Sierra Leone hosted the first African Urban Heat Summit on February 6, 2025, to address extreme heat in African cities. Organized by Freetown and Climate Resilience for All (CRA), the summit launched Freetown’s Heat Action Plan (HAP), Africa’s first comprehensive strategy to combat rising temperatures.
Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr unveiled the plan, emphasizing the urgent need to tackle extreme heat, which disrupts lives, strains healthcare, and threatens economies.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that the economic cost of climate change in African cities could be twice the global average. British High Commissioner Josephine Gauld praised Freetown’s leadership, stressing the importance of green infrastructure and sustainable urban planning.
The HAP solutions include creating cooling corridors, expanding green spaces, upgrading infrastructure, and protecting vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly. Also, public awareness campaigns on heat risks are prioritized.
According to CEO Kathy Baughman McLeod said, “This Summit represents hope and action — both are needed to tackle this invisible threat. With women disproportionately affected, solutions for heat must start and end with their voices and leadership.”
By 2050, over 70% of Africa’s population will live in cities, with deadly heatwaves projected to affect one-third of urban dwellers by the 2090s. CRA announced a $120,000 grant to support heat action measures in three cities. With international support and local commitment, Freetown is leading the fight against extreme heat, ensuring cities remain livable and resilient. Its success could inspire similar initiatives, strengthening Africa’s climate resilience.
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