Green Cities in Action for Africa
Green Cities in Action for Africa is a flagship project funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, implemented under the FAO Green Cities Initiative. It supports 10 cities across 5 African countries in developing evidence-based Green City Action Plans to adapt to climate change while generating co-benefits for urban communities, the environment, and local economies.
Countries and cities
Algeria
Côte d’Ivoire
Abidjan, Bouaké
Kenya
Nairobi, Kisumu
Mozambique
Chimoio, Pemba
Uganda
Kampala, Hoima
Objectives
- Designing multifunctional green infrastructures that addresses local needs while enhancing biodiversity, climate resilience, and urban liveability.
- Strengthening institutional capacities at national and local levels to integrate green and climatesmart solutions into urban planning and development processes.
- Facilitating access to climate finance and investment opportunities by aligning proposed actions with international funding frameworks.
- Fostering inclusive stakeholder engagement to ensure that the perspectives of women, youth, and vulnerable groups are integrated into urban transformation strategies.
- Encouraging cross-sectoral partnerships among public authorities, private investors, civil society, and research institutions to support innovation and long-term impact.
Green Cities in Action for Africa – Innovative solutions for urban development
FAO’s Malgorzata Buszko-Briggs explains how the Green Cities in Action for Africa project works in 8 cities across Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Mozambique and Uganda.
The Green Cities Initiative – In Action for Africa
Through urban forestry, city farming, circular bioeconomy and sustainable energy, the Green Cities in Action for Africa project is creating jobs, empowering communities, and building greener cities that are fit for the future.
Priority areas of the project
Each Green City Action Plan integrates solutions across four thematic areas.
.jpg?sfvrsn=4d2039d7_3 "urban and periurban forestry icon(1)"){kind=icon}
Urban and peri-urban forestry
Creating, conserving, and managing green spaces - from urban parks to shaded streets and ecological corridors - offers a variety of benefits that contribute to healthier urban environments. These efforts:
- improve urban climate and air quality
- support soft mobility and access to local services
- generate jobs in landscaping, public works, and nature-based tourism
Urban and peri-urban agriculture
Urban farming, ranging from community gardens to resilient agroforestry, plays a crucial role in strengthening the sustainability of cities. It brings multiple advantages, such as:
- strengthening local food systems
- empowering youth and women through entrepreneurship
- supporting cooperatives, markets, and food-related enterprises
(1).jpg?sfvrsn=1b23da42_1 "sustainable energy"){kind=icon}
Circular bioeconomy
By innovatively reusing organic and aquatic waste through composting, bio-based materials, and circular industries, cities can significantly reduce their environmental impact. This sector helps:
- reduce urban waste
- drive environmental innovation
- create new green business opportunities
Sustainable energy
Decentralized energy systems, including microgrids, bioenergy, and waste-to-energy infrastructure, are essential for powering climate-resilient cities. They provide the following benefits:
- boost community self-sufficiency
- power investment in clean energy
- fuel climate-smart urban growth
Contacts
Alessandro Negro
Project Manager and Resources Mobilization Specialist
[email protected]
Michela Conigliaro
Project Operations and Knowledge Management Specialist
[email protected]