ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network working with more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development.

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Kaiser-Friedrich-Str. 7
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Germany

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network working with more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development.

ICLEI Regional Secretariats and country offices

Africa Cities Water Adaptation Platform

ACWA Platform
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ACTIVITY INFORMATION
What we are doing

Many of the world's fastest-growing cities are found in Africa, where rapid urbanisation leads to an increasing need for sustainable water and sanitation services. As these urban areas develop, they encounter significant challenges posed by climate change, which results in erratic water availability. The new normal is that water is either too little, too much, or too dirty. To effectively address these challenges, it is essential for African cities to implement a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing urban water resilience. This strategy should not only focus on upgrading current infrastructure but also incorporate nature-based solutions that can support and strengthen these initiatives. By leveraging the benefits of natural ecosystems—such as wetlands, forests, and green roofs—cities can enhance their water management practices, boost biodiversity, and alleviate the effects of climate change. Investing in these sustainable approaches will not only meet the immediate demands for water and sanitation but will also establish a robust foundation for future resilience. As cities adopt innovative methods that merge traditional infrastructure with ecological strategies, they can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future, ensuring that all inhabitants have access to clean and safe water.

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How we are tracking

By the end of 2025 the existing partners are reconvened with a new commitment. By the end of 2026 at least 2 new donors support the programme. By the end of 2026 at least 2 pilot projects are initiated in the partner countries.

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What we are achieving

Hosted by ICLEI Africa, the African Cities Water Adaptation (ACWA) Platform is a dynamic alliance of African cities and partners united in the mission to build water-secure, climate-resilient urban futures. The Platform connects cities to the support they need—tools, technical expertise, peer learning, and financing—to respond effectively to water-related challenges intensified by climate change. In partnership with the World Resources Institute’s Urban Water Resilience in Africa initiative, ACWA brings together more than 25 organisations, including governments, civil society, research institutes, financiers, and development agencies, to deliver locally relevant and transformative action.

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