenges in collecting data for their SEACAPs. Traditional knowledge and engagement with national government were highlighted as key considerations to compiling useful, robust data sets.
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Financing experts share how local governments can plan better and ultimately access climate finance
Robust project preparation and planning is key in order for cities to access the financing needed to implement climate change and energy projects on the ground. This is what the experts have to say.
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Financing public lighting projects: Capacities and solutions for bright public spaces
Many African cities have plans for public lighting projects but often struggle to get these financed. A practical training session provided the chance to learn from experts, financiers and cities with successful public lighting projects.
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Lessons from leaders and experts: How local governments can access climate finance
Two key resources will help cities access climate finance by providing information about different financing concepts and projects and sharing success stories from cities.
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CoM SSA presents at the Paris Peace Forum 2020
“Bouncing back, stronger, healthier, greener, and more equitable than before” this was one of the key messages of the Paris Peace Forum, which took place on 11-13 November 2020.
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How to make public lighting projects bankable | CoM SSA Day at LoCS4Africa
The session will deep-dive into public lighting projects in Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular projects covering the expansion and energy efficiency of public lighting systems.
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Planning with financing in mind | CoM SSA Day at LoCS4Africa
To find finance for projects in the area of climate change and renewable energy, cities need to be aware of how potential financiers analyse projects.
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Finance roadmaps for climate projects | CoM SSA Day at LoCS4Africa
Based on the study by GIZ CoM SSA, “Finance Roadmaps for Climate Projects – How can local governments in SSA facilitate access to finance”, the aim of the session is to inform the public about the challenges in financing climate projects, and to outline the approaches and support provided by CoM SSA partners.
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Welcome Plenary | CoM SSA Day at LoCS4Africa
This opening session of the CoM SSA Day at the Local Climate Solutions for Africa congress 2020 serves to reflect on the importance of CoM SSA as a catalyst for climate and energy action in Sub-Saharan Africa by providing some context on the initiative.
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It is time to invest in air quality in Uganda
Air pollution is a big challenge in many cities in the Sub-Saharan Africa region including Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The French Agency for International Technical Cooperation (Expertise France) and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) collaborate on updating Kampala’s Climate Action Plan to support the local government in improving air quality for residents.
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New resource: Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan Toolbox
The CoM SSA SEACAP Toolbox compliments the existing SEACAP Guidebook and provides an easy-to-use, step-by-step series of presentations for each of the three pillars of a SEACAP, namely Energy Access, Climate Mitigation, and Climate Adaptation.
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Voices that matter: Bobo-Dioulasso surveys 1,000+ households to understand energy consumption and take climate action
City Hall agents recently took to the streets of Bobo-Dioulasso to collect energy data from households and other stakeholders. Together with information from participatory workshops with city representatives, this data will enable Bobo-Dioulasso to mobilise in the fight against climate change.
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Biodiversity, informal housing and agriculture most vulnerable to climate change impacts in Garoua, Cameroon
Through working with CoM SSA and local partners, Garoua is taking its first steps towards tackling climate change and energy access challenges by understanding the specific impacts climate change is already having on the city and its residents.
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A sustainable future for African cities
As part of the Paris Peace Forum held from November 11th to 13th, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) will present the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA).
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Register now to join CoM SSA at Local Climate Solutions for Africa 2020 virtual congress
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) is pleased to invite you to the Local Climate Solutions for Africa (LoCS4Africa) virtual congress on the theme “Financing for Change” from 3-12 November 2020.
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Applications open: Climate Change Baseline Emissions Inventory and Access to Energy Assessment
Under the Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) initiative, Expertise France launched a Request for Proposals to select candidates interested in conducting a Climate Change Baseline Emissions Inventory and Access to Energy Assessment for the county of Kisumu in Kenya.
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How can local governments in Sub-Saharan Africa facilitate access to finance?
Local governments in Sub-Saharan Africa are faced with the daunting challenge of managing the highest urban growth rate in the world, while simultaneously confronting the devastating impacts of climate change cutting across local communities and the economy.
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Achieving milestones: Yaoundé IV is the first CoM SSA signatory to validate its SEACAP
The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre validated Yaoundé IV’s SEACAP in September 2020. Yaoundé IV is the first Sub-Saharan African city and the first CoM SSA signatory to achieve this milestone, in the journey towards a climate resilient and sustainable future.
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Access to energy in times of COVID-19 in Dakar
The city of Dakar presented its experience during a webinar organised by the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) in cooperation with Climate Chance on “Action led by local actors to pursue the necessary energy transition in the current pandemic context in Africa”.
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Local partners are mobilising more than ever during lockdown
CoM SSA is working with a local partner in Cameroon, contributing to turn political commitments to fight against climate change into concrete action.
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Sustainable Energy Access – A Critical Component for a Green Recovery in Africa
As countries rebuild economies from the impact of the pandemic, they are faced with a unique opportunity to ‘Recover Better’ with Sustainable Energy.
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Effective communication during a crisis: How new constraints give voice to the vulnerable and inform urban resilience
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) initiative, co-funded the European Union, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, continues to strengthen networking and the exchange of expertise and experience on climate change through an insightful series of webinars.
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Championing the mainstreaming of climate change considerations
Nakuru County, in cooperation with CoM SSA, is moving forward in its response to climate change by mainstreaming it in local sectors to address cross-cutting aspects of climate change mitigation, adaptation, and energy access.
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Effective communication: Lessons for responding to climate change and health pandemics
Emergent needs and vulnerabilities, cross-cutting themes and the complexities surrounding decision-making argue for new kinds of communication techniques and new models for engagement.
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Moving from theory to action: how mainstreaming gender equality builds resilient cities
A resilient society depends on climate action and gender equality.
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CoM SSA cities and partners from 8 countries receive intensive online training on SEACAP development during COVID-19 crisis
Despite the COVID-19 crisis, CoMSSA partners pursue their efforts towards sustainable urban planning through appropriate capacity building.
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The importance of gender equality in a time of crisis:
How do we move from theory to action?
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Gender-Inclusive Maputo: How to include gender equity perspective on an urban mobility project?
Within the Covenant of Mayors of Sub-Saharan Africa framework, the city councils of Maputo, Boane, and Matola are working together with the Metropolitan Transport Agency for developing a sustainable transport system.
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Unlocking finance for climate change adaptation is key to building resilient African cities
African cities are some of the most vulnerable to climate change in the world, and for them to become more resilient, significant funding is required to enable climate change adaptation.
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Adaptation finance, a core component of post-COVID-19 economic recovery
City leaders and key experts discuss what barriers African countries and cities face in accessing finance for climate change adaptation, and some of the innovative adaptation finance mechanisms that have been used.
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Cameroon – Doumé validates its climate plan
Friday, 19 June 2020, the validation workshop of the Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP) was held in the proceedings room of the town hall of Doumé, municipality of the East region of Cameroon.
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Lessons from past & present crises
CoM SSA signatories and experts share their lessons learnt in their journey towards building a sustainable city, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic
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Bamako proves its engagement for climate during the COVID19 crisis
The District of Bamako shows its continuous commitment against climate change by holding its first hybrid SEACAP steering committee, followed by video-conference for some, and in-person for others, all respecting sanitary measures imposed by the COVID19 crisis.
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Call for Expression of Interest
Gender mainstreaming in the development of urban street lighting projects
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Tsévié: a committed hummingbird tackling climate change with CoM SSA
The city of Tsévié in Togo is one of the pilot cities that has joined the Covenant of Mayor for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) initiative since its first year of implementation back in 2017.
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“Strengthening networks to exchange knowledge and best practices is key to building resilient cities during and after global cri
This was the common message from the speakers at the launch event of our webinar “Lessons from past and present crises”, that featured mayors and city experts from Uganda, Liberia and Senegal and attracted more than 100 attendees from all corners of the continent and beyond.
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New webinar series to guide city leaders in building resilience amid and beyond COVID-19
Building sustainable African cities during a global health pandemic will feature a new webinar every two weeks and everyone is invited to attend.
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CoM SSA resources and partner’s expertise, key components to support cities in their response to COVID-19
In only a few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll, personally and professionally, on populations across the world. In Africa, we are in many ways just beginning our COVID-19 journeys, and grappling with understanding the implications for our communities. Never has it been more important for local and regional governments to be empowered to build resilience in their cities.
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Reputable resources for local governments in Sub-Saharan Africa
The unprecedented pace at which the global COVID-19 situation is changing is directly impacting cities and local governments. Cities are and will be decisive in guaranteeing the population’s well-being during and after this pandemic, which presents unique challenges to their leaders.
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CoM SSA’s Response to Covid-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the world, the CoM SSA initiative and its partners send you this letter to offer our solidarity during these trying times.
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Synthesis report of the Forum of Local Authorities of Cotonou, Benin
The forum of local authorities: “Territorialization as a lever to accelerate the implementation of ndcs in Africa: the contribution of associations of african local authorities for the mobilization of african cities in favor of climate action.”
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Dakar, Senegal – Mayors fighting climate change
The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) participated on February 13th in the “National Workshop for Sharing Experiences on the Development of Action Plans to Combat Climate Change,” organized by Enda Energie. Eleven Senegalese signatory cities of the Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) participated in this event, as well as representatives of the national government, development partners, and civil society organizations.
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Nakuru initiates a SEACAP development process to streamline local climate action
Kenya, well known for its amazing landscapes, diverse wildlife attractions, and long-term peace and tranquillity, now faces an invisible “enemy” christened climate change. Temperatures are expected to rise by 2.5ºC between 2000 and 2050 and rainfall patterns will become less predictable with long dry spells and extreme weather events. All these expose the country to increased cost of living and resource-related conflicts, among other challenges.
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CoM SSA drives change in Bobo Dioulasso
Mr. Bourahima Sanou, 48, Mayor of Bobo Dioulasso in Burkina Faso, is a lover of nature. A lawyer and administrator of local authorities by training, he decided to dedicate his energy to political life when he was elected mayor in June 2016.
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The Abidjan Meetings: A unique opportunity to reflect on the concept of a sustainable city in Francophone Africa
From February 27-28, 2020, more than 500 participants gathered at the Ivoire hotel in Abidjan to discuss the theme of sustainable cities in Africa. These meetings were organized as a prelude to the Summit on Sustainable Cities to be held in Bordeaux (France) in June 2020. It was an opportunity for the partners of the Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) to organize a meeting between several French-speaking signatory cities and to meet certain key actors of the Africa-France Summit.
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Climate planning with African cities: how can civil society contribute?
Under the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), local authorities are invited to make a voluntarily political commitment to implement climate and energy actions in their communities and agree on a long-term vision to tackle 3 pillars, namely access to energy, climate mitigation and climate adaptation. In order to translate the political commitment into practical measures, CoM SSA signatories commit to produce and implement a Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP).
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First sub-Saharan cities set with a Climate Plan
Started 4 years ago, the Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) is a network, now strong of more than 210 cities, where cities commit to climate action in general, and more specifically to adopt and implement a climate action plan.
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COTONOU DECLARATION
Forum of Municipal Elected Officials and Presidents of Local Governments Associations Associations of Local Governments, Cities and Territories, key players in the implementation of the International Climate Agenda Cotonou, Benin, February 27-28, 2020
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The city of Tsévié in Togo is one of the first pilot cities to validate its SEACAP politically
The Municipality of Tsévié conducted the political validation of its Action Plan for Access to Sustainable Energy and Climate at the end of 2019, renamed SEACAP-Zio1 after the local elections of last June 30.
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ICLEI Africa Mission to Bobo Dioulasso, “the green city of Burkina Faso.”
In December 2019, ICLEI Africa and GIZ began a week-long mission to Burkina Faso as part of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM-SSA), an initiative supported financially by the European Union, the Spanish cooperation agency and Germany, for the technical launch of the Action Plan for Access to Energy and Climate (SEACAP) for the city of Bobo Dioulasso.
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The District of Bamako on track to develop its Energy Access & Climate Action Plan
On 13 December 2019, the District of Bamako, together with Expertise France and the Regional Development Agency of Bamako, announced to its technical divisions, as well as key representatives from the national government, academia and civil society, its decision to develop a Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP), within the framework of CoMSSA III.
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Bouaké validates its Action Plan for Access to Energy and Climate (SEACAP) in the presence of 200+ guests
Since January 2017, the Municipality of Bouaké has made a commitment to draft an action plan in favor of access to energy and climate within the framework of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA). After three years of the mobilization of civil society, supported by the mayor of the commune, Bouaké is amongst the first African cities to validate its SEACAP from the political standpoint.
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Enda Energie: Helping cities develop bankable projects
According to the Director of Enda Energie, expertise exists in Africa and need to be better organised to help local authorities develop bankable projects.
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City-to-city Partnership Kampala-Karlsruhe – knowledge exchange on smart city projects
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub–Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), an initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and led by CEMR, with its partner Climate Alliance, facilitated a city-to-city partnership between the cities of Kampala in Uganda and the city of Karlsruhe in Germany.
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Africa’s Cities and Local Governments Climate Ambitions Declared in Accra
More than 2,000 representatives of African cities, local and regional governments, and non-state actors gathered in Accra at the 2nd African Climate Chance Summit, featuring the Conference of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), which was organised between 16 and 18 October 2019.
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Climate Chance Summit Africa 2019 Accra, Ghana, 16 – 18 October 2019 (DECLARATION)
We, representatives of the African local and regional governments and non-state actors gathered in ACCRA at the 2nd African Climate Chance Summit, organized from 16 to 18 October 2019 under the Distinguished Patronage of His Excellency NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO, President of the Republic of Ghana
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CoM SSA Workshop in Garoua
In Cameroon, climate change is impacting every aspect of human lives and its population is becoming more conscious and aware of its effects. Nevertheless, it is not easy to identify the link between the visible and dramatic effects of a changing climate and the solutions that can be implemented to address them.
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Scaling up innovative climate action in Kenyan counties
Kenya, already known for its climate leadership in East Africa, is making strides to fight climate change at the subnational level by empowering its counties to act on climate initiatives. As part of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) initiative (financed by the European Commission, BMZ and AECID), GIZ and ICLEI Africa explored some of these initiatives with the counties and engaged with national stakeholders to enable scaling of innovative climate solutions.
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Why cities need to share experience on local climate action and how CoM SSA provides the platform?
One of the key successes of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa initiative is that it created a platform for cities from all over the continent to share their knowledge on local climate action planning and action in Africa.
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Climate Chance Summit – Africa: CoM SSA will take the lead on 16 October!
Join the CoM SSA Conference on 16 October 2019 at the Climate Chance Summit – Africa, in Accra, Ghana. The theme of the conference is: “Towards the institutionalization of Local Climate action and access to finance”.
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Unlocking Opportunities for Climate Responsive Development through Sustainable Energy Access & Climate Action Plans (SEACAPs)
Energy is the life blood of cities fuelling economic activities, so shaping a prosperous future for Africa will require adequate and sustainable energy, recognised by Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7)
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‘Times are changing’ in Burkina Faso and local governments are realising their role in taking climate action
In Burkina Faso, the local people are generally not familiar with the concept of climate change. But in a sense they’re more aware of its impact than elsewhere in the world. Here, people use the expression ‘times are changing’, to refer to the changing weather conditions, the increased unpredictability of precipitation and the intensity of droughts and rainfalls. They have first-hand knowledge of climate change and the need to take climate action regardless of its presence in their vocabulary.
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Revolutionising urban climate solutions through financial innovation
Two major publications on climate finance for African cities, developed under the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa initiative, will be officially launched at the Climate Chance Summit, which will take place from the 16th to the 18th of October 2019 in Accra, Ghana. This conference will bring together local governments from all over the continent as well as development banks and financiers. It promises to be a hive of activity and the occasion to collate the experience of CoM SSA cities with the expectations of funders and financiers.
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Capacity Building Workshop for Portuguese Speaking Signatories
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) initiative continues to support Sub-Saharan African cities and municipalities in their climate and energy efforts, contributing for the strengthening of their technical capacity.
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CoM SSA helps African civil society to play a key role in the implementation of climate action plans
Civil society actors (namely civil society organizations) met for the second time at the initiative of the Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa – CoM SSA in Dakar from July 16 to July 18. This meeting is a continuation of the Lomé meeting that took place from June 25 to June 26 and aimed at strengthening the capacities of these actors to support the signatory cities of the CoM SSA to develop their respective Climate and Energy plans.
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City Voices: Bouaké
CoM SSA signatory city of Bouaké, Ivory Coast
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Learn more about the work CoM SSA does
Hear about how CoM SSA's local climate action from our signatories and experts
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City Voices: Tsévié, Togo
CoM SSA signatory city of Tsévié, Togo
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Interview: CoM SSA Project Officer
Vanessa Vovor – Conference of Covenant Mayors 16 October, 2019 Accra, Ghana.
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Interview: Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), Secretary General
Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), Secretary General: Frederic Vallier
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#EDD19: Building equal societies through local climate action
From urban reforestation in Dakar (Senegal) to waste-to-energy conversion in Kasese (Uganda), our debate at #EDD19 (the European Development Days), introduced by Etienne Coyette from the European Commission’s DG DEVCO, was full of fascinating discussions on how African local governments are overcoming inequalities in their cities through climate action.
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CoM SSA signatory cities training on climate plan elaboration
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), an initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and led by CEMR, organised a training workshop on ‘’Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Plans for Urban Development in Sub-Saharan Africa” in Kenya, gathering 43 civil servants from 37 cities which are Com SSA signatories from more than 20 different African countries.
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Finding solutions to Yaounde’s waste impasse
Waste management and disposal is a major obstacle to African cities. An underdeveloped waste disposal system in Africa is one of the main causes of ill health, social and economic problems.
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CSO statement following the first workshop on: Capacity Building for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on Climate and Energy.
We, as representatives of the civil society actors of pilot cities and signatories of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa, gathered on the occasion of the Capacity Building Workshop of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on Climate and Energy, held in Lomé (Togo) from 25 to 27 March 2019 with the objective to involve CSOs more in the development and implementation of Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAPs) as well as in the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) initiative.
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Agadir calling
Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa Office, together with the Secretariat of Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) and the CES-Med project, is co-organising a focus session on Africa’s challenges in tackling climate and energy at a local level.
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The Lazarus effect: plant one tree and contribute to re-greening Bouaké
In Ivory Coast’s second city, Bouaké, urban tree cover is declining and climate change is drying up water resources, reducing food security and fueling heavy floods. Trees help fight climate change and reduce the effect of erosion. And so, planting a tree is saving more than just a source of water for the local population in Bouaké.
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Join the debate: How can local climate and energy action fight inequality?
At first glance, climate change and inequality might seem like two separate issues. And yet, when you look at how certain urban areas are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the link with inequality becomes obvious.
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Join Covenant of Mayors and let’s tackle climate change together – Mayor, Yaounde 4
Sub-Saharan Africa is among the regions hardest hit by climate change in the world. This stark reality means millions of Africans suffer deadly and devastating floods, droughts and food insecurity. The fight to preserve the climate is therefore a crucial issue for the African continent and requires that everyone contributes in the fight against climate change.
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The commune of Tsévié is embracing energy sustainability
Limited and unreliable access to renewable energy is a major impediment to development efforts at local level in Africa. In order to address or adapt to this energy problem and develop lasting solutions to climate change, local governments must step up action.
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Fuel efficient stoves provide access to clean and affordable energy in Tsévié
Several thousands of people do not have access to clean energy in Togo. Unreliable energy supplies impose a direct cost on the country’s economy in terms of lost productive output, and can limit economic, educational and social activities.
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African Development Bank hosts first-ever pan-African dialogue on achieving climate change goals for adaptation and mitigation
The first-ever conference for exchange and cooperation between national and local governments in Africa to address climate issues and support a decentralised territorial approach of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) took place in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire in 2019
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CoM SSA Guidebook: your practical guide for sustainable energy and climate action in Africa
Although Africa currently enjoys unprecedented economic development and strong demographic and urban growth, the continent is under significant threat from climate change. Limited and unreliable energy access is also a major impediment to economic growth. In order to adapt to these future climate and energy challenges, African local governments have a crucial role to play.
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Civil society engages with cities for sustainable solutions to climate change in Africa
What role should civil society play in the development and implementation of sustainable climate and energy action plans by African cities and municipalities? We’re now engaging with civil society organisations to find a concrete answer to this question.
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Where we are?
CoM SSA have been working hard with partners over the last three years. This MAP shows who many cities are signatories’ which now counts more than 200 cities at the closure of Phase II in November 2019.
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Experts develop climate solutions for African cities
The extreme changes in weather conditions are worsening the occurrence and impact of natural disasters in Africa. Climate change is slowing down Africa’s efforts to meet the sustainable development goals required to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality and environmental degradation among others.
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Covenant of Mayors partners cement ties to accelerate local climate action
Africa has a huge potential to accelerate local climate action. That’s why two implementers of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) have signed a new strategic agreement, which will also strengthen stakeholders’ engagement in the energy sector in Africa.
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Kampala city mayor hails support of the Covenant!
The Lord Mayor of Kampala Capital City Authority, Hon. Erias Lukwago has said he is happy with the support received from the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa since Kampala joined the initiative in 2015 – leading to the development of a Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan for the city.
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Covenant of Mayors renews commitment to African cities
Covenant of Mayors implementers have renewed commitment to support Sub-Saharan Africa cities and municipalities in their climate and energy efforts. During the third Implementation Committee meeting of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) initiative that ended in Kampala, Uganda, on 27 February, partners counted the project’s achievements in 2018 and agreed to build on the gains to get more impact in 2019.
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Cameroon Mayors to prioritise energy and climate in development plans
In Bonaberi, a neighbourhood on the outskirts of Cameroon’s economic capital, Douala, Elodie is relieved to find a temporary home for her family. Elodie, a resident of Manoka was displaced alongside her children and hundreds of people by flooding in this island off the coast of Douala. Manoka is becoming increasingly vulnerable to heavy flooding and villagers, who have been displaced many times, fear their community could be swallowed by the waters, but cannot do much to protect their homes.
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Mayor of Accra invites African cities to join the Covenant!
Mohammed Adjei Sowah, the Mayor of Accra, Ghana, has called on African Mayors and city leaders to join the network of African cities to empower their cities and overcome climate change. Climate change is the overarching source of many serious problems faced by African cities, making Africa one of the most vulnerable continents to the change in global climate patterns.
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The initiative fair organised by the Groupement Intercommunal des Collines (GIC) in Benin
The initiative fair organized by the Groupement Intercommunal des Collines (GIC) in Benin
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CoM SSA at COP24
The 24th edition of the Conference of State Parties to the UNFCCC (COP24), the largest gathering of climate and energy actors, took place from 3 to 16 December 2018 in Katowice, Poland. The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) held 2 side-events.
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Talanoa Dialogues
The concept of the Talanoa Dialogue was introduced into international negotiations during the 23rd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 23), held in 2017, and represented the first time in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process that national governments met with non-Party stakeholders in an official setting. Local and regional governments were invited to start Talanoa Dialogues in their cities, regions and countries in 2018 during The Cities and Regions Talanoa Dialogues held by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in February 2018.
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CoM SSA seeks solutions to local climate finance in Africa
United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) Africa’s flagship conference, Africities, took place from the 20th to the 24th of November 2018, in Marrakesh, Morocco. The event brought together more than 8000 participants from around the world with a “focus on the need for Local Africa to learn, promote and present a new approach to sustainable development” (UCLGA website).
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Sub-Saharan Mayors show commitment to the Covenant of Mayors initiative at Africities 2018
With more than 8,000 participants, the Africities Summit 2018 held in Marrakech, Morocco from 20-24 November was the rendez-vous for local authorities of the African continent. The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) initiative was represented at this UCLG Africa event through the presence of its partners, Advisory Board members but above all its signatories. With more than 130 signatories in 34 Sub-Saharan countries to the date, the initiative forms a network of local authorities committed to fight climate change and improve access to sustainable energy on their territories.
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Cities innovating to attract funding for their local climate action
The Groupement Intercommuncal des communes (GIC) is an intercommunal association composed of the municipalities of Savè, Bantè, Dassa, Savalou, Glazoué and Ouessè in Benin, West Africa. Similar to many other semi-rural areas, they are already suffering from the impacts of climate change; desertification and water scarcity hinder agricultural activities in the region. Moreover, like other intermediary cities, they also struggle to attract climate finance to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.
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CoM SSA Inception Visit to Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
Bissau is the capital and largest city of Guinea-Bissau on the western coast of Africa. Located on the Geba River estuary, Bissau covers 77,5 km2 and has about 430,000 habitants. In June 2018, the city of Bissau confirmed the voluntary commitment to implement the CoM SSA objectives on its territory.
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Yaoundé 4 wins “Policy Hack” ahead of Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco
The Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco, held from 12 to 14 September 2018, was focused on bringing new ambitions to the next level in five key areas: healthy energy systems, inclusive economic growth, local communities, the protection of land and oceans and transformative climate investments.
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CoM SSA cities technical staff gets training on climate change
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), an initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and led by the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), organised a course on “Climate Response and Sustainable Urban Development in Africa” in Saly, Senegal, gathering about 40 civil servants from 18 cities and municipal associations which are signatories of the Covenant of Mayors for Sub Saharan Africa.
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CoM SSA Inception Visit to Monrovia, Liberia
In August 2018, CoM SSA team comprising staff from CEMR, ENDA and ICLEI Africa travelled to Monrovia and Paynesville, Liberia, to conduct an inception visit. Organized by the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), the inception visit took place on the 30th and 31st of August 2018.
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News publication: CoM SSA Guide on data collection
In the framework of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) initiative, technical support is provided to cities to facilitate the development of their ‘Action Plans for Access to Energy and Climate’ (PAAEDC). The data collection process is an important step in the development of PAAEDC. The data to be collected by the cities should be related to the three pillars of the CoM SSA (Access to Energy, Adaptation and Mitigation) particularly during; i) inventory of greenhouse gas emissions in the study area, ii) analysis of risks and vulnerabilities related to climate change and iii) evaluation of access to energy.
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Mauritius local government associations and mayors connect on climate change
Mayors of mid to small sized communities in Mauritius, with their local government associations, participated in the ICLEI World Congress in June 2018 to explore latest trends on sustainable development.There is a considerable interest in understanding and tackling climate change, among others, specifically on the role of local governments and engaging their communities. The climate resilience perspective is an entry point, but also with recognition that low emission development needs to be connected as well.
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Climate Chance Summit 2018: Closing ceremony
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa took an active part in the Climate Chance Africa Summit held in Abidjan from 27 to 29 June 2018.
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Climate Chance Summit 2018: CoM SSA cities share experiences
CoM SSA pilot cities and funding partners sharing progress during the Climate Chance Summit in Abidjan – 28 -29 june 2018.
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Climate Chance 2018: CoM SSA lessons learnt
The CoM SSA technical team share lessons learnt while working with the pilot cities.
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National Ivorian Television (RTI) Interview: Mayor of Pikine
Interview of the Mayor of Pikine Abdoulaye Timbo, in an interview with the National Ivorian Television (RTI) focused on the role of local authorities role in the implementation of climate policies and programs.
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Climate Chance Summit 2018: European Union and African cities
Mr Felice Zacchero Head of Unit at DG DEVCO announces an upcoming appointment of ambassadors who will play a key role in the European Union's support to African cities
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Climate Chance 2018: European Commission
M. Felice Zacchero gives his feedback on the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa participation to the Climate Chance Africa Summit which was an opportunity to promote the initiative. He also announced future opportunities with the project extension.
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Climate Chance Summit 2018: Mr Abdoulaye Timbo
Mr Abdoulaye Timbo, the Mayor of Pikine interview at Climat Chance 2018.
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Climate Chance Summit 2018: city experience
Deputy Lord Mayor of Kampala city, pilot city of CoM SSA, the Climate Chance Africa was a real opportunity of experiences sharing between non-government actors.
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Climate Chance Africa Summit 2018: CoMSSA session on climate finance for cities
On behalf of the Climate Chance Africa Summit , the CoM SSA initiative organised a session on climate finance for cities where many experts presented existing opportunities to support cities.
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Climate Chance Summit 2018: CoM SSA Climate Finance session
Juliet Mekone resuming the session on climate finance for cities during Climate chance Africa summit in Abidjan, 27 Juin 2018
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Climate chance Summit 2018
Non-state actors such as cities, local authorities, NGOs and the private sector play a fundamental role in the fight against climate change, not least as drivers of concrete actions on the ground. However, finance can be an issue. In this context, key players convened on 28-29 in Abidjan to discuss how to increase access to climate finance for non-state actors.
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Climate chance Afrique
Non-state actors such as cities, local authorities, NGOs and the private sector play a fundamental role in the fight against climate change, not least as drivers of concrete actions on the ground. However, finance can be an issue. In this context, key players convened on 28-29 in Abidjan to discuss how to increase access to climate finance for non-state actors.
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SAVE THE DATE
The course is organized by the Covenant of Mayors in Sub Saharan Africa (CoM Africa) Initiative, which supports African cities with capacity building and the development of Sustainable Energy Access Climate Action Planning and implementation.
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The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa at the 4th Strategic Meeting of United Cities and Local Governments of Africa
Cities and Local Governments of Africa organized its 4th Strategic Meeting for the West African Region from 28 to 29 May 2018 in Accra, Ghana. This meeting follows those held beforehand for the eastern, southern and central regions.
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The CoM SSA at the Climate Chance Africa Summit in Abidjan
The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) welcomes you at the Climate Chance Africa Summit, on 28-29 June 2018 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
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The Covenant of Mayors Office for Sub-Saharan Africa Actions for Synergies Creations in Africa
The Covenant of Mayors Office for Sub-Saharan Africa has held a session to explore synergy creation on 14th March 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa prior to the Implementation Committee Meeting.
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Cities and Regions Talanoa Dialogues in Africa
Local and regional governments are invited to start Talanoa Dialogues in their cities, regions and countries in 2018.
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Global Covenant of Mayors opens worldwide headquarters in Brussels in the Presence of king Philippe of the Belgians
King Philippe of the Belgians, European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič, UN Special Envoy for Climate Action Michael R. Bloomberg and other international guests gather to celebrate the establishment of Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy’s Global Secretariat in Brussels, supporting cities around the globe in the fight against climate change
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Future opportunities of Covenant of Mayors Sub-Saharan Africa initiative in the centre of discussions when Advisory Board
On 25 January 2018, a milestone was reached when Beninese Comè became the 100th signatory city of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), the EU funded initiative launched at COP21 to support cities in sub-Saharan Africa to address climate change and promote clean energy. It was in this context the CoM SSA Advisory Board met in Addis Abeba on 1 March 2018 to discuss The progress of the initiative, implementation challenges faced, future opportunities and political representation
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Abidjan signing ceremony
The Mayors who signed the Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa call on other cities to join them.
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CoM SSA signatories call on other cities to join the initiative
Mayors officially joined the CoM SSA initiative by signing their political commitement documents at the 1st summit of local elected representatives of Africa and Europe held in Abidjan on November 27, 2017.
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86 cities already committed to the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) at its signing ceremony
On 27 November 2017, 15 mayors of Sub-Saharan Africa signed the Political Commitment Document of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa in Abidjan in the presence of Mr Sidiki DIAKITE, Ivorian Minister of the Interior and Security.
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Press Release – The Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa at COP23
A reality check session on vertical integration – exploring cooperation and coordination on climate action between all levels of government – @COP23, hosted by the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa to explore how to connect local action to National Determined Contributions (NDCs).
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Save the date | COP23
Save The Date!
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Launch of the initiative of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa
On the initiative of the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Council of the municipalities of Zou.
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Climate Chance Summit 2017: CoM SSA presentation
Presenting the CoM SSA initiative at the Agadir Climate Chance Summit in 2017.
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Press Release – Sub-Saharan African cities are invited to join Covenant of Mayors initiative in the region
Today, Sub-Saharan African cities appealed to their peers to join the voluntary initiative Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa as a framework for developing and implementing effective local climate and energy actions.
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CoM SSA Family to gather in Abidjan
The Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) First Signatories will be invited to meet at the EU-Africa Local and Regional Governments Forum in Abidjan on 27th November, 2017 for an official ceremony.
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What is CoM SSA?
Since its launch in 2015, the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) has mobilised political commitment for climate action from over 400 signatory local governments in 42 countries, representing more than 166 million citizens.
By working with local governments to develop robust climate and energy plans, as well as scaling impactful, finance-ready climate and urban solutions, CoM SSA supports an African urban transformation steered by subnational actors.
CoM SSA has grown into a flagship of EU–Africa cooperation. It reflects a shared commitment by co-funders and implementers to support urban transformation through sustained engagement, European expertise and local capacities.
CoM SSA is the regional chapter of an international alliance of cities, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. It is a partnership between city networks, development agencies and funding institutions, supporting cities in meeting the dual challenge of climate change and access to sustainable energy to achieve a low-emission, climate resilient and sustainable energy future.
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