“Building Urban Climate Resilience in South-Eastern Africa” project

Background

As African cities expand at an unprecedented rate, they face the twin challenges of rapid urbanization and escalating climate change. South-Eastern Africa, in particular, is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, and droughts, endangering millions in urban areas.

With Africa’s population expected to grow by 60% by 2050—and urbanization projected to reach 50% by 2030—proactive urban planning and climate resilience strategies are more crucial than ever. Sustainable solutions and climate adaptation efforts can shape the future of African cities.

OBJECTIVES

As climate change intensifies, cities in South-Eastern Africa are among the most vulnerable to extreme natural hazards. The “Building Urban Climate Resilience in South-Eastern Africa” project, started in 2020 and completed in 2025, funded by the Adaptation Fund and led by UN-Habitat in partnership with Oxfam, national and local governments, and DiMSUR, focused on strengthening urban climate resilience in Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and the Union of Comoros.

This initiative drives innovative climate adaptation solutions, empowering communities to mitigate the risksof climate-related natural hazards. By fostering sustainable urban development, the project helped cities
prepare for and respond to environmental challenges, ensuring a safer future for millions.

Find out more from the project experience on climate resilience strategies, urban adaptation, and sustainable city planning —key to shaping Africa’s future.

Two primary goals:

Developing capacities and creating conditions to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change in the four selected vulnerable cities

Promoting inter-country experience sharing and cross-fertilization on adapting to transboundary climate related natural hazards.

Three main components:

1. Preparation, implementation and sustainable management of 23 priority pilot initiatives in the 4 target cities of Morondava (Madagascar); Zomba (Malawi); Chókwè (Mozambique) and Moroni (Union of Comoros)
2. Development of tools and guidelines, along with training delivery at the national level.
3. Inter-country experience sharing, cross-fertilization, and dissemination of lessons learned at the regional level

AREAS OF INTERVENTION

Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Union of Comoros

MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS

With a comprehensive set of activities spanning early warning systems, infrastructure development, waste management, and environmental conservation, the project was well-structured to make a substantial impact on the ability to withstand and respond to natural hazards.

The project also underscored the transformative potential of community-driven solutions. Tailoring interventions to the specific needs of each city allowed for the development of locally relevant and sustainable strategies. By leveraging local knowledge and forging strong partnerships between communities and local governments, the project empowered residents to become active agents of change, fostering long- term impacts that extended beyond the project’s duration.

8 interventions implemented in Morondava:

1. 182 hectares of mangroves rehabilitated
2. Urban Greening Intervention in High-Risk Areas
3. Establishment of a city-wide early warning system for floods: installation of automated weather stations
4. Construction of one resilient and multi-purpose safe-haven
5. Construction of a flood-proof elevated road with improved drainage capacity
6. Reconstruction of 3 bridges connecting different neighbourhoods in a resilient manner
7. Enhanced drainage capacity in the city centre
8. Improved solid waste management in the city center

7 interventions implemented in Zomba

1. City-wide early warning system for floods through the installation of 2 automated weather stations
2. Construction of versatile evacuation drainage channels to mitigate flooding risks
3. Enhancement of solid waste management practices throughout the city
4. Implementation of river-focused interventions aimed at preventing both flooding and erosion.
5. Construction of Namalaka bridge and dams along the Likangala River.
6. Promotion of sustainable urban forest management initiatives to safeguard natural resources and enhance environmental resilience.
7. Construction of two evacuation centres

4 interventions implemented in Chókwè

1. Improved the overall Drainage System of the city
2. Reinforcement of the Early Warning System through the rehabilitation of the community radio, trainings and distribution of equipment to the community and the municipality
3. Solid Waste Management System improved with two SWM treatment centres manages by community committees trained and equipped during the project
4. Improving the Temporary Shelter Mechanism with the construction of one evacuation centre

4 interventions implemented in Moroni

1. Drainage capacity in the La Coulée neighbourhood strengthened to reduce the impact of flash floods with the construction of 800 m of drainage system.
2. 6 community rainwater harvest systems constructed or rehabilitated to improve access to drinking water
3. Solid waste management in the La Coulée and Médina neighborhoods improved by supporting the municipality with trainings and provision of equipment.
4. Establishment of an early flood warning system to improve community capacities to face floods