As Africa continues to experience rapid urbanisation, the effects of climate change are magnifying the challenges facing its expanding cities. By 2050, it is projected that Africa will be home to nearly 2.5 billion people, with the majority living in urban areas. The continent's mega-cities, such as Lagos, Kinshasa, and Cairo, are growing at unprecedented rates, often outpacing the capacity of local infrastructure and governance systems. This explosive growth, combined with the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters, is placing immense strain on Africa's urban environments, threatening both the livelihoods of millions and the sustainability of these rapidly growing cities.
African cities are already facing the dual challenges of unplanned urban sprawl and inadequate infrastructure, with many urban populations living in informal settlements. Climate change is worsening these vulnerabilities, with extreme weather events - such as floods, heatwaves and rising sea levels - disproportionately affecting the urban poor. Informal settlements, which often lack access to proper sanitation, drainage and housing, are particularly exposed to the impacts of flooding and extreme weather. For example, coastal cities like Lagos and Alexandria are at significant risk from rising sea levels, with millions of residents facing displacement as coastal erosion intensifies and low-lying areas become uninhabitable.
In addition to the direct threats of flooding and sea-level rise, urban heat islands - where cities experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas - are becoming more pronounced due to climate change. This is particularly dangerous in densely populated cities with limited green spaces, where poor urban planning has created concrete jungles that trap heat. These elevated temperatures can have severe health consequences, increasing the incidence of heat-related illnesses and deaths, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, children and people with pre-existing conditions. The energy demand for cooling buildings is expected to skyrocket as well, placing further pressure on already strained energy systems.
The strain on water resources is another critical concern for Africa’s mega-cities. Rapid urbanisation, coupled with erratic rainfall patterns driven by climate change, is contributing to water scarcity in cities across the continent. Cities like Cape Town, which faced the infamous 'Day Zero' water crisis in 2018, serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by climate-induced water shortages. As urban populations grow, competition for limited water supplies between urban, agricultural and industrial users will intensify, potentially leading to conflict and further exacerbating social inequalities. In addition, the contamination of water sources from flooding poses severe risks to public health, as it increases the spread of waterborne diseases in densely populated urban areas.
The economic impacts of climate change on African cities are equally profound. Climate-related disasters are crippling urban economies, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, housing and transportation networks. Rebuilding after floods or storms often takes years, diverting resources away from other critical areas of development. Disruptions to urban food supply chains caused by extreme weather events in agricultural regions, are leading to inflation and food insecurity in cities, driving up the cost of living and increasing poverty.
Despite these challenges, African cities can also be hubs for climate resilience and innovation. Investments in sustainable urban planning, green infrastructure and climate-adaptive housing can help mitigate the impacts of climate change while promoting economic growth. Cities like Kigali, Rwanda, are leading the way by incorporating green spaces, flood management systems and renewable energy into their urban development plans. African cities have the potential to become leaders in sustainable urbanisation by integrating climate resilience into their growth strategies, creating more liveable and equitable urban environments.
In response to these growing pressures, African governments must prioritise climate-resilient urban planning that addresses the specific vulnerabilities of cities. This will require a concerted effort to strengthen local governance, increase investment in urban infrastructure and promote policies that encourage sustainable growth. For instance, upgrading informal settlements, enhancing drainage systems and investing in public transportation that reduces reliance on fossil fuels will be critical in making cities more resilient to climate shocks. Regional collaboration between African cities can also facilitate the sharing of best practices and resources, helping to create a continent-wide network of climate-resilient urban centres.
The path forward for African megacities is full of challenges, but it also presents opportunities for innovation and sustainable development. As climate change reshapes the urban landscape, African cities must adapt quickly to protect their growing populations and ensure that urbanisation becomes a driver of resilience rather than vulnerability. Taking decisive action today will allow African leaders to safeguard the future of the continent’s cities, building urban environments that will withstand the impacts of climate change.