African City Leaders Convene in Nairobi for Green and Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum

By Melisa Mong'ina 

Over 250 African city leaders—including mayors, city officials, national policymakers, investors, and business leaders—gathered in Nairobi for the Green & Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum, a key platform for advancing climate action, promoting resilient urban planning, and driving sustainable investment.

Africa’s cities are expanding rapidly, with 92% facing extreme climate risks. The forum provided a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions and strategies to address these pressing challenges.

Hon. Sakaja Johnson, Governor of Nairobi, highlighted the potential of Africa’s young population to transform cities through technology and entrepreneurship, particularly in developing clean energy solutions.

Hon. Sakaja Johnson, Nairobi City Governor/ Courtesy of C40 Cities

“Africa’s young population presents a unique opportunity to reshape our cities and improve the lives of residents. We will continue leveraging technology and entrepreneurship to drive clean energy solutions, but this must be supported by the development of a greener, fairer economic model for all,” said Hon. Sakaja.

He emphasized the importance of investing in climate solutions in Africa, pointing out the significant financial returns such investments can generate.

“Investing in climate solutions in Africa works: for every $1 invested, there is a projected return of $4. This presents a unique opportunity for global investors to create real impact while addressing critical climate challenges,” he noted.

Sakaja also stressed the need for stronger local and county-level climate projects, highlighting the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in bridging financing gaps and driving climate interventions.

“Policy direction comes in two key ways. First, we must align budgetary provisions with climate action at both the national and county levels. Second, we must embrace public-private partnerships and project-based investments to drive real change,” he said.

Sakaja underscored Africa’s untapped natural resources, such as solar energy and carbon sinks, which could be leveraged to generate climate financing through carbon credit trading. He stressed the urgency of acting now.

“Africa holds 60% of the world’s solar potential, yet we don’t fully utilize it. Our carbon sinks are another resource we often overlook. Through carbon credit trading and similar initiatives, we can unlock the financing needed to close the climate investment gap. But time is short—we have just 25 years to get our act together,” he warned.

The forum featured expert-led sessions from development finance institutions and government representatives, exploring practical solutions to fund climate projects.

“We’re hosting several sessions with experts from development finance institutions and government. We need to explore what’s new, what’s different, and how we can secure resources in a practical way,” Sakaja explained.

He also reflected on progress made at past events, such as the African Investment Forum, where key discussions on climate project financing took place.

“At the African Investment Forum, we worked with the African Development Bank to pitch climate initiatives. This year, we’re pitching for Nairobi projects like the Greenway, the Nairobi Rivers Rehabilitation, and market upgrades. We should be announcing funding for these soon,” he shared.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown and Co-chair of C40 Cities, highlighted the role of young people in leading climate action across Africa.

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown and Co-chair of C40 Cities/Courtesy C40 Cities

“African cities are already at the forefront of climate action and innovation. Our youth are leading the charge, investing in their futures, and shaping a more sustainable world,” said Aki-Sawyerr.

With 70% of Africa’s population under the age of 35, she emphasized the importance of technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship in driving sustainability and called on city leaders to secure the necessary resources.

“The next generation is ready to lead the shift toward sustainability. It is now the responsibility of city leaders to access the resources needed to build a greener, fairer future,” she urged.

Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, underscored how climate change is already severely impacting African cities, causing record-breaking temperatures, food insecurity, and climate migration. He stressed that African mayors are taking action but lack adequate financial support.

Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities/ Courtesy C40 Cities

“Many African cities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. They are experiencing extreme temperatures, food shortages, and rising levels of climate migration. African mayors are demonstrating strong leadership, but they need the financial power to match their ambition,” said Watts.

He called on governments and investors to step up and unlock the necessary funding to build climate-resilient cities.

“Mayors are ready, communities are mobilizing, and the solutions exist. Now, it’s time for governments and investors to step up and release funding for cities. Every dollar invested in sustainable urban development today will pay off in the form of resilient economies, thriving communities, and a healthier planet for generations to come,” he stated.

The UrbanShift Africa Forum brought together stakeholders from across the continent, including representatives from Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Tanzania.

The forum facilitated discussions among national and local government officials, investors, and civil society organizations, fostering collaboration and advancing Africa’s climate ambition.