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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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Read moreCities 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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Read moreUnlocking 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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Read moreGIS 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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Read moreFacilitating 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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Read morePress 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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Read moreDouala’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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Read moreCoM 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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Read moreWorld 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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Read moreNakuru 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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Read morePRESS 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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Read moreMayors 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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Read moreComprehensive 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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