Nature-based solutions bolster climate resilience in African cities

Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and green-gray infrastructure (GGI) interventions are increasingly prevalent in African cities and globally, reshaping approaches to climate resilience. These projects, when implemented effectively, offer protection from climate shocks, support biodiversity, and improve socio-economic and health outcomes.

A recent World Resources Institute (WRI) report indicates that new NBS projects in sub-Saharan Africa have grown by an average of 15% annually from 2012 to 2021. The focus now is on sustaining this momentum and integrating NBS into long-term climate resilience planning.

WRI’s Green-Gray Infrastructure Accelerator

The World Resources Institute’s Green-Gray Infrastructure Accelerator promotes a cross-sectoral approach to NBS integration and facilitates peer learning exchanges among African cities. This initiative aims to foster collaboration and share best practices.

Rwanda’s Urban Resilience Initiatives

In Rwanda, WRI has engaged cross-sectoral stakeholders to implement NBS projects aimed at enhancing urban resilience. These efforts have involved restoring or planting 2,407 hectares and over 100,000 trees over a two-year period. Simultaneously, these partnerships are working to incorporate NBS into emerging climate and urbanization plans at both city and national levels.

Upcoming Webinar on Rwanda’s Green Infrastructure

A webinar scheduled for March 12, 2026, will feature speakers from the Rwandan government, development agencies, and community groups. The discussion will center on strategies for transitioning from isolated projects to the long-term integration of nature and infrastructure within policy frameworks. This webinar is part of WRI Africa’s Green-Gray Infrastructure Accelerator Webinar Series, drawing on expertise from Cities4Forests, Urban Water Resilience, and other partners across the continent.

Climate Risks and Urban Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

Cities across sub-Saharan Africa face escalating climate risks, including droughts, extreme heat, and frequent floods, which threaten public health, livelihoods, and economies. Projections indicate that by 2050, 85% of urban residents in the region will experience at least eight days a year with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, potentially increasing heat-related illnesses and reducing worker productivity. Land-use changes are also contributing to biodiversity loss and weakening essential ecosystem services.

With the urban population in sub-Saharan Africa expected to double by 2050, cities must address infrastructure gaps to protect vulnerable communities and ensure a climate-resilient future. This is particularly critical for the 60% of the region’s urban population residing in informal settlements, who are disproportionately susceptible to climate risks.

The Green-Gray Infrastructure Accelerator’s Approach

The Green-Gray Infrastructure (GGI) Accelerator collaborates with cities in sub-Saharan Africa to address climate resilience challenges by providing effective, context-specific climate and infrastructure solutions. It offers technical assistance throughout the project lifecycle, from feasibility studies and financing to pilot implementation, scaling, and replication. The goal is to create more livable, equitable, inclusive, resilient, and vibrant cities through the effective scaling of NBS and GGI.

Combining Green and Gray Infrastructure

Green-gray infrastructure combines the benefits of natural “green” infrastructure, such as forests and mangroves, with traditional “gray” infrastructure, like seawalls and water treatment plants. This integrated approach strengthens existing infrastructure systems while enhancing climate resilience, protecting biodiversity, and improving natural ecosystems.

Participating Cities in the Accelerator

The initial cohort of the Green-Gray Infrastructure Accelerator includes 11 cities across seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa: Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa, Ethiopia; Kigali and Musanze, Rwanda; Johannesburg and Gqeberha, South Africa; Bukavu and Uvira, the Democratic Republic of Congo; Nairobi, Kenya; Kumasi, Ghana; and Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo.

The Need for Monitoring and Investment

The World Resources Institute emphasizes that communities in sub-Saharan Africa are predicted to experience severe impacts from climate change, significantly affecting lives, livelihoods, economic growth, and human and environmental health. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are crucial for building community resilience and mitigating these impacts. To scale up NBS investments, WRI highlights the urgent need to track, monitor, and understand the current status of NBS project implementation.