CoM SSA kicks off 2026 with strategic engagement with cities

In Côte d’Ivoire, Expertise France convened an inception meeting with the pre-selected municipalities of Tiassalé and San Pedro to assess needs, clarify the scope of support, and agree on partnership modalities. A visit to relevant completed or planned projects is envisaged before proceeding with the final selection steps.

 

Progress was also made in Uganda, where Expertise France finalised the selection of Kampala Capital City Authority and Entebbe Municipal Council. Due diligence, including document reviews to ensure implementation, has been completed, and the signature process is underway, with completion expected by April 2026.

 

In Ghana, the Member State Organisation met with the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly to explore tailored support for the development of Fosu Lagoon, discussing its potential, key challenges, and possible solutions. In a separate exchange with the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, the CoM SSA approach and thematic priorities were presented, with spatial planning and flood management identified as areas for future collaboration.

 

In Cameroon, they aligned with the Cameroon Water Utilities Corporation (CAMWATER) on potential support under CAMWATER’s Priority Investment Programme. Discussions focused on assessing project viability, existing funding and studies, and identifying steps to enhance bankability, particularly in water supply management and drinking water. The next step will include assessing current technical and financial partners.

 

Engagement in Kenya followed a similar preparatory approach: GIZ met with representatives from Homa Bay to identify cooperation opportunities in waste management. The scope of technical assistance will now be further refined and formalized through a letter of cooperation.

 

Further progress was made in Nigeria, where Plateau State has been selected for support in the current phase. An initial exchange served to outline the scope of assistance and clarify mutual responsibilities, including the requirement to become a CoM SSA signatory, which was met with a positive response. In the next step, the signatory process will be initiated. This would create opportunities to engage with subnational cities and scale up the initiative’s overall impact.