UCLG Africa highlights the climate challenges facing African territories at COP28
The 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held from November 30 to December 12, 2023 in Dubai (United Arab Emirates, UAE). This conference was of major strategic importance for Africa’s local governments, which are at the forefront of climate change impacts.
The COP28 in Dubai, also known as the “COP for energy transition away from fossil fuels”, was a crucial opportunity to highlight the needs and imperative necessity of integrating the climate challenges and action of cities and territories on the African continent into the definition of the new generation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), guided by the orientations of the Global Stocktake presented at COP28.
UCLG Africa took part in COP28 with the aim of highlighting the challenges facing cities and territories in climate action and including African local and regional governments in the African climate ecosystem, in climate action and in the Marrakech Partnership for Climate Action.
The UCLG Africa delegation, led by its President, Mrs. Fatimetou Abdel Malik, President of the Nouakchott Region, was composed as follows:
– Mr. Dieudonné Bantsimba, President of the Association of Mayors of Congo (AMC)
– Mr. Oumar Ba, President of the WAEMU Council of Local Authorities, President of the Association of Mayors of Senegal (AMS)
– Mr. Abdou Ouhou Dodo, President of the Association of Municipalities of Niger (AMN)
– Mr. Gamado Koamy Gbloekpo, Mayor of Golfe 1/Lomé and Vice-President of the Associations of the Communes of Togo (FCT)
– Mr. Ram Joseph Kafando, Vice-Chairman of the Special Delegation of the Regional Council of the Center, Burkina Faso
– Mr. Peter Anyang’ Nyongo, Governor of Kisumu County, Kenya
– Mrs. Gladys Wanga, Governor of Homa Bay County, Kenya
– Mr. Wild Ndipo, Mayor of Blantyre, President of the Malawi Local Government Association (MALGA)
– Mr. Amogou Atiode Sita, Mayor of Tchamba 2, Togo
– Mr. Ntemoyok Mewanu Gregory, Mayor of Kumba, Cameroon
– Mr. Samuel Oe-Amseb, President of the Association of Local Authorities of Namibia
– Mr. Dinan Adebayo Simon, Mayor of Pobè, Benin
– Mr. Fayemi Kayodé, Representative of the President of the Forum of African Regions (FORAF)
– Mrs. Rohey Malick Lowe, Mayor of Banjul, Gambia, President of the Network of Locally Elected Women in Africa (REFELA)
– Mr. Erragheb Hormatollah, Mayor of Dakhla, Morocco, President of the Network of Young Elected Local Officials of Africa (YELO)
– Mr. Jean Jacques Yapo, Director General of the Union of Cities and Communes in Côte d’Ivoire (UVICOCI)
– Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG Africa
– Mr. Nbou Mohamed, Special Advisor on Climate, Biodiversity and Food Systems, UCLG Africa
– Mr. Robert Sangori, Director of the Climate Department, UCLG Africa
– Mrs. Soumia Benlebsir, Project Officer, Climate Department
– Mrs. Sara Zeroil, Personal Assistant to the Secretary General of UCLG Africa
– Mr. Jewel Adjei, Special IT Advisor, UCLG Africa
– Mr. Frédéric Vallier, Consultant, UCLG Africa
COP28 had three highlights: 1) the high-level political segment organized on December 1 and 2, 2023, with the participation of Heads of State and Government; 2) the thematic days organized from December 3 to 10, 2023, around the main issues and challenges linked to climate change and the search for solutions to address them; 3) December 11 and 12, 2023, devoted to negotiations and the adoption of the conference’s final declaration.
During the political segment, the President of Kenya His Excellency Samoei Ruto launched the process of realization of the Building Climate Resilience of the Urban Poor in Africa (BCRUP) Initiative, whose main implementing partner is UCLG Africa.
The Local Climate Action Summit organized by Bloomberg Philantropies and the COP28 Presidency on December 1 and 2, 2023. This event was a highlight, emphasizing the essential role of cities and local governments in tackling the climate emergency.
Local and regional governments presented and supported common positions on the Global Objective on Adaptation, the Global Assessment, financing for adaptation to climate change, and the corresponding governance mechanisms and financial commitments.
In particular, African local and regional governments welcomed the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund, and called for the accessing procedures to be simplified and opened up to local authorities. They also called for resources for adaptation to be doubled by 2025, so as to be able to cope with the extreme climatic conditions resulting from global warming, particularly in Africa, a region that has not contributed to it.
At the initiative of UCLG Africa, the local and regional governments also called for the creation of an assistance and first aid scheme for African cities and territories declared to be in a climate disaster situation, whose resources, stemming from the Loss and Damage Fund, should be managed at the level of national and regional associations of local authorities.
For the entire duration of the conference, and with the support of the GIZ (RIA Project) UCLG Africa has set up a Pavilion in the blue zone of the COP28 reserved for States, international organizations and bilateral cooperation institutions . and multilateral.
The Pavilion served as a hub and rallying point for African local authorities during COP28 with a view to unifying the voice of local governments in the face of the extreme climate emergency.
Numerous working sessions were also held at the UCLG Africa offices.
Meeting with Mr Lars Gronvald, Head of Cities Section – INTPA.
Meeting with Mr. Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission, Mrs. Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for the Environment of the African Union, and Mrs. Fatimetou Abdel Malick, President of UCLG Africa and Mrs. Rohey Malick Lowe, President of REFELA.
Work meeting with H.E. Mrs. Alice Wahome, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary at the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development.
Bilateral meeting with Colonel Maurice Ntossui Allogo, Minister of Water and Forests, in charge of environmental preservation, Gabon.
Bilateral meeting with H.E. Mariam Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates, to discuss strengthening cooperation between the UAE and local governments in Africa.
Bilateral meeting with Mr. Alioune Ndoye, Senegalese Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, and Mr. Oumar BA, Chairman of the WAEMU Council of Local Authorities (CCT).
Meeting of the Marrakech Partnership with the High-Level Champions on the appointment of the new champion who will steer the action agenda. UCLG Africa took this opportunity to recall and reaffirm its commitment to the process of accelerating the implementation of the NDCs, notably through the structuring initiatives: BCRUP, AAI Initiative, waste and the Round Table of Mayors for water security.
As a prelude to COP28 itself, UCLG Africa took part in the 9th World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) Summit, held on November 28 and 29, 2023 in Dubai, under the High Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. At the end of the first day of the Summit, an official ceremony was organized for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between His Excellency Saeed Mohammed Al-Tayer, President of WGEO and Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG Africa, enshrining the partnership between the two organizations. This protocol sets out the areas of collaboration between the two organizations, and notably entrusts UCLG Africa with the animation of WGEO’s “Cities Pole”.
Another milestone has been reached in UCLG Africa’s collaborative efforts with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) to support sustainable urban development on the African continent. On December 10, 2023, the DBSA Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Boitumelo Mosako, and the Secretary General of UCLG Africa, Mr. Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, formalized their commitment to create the African Territorial Trade and Investment Agency (ATIA). This is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) dedicated to financing projects that will improve the resilience, infrastructure and general well-being of African cities. This strategic partnership aims to address the ever-changing challenges facing urban areas and catalyze economic growth and social development.
Read the full article about the partnership with DBSA, here.
In addition, United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) has signed a ground-breaking memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the world’s leading impact investment firm, Pegasus Capital Advisors, and its Subnational Climate Fund (SCF).
The MoU signing, which took place on December 2nd, marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between UCLG Africa and Pegasus Capital Advisors and reinforces their mutual commitment to advancing sustainable development across Africa. The Local Climate Action Summit saw the convergence of key decision-makers, experts, and stakeholders from around the world who gathered to address pressing global challenges related to climate change and sustainable urban development.
The partnership between UCLG Africa and Pegasus Capital Advisors aims to foster innovative solutions, catalyze sustainable urban development projects, and support local governments in Africa in their efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of the Paris Agreement. By combining UCLG Africa’s vast network and expertise in local governance with Pegasus Capital Advisors’ comprehensive resources, this collaboration is poised to drive transformative change at the local level and leverage sustainable investments for the benefit of African cities and local communities. Immediate priorities include renewable energy, waste management, access to broadband technologies and water resilience, with initial projects and locations already identified in Kisumu, Kenya.
Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG Africa, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to enter into this strategic collaboration with Pegasus. This MoU represents a significant step forward in our collective journey towards sustainable development in Africa. By joining forces, we can unlock new opportunities for urban growth and ensure the advancement of prosperous, resilient, and inclusive cities across the continent.”
Craig Cogut, CEO & Founder of Pegasus Capital Advisors, emphasized their commitment to sustainability and belief in the power of partnerships. He said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with UCLG Africa to address the pressing challenges faced by local governments in Africa. Together, we will work towards designing and implementing urban solutions that create positive socio-economic and environmental impact. By pooling our expertise and resources, we can unlock a new era of sustainable development and investment opportunities.”
The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by prominent dignitaries, representatives from international organizations, and distinguished guests attending COP28. This significant event highlights the global recognition of UCLG Africa and Pegasus Capital Advisors as key actors driving sustainable development and urban transformation in Africa.
Left to right: Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG Africa, Craig Cogut, CEO & Founder of Pegasus Capital Advisors, Jewel Adjei, IT Special Advisor of UCLG Africa, David Albertani, CEO & Founder, Catalytic Finance Foundation and Gina McCarthy, former U.S. EPA Administrator
UCLG Africa and Pegasus Capital Advisors visiting the company beyond water at Sustainable City in Dubai
Read the press release on the MoU signing with Pegasus Capital Advisors, here.
Abou Samaké, the Kassa islanders’ hope
A member of the 36th graduating class of Conakry’s Gamal Abdel Nasser Polytechnic Institute, Abou Samaké was initially deputy sub-prefect of Kassa, where he is originally from, before being appointed acting sub-prefect in December 2020.
On March 16, 2021, the sub-prefecture of Kassa became an urban commune, an announcement that was greeted with euphoria on the island of the Loos archipelago in Guinea Conakry, and with good reason. Abandoned until then, it has finally had the opportunity to break away from marginalization thanks to financial autonomy.
For Mr. Abou Samaké, it was a relief to see his locality erected as the 6th urban commune by the National Assembly, a status awaited since 2012. “Our ambition today is to develop the islands of Loos, electrification, water supply, maritime transport… In short, we crave development”, he told the Guinean press.
And it was none other than Mr. Samaké who was officially installed at the head of the Kassa Special Delegation on July 06, 2021. Since then, he has fought to register his commune with the funding agency for the communes of Conakry (AFICOM) and succeeded in integrating it without waiting until 2022. It was also during his first months at the helm of Kassa that he rehabilitated the local radio station, which is now broadcasting daily, much to the delight of the islanders. On the environmental front, the commune carried out a vast reforestation campaign in August and September 2021. Abou Samaké’s first 100 days at the helm of Kassa also saw the launch of the construction of a computer center, for which he was able to provide equipment and a trainer.
The new administrative status of the Commune of Kassa enables it to defend its own development projects before international donors, and to draw up bilateral cooperation plans with institutions, as well as with other communes in Guinea Conakry and the rest of the world.
As a result, the mayor is multiplying development projects, notably for the digitization of civil status, the fight against malaria, the rehabilitation of various health centers, sanitation and infrastructure, among others. Education is one of his priority areas, as this former linguistics professor knows that education is the only way to emancipate people and eradicate poverty and juvenile delinquency.
Back in 2009, when he was a schoolteacher, Abou Samaké had launched the Abou-Sorro association with his French friend and teacher, to help get children into school on the island of Kassa. As the Honorary president of the NGO at the helm of the project on the island since the association was created, he is “well on the way to succeeding in this tremendous challenge of providing schooling, literacy, education and training, in collaboration with the families, for hundreds of young islanders who will be the driving force behind the economic development of the Loos islands”, as stated on the Abou-Sorro association’s 2023 membership campaign page.
Little by little, the NGO’s dream is coming true. The foundation stone for the Sorro-Mangué school complex was laid in May 2018, and two of the three planned buildings, as well as the latrines, were completed in September 2020, enabling the first children to start school on that date.
Abou Samaké’s achievements earned him a nomination in 2023 as one of the Guineans who inspire the world by the international structure “Those Who Inspire”. Committed for more than a decade to education in his community, the mayor of Kassa is full of ambition for his commune, where he works passionately to build its future. With so many projects to undertake, Kassa is also reaching out to partners and the State and is not hesitating to approach institutions to move forward, but also to change its image.
Abou Samaké’s ambition for this commune of 35,000 inhabitants, located at the entrance to the capital and whose main activity is fishing, is to make it the showcase of Conakry. This is what he said in an interview with UCLG Africa during the 7th edition of the African Forum of Territorial Managers and Training Institutes targeting Local Governments (FAMI7), held from November 20 to 26, 2023 in El Jedida, Morocco.
FAMI7 was an opportunity for him to attend a training seminar entitled “Urban planning: tools and best practices”, a theme he didn’t choose at random. After all, his new commune is in need of development and evolution. “Planning a city creates resources. If the Loos Islands are well-planned, it would give another face to my capital, to my country, and why not, to Africa.”
The mayor of Kassa said he was convinced that by applying what he had learned, his commune would flourish and be able to make the most of its strong tourist potential. To sum up, Kassa is only at the beginning of its history. It now has its destiny in its own hands, under the leadership of Abou Samaké, whom his teams call “the tireless”.
Sources :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1hr_piesK4&t=4s
https://www.helloasso.com/associations/association-abou-sorro/adhesions/adhesion-abou-sorro-2023
https://mosaiqueguinee.com/kassa-erigee-en-commune-urbaine-on-a-soif-de-developpement-abou-samake-sous-prefet/
https://www.rfi.fr/fr/podcasts/reportage-afrique/20211130-guin%C3%A9e-les-%C3%AEles-de-loos-ont-d%C3%A9sormais-leur-destin-en-main-2-2
https://verite224.com/kassa-abou-samanke-fait-le-bilan-de-ses-100-jours-et-devoile-dautres-innovations-en-cours/
https://guineetime.info/2021/03/17/kassa-erige-en-commune-urbaine-les-habitants-attendaient-depuis-belle-lurette-cette-nouvelle-abou-samake-sous-prefet/
https://abousorro.wixsite.com/accueil/notre-projet
https://www.faapa.info/blog/conakry-administration-installation-officielle-de-la-delegation-speciale-de-kassa/
https://www.thosewhoinspire.com/meet-the-ip/abou-samake/
Launch of the implementation phase of the Green Climate Fund’s Readiness Regional Program for local governments in WAEMU member states at COP28 (PRESS RELEASES)
15 December 2023, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – On December 9, 2023, a session on “Towards a collaborative and inclusive framework for project financing in the WAEMU region” was held at the BOAD Pavilion at COP28 in Dubai. The event marked the launch of the Regional Readiness program for WAEMU countries, initiated in Lomé on July 3, 2023, with the participation of the West African Development Bank (BOAD), the WAEMU Council of Local Authorities (CCT), the focal points of the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the Presidents of the Mayors’ Associations of West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries.
The main objective of the Readiness program is to assist WAEMU local authorities in preparing projects eligible for climate finance institutions, including the Green Climate Fund. The program will help accelerate the territorialization of the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in the WAEMU countries and align territorial climate actions with national actions through the adoption of the Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system, in compliance with the Katowice Rulebook.
The program will also strengthen multi-level governance and decentralized cooperation between local authorities in the definition and implementation of climate-energy projects.
The opening session, moderated by Mr. Jean-Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG Africa, recalled that the GCF initiative aims to prepare local authorities to develop climate and energy projects eligible for climate finance. The event provided an opportunity to clarify the expectations of local authorities regarding the Readiness program, as well as collaboration with BOAD, a financial institution accredited to the GCF.
At the opening ceremony, His Excellency Mr. Alioune Ndoye, Senegal’s Minister of the Environment, Mr. Oumar Ba, Chairman of the WAEMU-CCT, and Mr. Ibrahim Traoré, Head of the Climate Finance Division at BOAD, emphasized the importance of giving local and regional authorities a key role in achieving the Paris Agreement, and the need to mobilize funds for them to accelerate the implementation of climate objectives on the ground.
The panel discussion that followed the opening ceremony enabled a rich exchange between representatives of the GCF Focal Points, Mayors and Presidents of regional and local government associations in the WAEMU.
From this discussion emerged the need for greater professionalization of regional and local government leaders and staff in the climate field; and the need to improve legislative and regulatory aspects.
At the end of the side event, the list of 16 local governments selected to take part in the WAEMU Regional Readiness program was finalized. A steering committee was set up, comprising representatives from the WAEMU Council of Local Authorities, BOAD and UCLG Africa.
For more information, please contact:
Gaëlle Yomi : Tél : + 212 610 56 71 45
E-mail : gyomi@uclga.org
About the WAEMU Council of Local Authorities
The Council of Local Authorities is a consultative body of the WAEMU created by Additional Act n°02/CCEG/WAEMU/2011 of May 30, 2011, of the Conference of Heads of State and Government. Through this act, the Union is giving a clear political signal for greater involvement of local and regional authorities in the integration process, in order to meet the challenges of globalization, promote a multi-level system of governance and take account of the concerns of populations in community development policies and programs – https://www.uemoa.int/en/
About BOAD
The West African Development Bank (BOAD) is the common financing institution for the States of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). It was created through an agreement signed on November 14, 1973. BOAD became operational in 1976. Its main mission is to contribute to the economic integration and balanced development of the WAEMU member countries. These countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo – https://www.boad.org/en/
About UCLG Africa
United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) is the umbrella organization of local authorities in Africa whose founding congress took place in 2005 in the city of Tshwane, South Africa. UCLG Africa stems from the unification of three continental groupings of local governments following the official language inherited from the colonial period, namely: the African Union of Local Authorities (AULA), mainly English-speaking; the Union of African Cities (UVA), essentially French-speaking; and the Africa chapter of the União das Cidades e Capitais Lusófonas Africanas, Americanas e Asiáticas (UCCLA), mainly Portuguese-speaking. UCLG Africa currently brings together the 51 national associations of local governments operating in Africa as well as 2,000 cities and territories with more than 100,000 inhabitants. Through its members, UCLG Africa represents more than 350 million African citizens. Founding member of the world organization of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), UCLG Africa is its regional chapter for Africa. It aims to promote decentralized governance, strengthen the capacities of local governments and advocate the interests of African cities and local authorities. The organization works to promote sustainable urban development, improve local service delivery and empower local communities – https://www.uclga.org/ https://www.uclga.org/.
Awareness raising on the impact of the European Commission CBAM regulation on exporting industries in Africa
December 8th, 2023, at COP28, UCLG Africa Pavilion
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
To foster the transition to the green economy and comply with the engagement of the European Union to become a net zero economy by 2050, the European Commission has put in place a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism that defines a transitional period from 1 October 2023 until 31 December 2025, for any exporter of raw material or goods to the European Union member countries to align with the provisions of the CBAM. Beyond this period any exporter of non-decarbonized products will be liable to a carbon tax on its exported goods at its point of entry in Europe.
The side event attended by leaders of African subnational and local governments as well as African exporting companies help participants to (i) understand what the CBAM is (ii) apprehend how it is going to impact African exporters of raw materials covered by the mechanism i.e. cement, iron, aluminium, hydrogen to name a few and (iii) explore various levers which can be implemented to help African exporting industries to preserve their market shares while meeting SDGs and accelerating their own green transition.
The following recommendations were adopted by participants at the side event:
1) UCLG Africa to disseminate and populate widely the provisions of the European Commission CBAM regulation in African countries and specifically in the cities and territories hosting economic free zones areas which exports to the European Union member countries will be strongly impacted by the CBAM regulation;
2) African countries and subnational governments, particularly those which export raw material to EU member countries or house economic free zones areas to urgently initiate and implement a decarbonation strategy of their industrial areas and exporting activities;
3) The European Commission to accompany African countries in the implementation of the CBAM regulation by providing technical assistance and transfer of technologies using the European Global Gateway or the Team Europe framework.
Media Contact: gyomi@uclga.org; contact@lem-co.com; laurence.em@lem-co.com;
UCLG AFRICA SIGNS MOU WITH PEGASUS CAPITAL ADVISORS
Impact investment pioneer announces partnership and plan to bring green infrastructure projects to local African communities
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, December 13, 2023 – The United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG Africa) is pleased to announce the signing of a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the leading global impact investment firm Pegasus Capital Advisors and its Subnational Climate Fund at the Local Climate Action Summit held at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The MoU signing, which took place on December 2nd, marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between UCLG Africa and Pegasus Capital Advisors and reinforces their mutual commitment to advancing sustainable development across Africa. The Local Climate Action Summit saw the convergence of key decision-makers, experts, and stakeholders from around the world who gathered to address pressing global challenges related to climate change and sustainable urban development.
The partnership between UCLG Africa and Pegasus Capital Advisors aims to foster innovative solutions, catalyze sustainable urban development projects, and support local governments in Africa in their efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of the Paris Agreement. By combining UCLG Africa’s vast network and expertise in local governance with Pegasus Capital Advisors’ comprehensive resources, this collaboration is poised to drive transformative change at the local level and leverage sustainable investments for the benefit of African cities and local communities. Immediate priorities include renewable energy, waste management, access to broadband technologies and water resilience, with initial projects and locations already identified in Kisumu, Kenya.
Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, Secretary General of UCLG Africa, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to enter into this strategic collaboration with Pegasus. This MoU represents a significant step forward in our collective journey towards sustainable development in Africa. By joining forces, we can unlock new opportunities for urban growth and ensure the advancement of prosperous, resilient, and inclusive cities across the continent.”
Craig Cogut, CEO & Founder of Pegasus Capital Advisors, emphasized their commitment to sustainability and belief in the power of partnerships. He said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with UCLG Africa to address the pressing challenges faced by local governments in Africa. Together, we will work towards designing and implementing urban solutions that create positive socio-economic and environmental impact. By pooling our expertise and resources, we can unlock a new era of sustainable development and investment opportunities.”
Read more here