Climate action and energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa: insights from Covenant of Mayors signatories

This study explores how 17 Sub-Saharan African municipalities are addressing climate change through the Covenant of Mayors for Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) initiative. By analysing their Sustainable Energy Access and Climate Action Plans (SEACAPs), the research assesses efforts in mitigation, adaptation, and energy access using the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM) framework. Municipalities often exceed national climate targets, with tailored adaptation actions aligned with local risks and national priorities. Energy access measures focus on electricity and clean cooking, though some fall short of aiming to achieve universal access. The study highlights integrated actions across mitigation, adaptation and energy access, underscoring local governments’ strong climate commitment. As the first systematic analysis of SEACAPs under CoM SSA, it provides valuable insights for policy and practice in urban climate governance. Despite progress, funding and capacity gaps remain critical barriers, calling for increased support to scale up sustainable urban development in the region.

PITTALIS Marco;  PALERMO Valentina;  BORGES DA SILVEIRA BEZERRA Paula;  MELICA Giulia; 

2025-08-29

SPRINGER NATURE

JRC140630

2661-8001 (online),   

https://www.nature.com/articles/s42949-025-00250-8,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC140630,   

10.1038/s42949-025-00250-8 (online),