Strengthening climate change adaptation, mitigation, and resilience in urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa

DAKAR, SENEGAL— [September 28th 2026] — The City of Pikine hosted the official launch ceremony of Phase IV of the project supporting the Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA), co-financed by AECID and the European Union with a total budget of €1.5 million. The initiative aims to strengthen local climate action and support local authorities in designing and implementing sustainable and resilient urban solutions over a 36-month period.

 

Senegal is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including droughts, rising temperatures and sea-level rise. In urban areas, these vulnerabilities are mainly manifested through recurrent flooding, coastal erosion, challenges related to sanitation and waste management, and poor air quality. In response, local authorities play a key role in developing locally tailored solutions and integrating climate action into territorial development policies.

 

The cities of Dakar and Pikine are at the heart of Phase IV of the project. The initiative will also extend to the cities of Guédiawaye and Rufisque, as well as the Departmental Council of Keur Massar, bringing these five territories together to address the challenges of climate adaptation, mitigation and resilience. Together, they are home to 3,685,894 inhabitants, representing around 20% of Senegal’s population.

This inter-territorial approach aims to foster coordination, experience-sharing and the exchange of expertise to strengthen climate action across the Dakar metropolitan area. In particular, it will facilitate the sharing of knowledge, harmonise approaches and encourage joint responses to climate challenges that transcend the administrative boundaries of individual local authorities.

For Dakar Mayor Abass Fall, this dynamic highlights the key role of local authorities in tackling the climate emergency.

 

Beyond investments and infrastructure, Phase IV aims to foster meaningful cooperation between territories. This will include city-to-city exchanges, training sessions, learning visits, and collaboration with national institutions, the private sector and civil society.

The launch ceremony brought together local authorities and stakeholders committed to tackling climate change around a shared goal: making local action a driver of sustainable transformation in urban areas.