By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
In a landmark gathering of regional leaders and climate stakeholders, the African Urban Heat Summit took center stage on February 6, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown. The high-level summit, co-hosted by the Freetown City Council and Climate Resilience for All, was officially opened by Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. It aimed to address the growing threat of extreme heat in African cities by driving urgent solutions and mobilizing critical financing.
A key highlight of the summit was the launch of Freetown’s first-ever Heat Action Plan (HAP), a strategic framework designed to enhance urban resilience against rising temperatures. The plan focuses on infrastructure improvements, protective measures for vulnerable groups and sustainable development initiatives to mitigate the effects of extreme heat.
With record-high temperatures affecting most months except March, September and November the HAP seeks to reduce heat-related illnesses, fatalities and economic losses. By addressing urban heat waves, the plan also aims to boost labor productivity and strengthen city-wide climate adaptation efforts.
The summit attracted an esteemed gathering of local and international figures, including Mayors from Kanifing (Gambia), Monrovia (Liberia), Conakry (Guinea), Accra (Ghana), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) and Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire). Vice Governors, Local Council Leaders, representatives from multilateral organizations and climate experts also participated in the discussions.
Delivering the keynote address, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh underscored the economic and environmental risks posed by extreme heat in rapidly urbanizing African cities.
“Extreme heat is now a daily reality for millions of Africans, particularly in growing urban centers like Freetown. It impacts public health, energy supply and economic productivity,” Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasized.
Viewing the crisis as an opportunity for innovation, he urged African cities to take the lead in climate adaptation efforts. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to urban climate resilience, citing national initiatives such as the National Adaptation Plan and the Freetown The Tree Town campaign, which promotes tree-planting as a nature-based solution to urban heat.
The British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Josephine Guald, commended Freetown’s leadership in tackling extreme heat, particularly in light of the record-breaking temperatures experienced in January. She highlighted Sierra Leone’s vulnerability to climate change and called for greater investment in green spaces and tree preservation.
“The urban heat island effect makes cities even hotter, reinforcing the need for sustainable urban planning and green infrastructure,” she remarked. She reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s environmental sustainability efforts.
World Bank Country Manager, Abdu Muwonge, stressed the economic consequences of climate change, pointing to examples of successful urban resilience strategies in Johannesburg, Kigali and Nairobi. He praised Freetown’s community-driven climate initiatives and advocated for better urban planning to curb land encroachment and environmental degradation.
Abdu Muwonge also highlighted pressing challenges in transportation and water management, urging the expansion of public transit to reduce congestion and lower emissions. He further emphasized the importance of mangrove conservation and sustainable water resource management.
Freetown City Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, expressed optimism about the Heat Action Plan, describing it as a transformative step in the city’s climate resilience journey.
“This plan underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and strengthening urban resilience. Through collaborative research and strategic planning, we are implementing cooling corridors, nature-based solutions and public awareness campaigns to combat extreme heat,” she stated.
She also emphasized the need for community participation, calling on residents, businesses and organizations to actively contribute to the HAP’s success.
“As Margaret Mead once said, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.’ Together, we can build a climate-conscious Freetown.”
EU Chargé d’Affaires, Gerald Hatler, reaffirmed the European Union’s dedication to climate change mitigation in Sierra Leone. He highlighted the risks posed by urban heat to Freetown’s Western Area National Park and stressed the importance of public-private collaboration in advancing green infrastructure projects.
“The EU is eager to share its expertise in tree-planting and sustainable urban development,” Gerald Hatler stated, calling for long-term environmental policies.
Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alfred Moi Jamiru, underscored the global nature of climate challenges, urging closer cooperation among local councils to manage the environmental impact of urbanization. He also advocated for stricter plastic waste regulations to reduce pollution and enhance urban sustainability.
The African Urban Heat Summit concluded with a strong call for collective action at local, national and international levels. As Freetown embarks on its climate resilience journey with the launch of the Heat Action Plan, stakeholders expressed optimism that the strategies outlined during the summit would lead to tangible, life-saving policies for urban populations facing the rising threat of extreme heat.
With growing international support and local commitment, Freetown is poised to become a model city in West Africa’s fight against climate change.
