Accra

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.

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.

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.

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

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:

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

Climate chance Summit 2018

Why cities really matter

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.