African cities are stepping up as climate leaders, and the data proves it.
Published: 18 Jun 2026
General
Accra
Cape Town
Dire Dawa
Durban (Ethekwini)
Freetown
Johannesburg
Kisumu County
Msunduzi
Tshwane
Umhlathuze
In 2025, CoM SSA signatories were awarded over 100 badges for reporting on their climate action and sustainable energy progress.
CoM SSA is the regional chapter of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), the world’s largest alliance for city climate leadership, connecting CoM SSA signatories to a global network of subnational actors and partners. GCoM awards signatories for each milestone in their Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plan journey, from assessing emissions to setting targets and developing a plan. Every badge earned signals local governments taking charge of the climate crisis, with vision, commitment and data to back it up. Cities report their progress on the CDP-ICLEI track in order to be awarded badges.
Cities leading the pack in climate reporting
For too long, African cities have been framed as lagging — constrained by resources, capacity, or data. But the data shows the opposite: bold local leadership driving change in the face of crisis.
Four CoM SSA signatories were named to CDP’s A-List which is one of the highest global recognitions for climate transparency and action. These signatories, Cape Town, Durban (eThekwini), Dire Dawa and Johannesburg, reported on their baseline studies, set ambitious targets, and developed comprehensive plans for adaptation, mitigation and access to energy. They now have clear roadmaps to anticipate, reduce, and respond to climate impacts and not just react after damage occurs. This achievement reflects rigorous reporting and performance across the climate action journey.
Accra, Umhlathuze, Msunduzi, KwaDukuza, Kisumu County, Freetown and Tshwane were each awarded more than half the full suite of badges, placing them among the continent's leading cities on climate reporting.
Showcase your city’s progress: Reporting for 2026
The time for action is now. The CDP-ICLEI Track reporting window is open: https://myportal.cdp.net/
Why should local government report?
- Influence: By reporting through the CDP-ICLEI Track, African cities ensure that their climate data informs regional and international climate policies. These local-level insights directly contribute to key decision-making forums, including those under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conferences.
- Receive actionable feedback: The CDP-ICLEI Track evaluates a city’s climate actions, providing detailed, action-oriented feedback that highlights strengths and identifies gaps. This evaluation supports continuous improvement, helping cities refine their strategies and accelerate climate ambition.
- Recognition: Cities that report through CDP-ICLEI Track gain global recognition for their climate actions, attracting investment and promoting tourism. These benefits translate into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
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