Harnessing Nature: Sub-Saharan Africa’s Shift Towards Climate Resilience
A recent report by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Bank, with support from the African Development Bank (AfDB), has revealed that Sub-Saharan African nations are increasingly turning to nature-based solutions to combat climate challenges such as flooding, drought, and extreme weather events.
The report, Growing Resilience: Unlocking the Potential of Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa, examines nearly 300 projects initiated over the past decade. It highlights a 15% annual increase in new nature-based projects from 2012 to 2021, with a strong focus on restoring forests, wetlands, and coral reefs. Beyond enhancing climate resilience, these initiatives contribute to job creation, biodiversity preservation, and social equity.
Despite this progress, the report underscores the need for significantly greater investment. While funding for nature-based projects in Sub-Saharan Africa grew by 23% annually, surpassing $12 billion between 2012 and 2021, this remains a fraction of the estimated $100 billion annual infrastructure financing gap in Africa.
“Nature loss and climate risks are inherently linked, especially here in Africa,” noted Qimiao Fan, World Bank’s country director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda. He stressed the importance of inclusive solutions that protect vulnerable communities from worsening climate threats.
One of the report’s key findings is the underrepresentation of nature-based solutions in urban areas, even though 70% of African cities face severe climate risks. While traditional infrastructure like dams and drainage systems remain essential, integrating natural infrastructure—such as urban wetlands and green corridors—can boost resilience and reduce long-term costs.
To bridge this gap, WRI has launched the Green-Gray Infrastructure Accelerator, a program designed to help 11 cities across Sub-Saharan Africa incorporate nature-based solutions into their conventional infrastructure. This initiative will provide technical, policy, and financial support to cities seeking to develop innovative climate adaptation projects and attract investment.
“Nature supplies clean water, protects communities from disasters, and strengthens resilience,” said WRI president and CEO Ani Dasgupta. The report advocates for a comprehensive approach that blends green and gray infrastructure to maximize benefits for both people and the environment.
With climate risks escalating across the region, the urgency for effective, sustainable solutions has never been greater. Nature-based strategies offer a powerful, cost-effective way to bolster resilience while promoting ecological and economic well-being.
