Rising energy costs, changing supply chains, climate impacts and new technologies are reshaping local economies worldwide. At the same time, new markets, innovative technologies and new forms of cooperation offer municipalities significant opportunities to strengthen their economic base, attract investment and create new prospects for businesses and employment.
Connective Cities invites municipalities and other local economic development actors to join the new international Deep Dive “Strengthening Local Economies – Globally Competitive, Profitable and Fit for the Future.”
Over approximately 1.5 years, participating municipalities will exchange experiences internationally, analyse their local economic structures, challenges and opportunities, and develop concrete strategies, partnerships and local projects for more resilient, innovative and future-oriented local economies.
Depending on the priorities of participating municipalities, the Deep Dive may address topics such as:
local competitiveness and structural change
business- and investment-friendly municipalities
innovation ecosystems and future technologies, including AI and sustainable energy
cooperation between municipalities, businesses, universities and other local actors
financing growth and turning ideas into implementable projects
The programme combines in-person workshops, digital exchanges, expert input and peer learning, with opportunities for short expert missions and peer visits.
Key information
Virtual kick-off: End of November 2026
First in-person workshop: Early February 2027 (3 days)
Duration: Approx. 1.5 years
Target group: Municipal and regional administrations, economic development agencies, municipal enterprises and other relevant institutions
Regions: Germany, Southeast Europe and the South Caucasus, Sub-Saharan Africa, and MENA
Working language: English
Submit your Expression of Interest by 31 October 2026
Interested in participating?
Find further information on the objectives, thematic focus, participation conditions and application process in the full Call for Participation [PDF].
International Community of Practice for Sustainable Municipal Development
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE NO. 96, July 2026
Dear Readers,
‘A ship in harbour is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for,” wrote the American author, John A. Shedd. In keeping with this motto, this issue shows how plans are turned into concrete actions, taking into account all risks and side effects. As always, we rely on dialogue among experts.
We provide insight into the development of a 36-month roadmap for the implementation of green hydrogen and sustainable economic development in South Africa, which was created during a five-day expert mission and through inter-municipal cooperation. At the UCLG World Congress, our Lab addressed the question of how municipalities can transform local plans into public services, with a deliberate focus on the challenges involved. A three-day open exchange among 11 municipalities from seven countries on startup support, innovation and career prospects for young people in Bremen has now formed the basis for further collaboration as part of a new learning process. This process is aimed at developing concrete, future-oriented measures and preparing them for implementation.
Best practices can be a source of inspiration. For instance, the municipality of Bağcılar, a district of Istanbul, has developed a digital twin for disaster management in this earthquake-prone region. This digital twin is now also being used for infrastructure planning, particularly with regard to climate resilience, and provides digital citizen services.
Municipal partnerships for civil protection, critical infrastructure, and crisis preparedness are also recognized by the 2027 Goerdeler Prize. In addition to the prize money, the award offers high-profile recognition.
We hope you find this an inspiring read.
Your Connective Cities Team
REVIEW
Driver of Green Transformation: Connective Cities Expert Mission in Waterberg
Communal Dialogue on Green Hydrogen and Sustainable Economic Development
From 8 to 12 June 2026, Connective Cities organised an international expert mission in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Waterberg District Council. The mission aimed to support economic transformation and green industrial development at a local government level. The mission brought together municipal representatives, researchers, and experts from industry and practice from South Africa and Germany to share knowledge and identify the economic potential of green hydrogen. The mission concluded with a strategy workshop, during which participants created a 36-month regional development roadmap.
From Challenge to Practice: How Municipalities Turn Local Plans into Public Services
Connective Cities Lab at the UCLG World Congress 2026
The lab focused on a challenge shared by local authorities worldwide: strategies and development plans are in place – yet translating them into effective, inclusive and sustainable public services is often a complex task. The session therefore deliberately centred on concrete experiences of implementation, challenges and collaborative learning. Among other things, the discussion covered examples from waste management in the city of Krefeld, the Kiunga Solar-Powered Desalination Initiative in Lamu County, Kenya, and the implementation of infrastructure projects in the municipality of Pékine in Senegal. The lab highlighted how international municipal exchange can go beyond traditional ‘good practice’ presentations, with local authorities speaking openly about challenges and working together to find solutions.
Start-ups and Innovation: Labour Market Opportunities and Prospects for Young People
International Municipalities Exchange Ideas in Bremen, Germany
From 30 June to 2 July 2026, around 35 experts from 11 local authorities and seven countries gathered in Bremen to exchange experiences, learn from one another, and develop new approaches together. The event focused on the opportunities that start-ups and entrepreneurship create for employment, economic development, and social participation among young people. A key finding was that, despite differing local conditions, municipalities around the world face many similar challenges. Young entrepreneurs need access to advisory services, networks, financing, suitable infrastructure, and practical education. Municipalities play a crucial role as facilitators, supporters, and enablers of thriving local entrepreneurial ecosystems. The event marked the launch of a new Connective Cities learning process.
How a municipality in Istanbul combines citizen services with data-driven urban risk management
Bağcılar is one of Istanbul’s most densely populated districts, with approximately 710,000 inhabitants. Located on the coast of the Sea of Marmara, it covers an area of about 22 square kilometers. As a municipality in a region with a high risk of earthquakes, Bağcılar faces the urgent task of taking precautions to protect its population and urban systems in the event of a crisis. With their ‘Digital Urban Twin Platform’, the administration aims to enable faster assessment of situations in emergencies and disasters. Digital simulation of risk scenarios – such as tsunamis following earthquakes – allows for improved civil protection measures and necessary adjustments to urban systems. Furthermore, continuous digital monitoring of building conditions enables the identification of heat islands, for example, and supports the efficient planning of photovoltaic systems.
Public service delivery, local gender equality policy and the start of a new governance cycle
From 22 to 25 June 2026, the World Congress of the World Organisation of Local Authorities (United Cities and Local Governments, or UCLG) took place in Tangier, Morocco. With the theme of ‘A New Generation of Universal Local Public Services’, the event attracted over 3,000 delegates from around the world. Alongside the technical discussions in numerous barcamps and side events, and the many networking opportunities, the Congress marked the beginning of a new governance cycle for the international local government movement. Another significant event was the inaugural UCLG Women’s Assembly, which convened female mayors, governors, and other female local decision-makers from across the globe. The focus was on exchanging views on local gender equality policies, empowering women in political leadership roles and developing the Feminist Municipal Movement within the UCLG further.
Resilient Municipalities: Municipal Partnerships for Civil Protection, Critical Infrastructure and Crisis Preparedness
Connective Cities is pleased to once again support the call for applications for the Municipal Award 2027 of the Carl and Anneliese Goerdeler Foundation Fund (CAG), following its integration into the Leipzig Foundation. The award recognises outstanding achievements in local governance and administration. It highlights innovative and transferable good practices
on the theme of ‘Resilient Communities’ developed through cooperation between municipalities — particularly in an international context. The award therefore seeks cross-border municipal partnerships. A prerequisite for application is the involvement of a German municipality or a municipal alliance.The prize includes a high-profile award and is endowed with 2,000 euros. The deadline for applications is 31 August 2026.
Engagement Global gGmbH
Service Agency Communities in One World
Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 40, 53113 Bonn | Deutschland
Contact: Sibylle Loyeau
Email: sibylle.loyeau@engagement-global.de
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 32 + 36, 53113 Bonn | Deutschland
Contact: Ricarda Meissner
Email: ricarda.meissner@giz.de
We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming virtual Insight Session on ‘nature-based solutions for urban resilience’, which will take place on July 15, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM CET.
Cities in sub-Saharan Africa, Germany, and other regions are increasingly relying on nature-based solutions to address flooding, climate risks, biodiversity loss, and the associated urban development challenges. However, integrating these approaches into municipal planning, management, and implementation remains a complex task.
This Insight Session brings together research, policy and community network perspectives to present practical approaches for planning, integrating and implementing nature-based solutions.
We invite the following discussion partners:
Andreas Wolter, President of Climate Alliance Presentation: From Local Action to Collective Impact: How Municipal Networks Advance Climate Resilience
Andreas Wolter will present the Climate Alliance network and highlight its role in supporting municipalities to strengthen local climate action. His presentation will provide important insights into how city networks learn from each other, promote knowledge exchange, advocacy, and collaboration, while simultaneously helping municipalities translate climate commitments into practical measures – such as nature-based solutions to strengthen municipal resilience.
McKenna Davis Senior Fellow and Coordinator for Nature-Based Solutions at Ecologic Institute, Berlin Presentation:Mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions: Insights and Practical Examples from the Urban Governance Atlas
McKenna Davis will share insights and practical examples from the Urban Governance Atlas and the Climate Adaptation Naturally project, highlighting how nature-based solutions can be integrated into municipal policy and planning.
Dr. Kirk B. Neu,Researcher in the fields of landscape architecture, landscape planning and urban resilience Presentation:Evidence-based Lessons on Planning Nature-based Solutions for Flood Resilience in Sub-Saharan African Cities
Drawing on research from Ghana and the wider Sub-Saharan African region, Kirk Enu will present practical lessons on how municipalities can use research evidence to plan and implement nature-based solutions for inclusive flood resilience.
The event offers participants the following:
practical examples of nature-based solutions for strengthening the resilience of urban flood zones;
Insights into the framework conditions for governance, policy and planning required for implementation;
Insights from the compatibility of research results with municipal decision-making processes;
Perspectives on the role of municipal networks in promoting climate protection measures; and
an opportunity to exchange experiences with practitioners and experts from different cities and regions.
The event will be held in English, with French translation provided.
We cordially invite municipal practitioners, urban planners, climate and resilience experts, researchers, development partners and other interested members of the Connective Cities network to participate.
We look forward to welcoming you to the event.
If you have any questions or require support, please contact: moses.munuve@giz.de
From 8 to 12 June 2026, Connective Cities, in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Waterberg District Municipality, organised an international expert mission on economic transition and green industrial development at the municipal level. The mission brought together municipal representatives, researchers, and experts from industry and practice from South Africa (SALGA, Waterberg District Municipality, and the local municipalities of Lephalale and Mogalakwena), Germany (the Economic Development Agencies of the Cities of Karlsruhe and Heilbronn, as well as the Baden-Württemberg RegioClusterAgency), Namibia (Lüderitz Town Council), and Kenya (the County Government of Nakuru). Participants exchanged experiences, discussed shared challenges, and explored the opportunities that the emerging green hydrogen economy—based on the production of hydrogen using renewable energy sources—offers for local and regional development.
Visit at SALGA | Photo; Grace Karanja
The mission formed part of broader efforts for the Just Energy Transition and complemented the work of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Municipal Council (JETMC), which is strengthening municipal readiness for a shift toward cleaner and more sustainable energy systems. Through policy discussions, technical presentations, and site visits to strategic infrastructure such as the Eskom Matimba Power Station and Exxaro Solar Power Station, participants gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing regions transitioning from coal-dependent industries.
Central themes of the mission were the role of green hydrogen in driving local economic development, industrial diversification, and job creation. Waterberg District Municipality highlighted the importance of ensuring that the transition is both environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. Participants learned about progress made in Waterberg District municipality in cooperation with both Lephalale and Mogalakwena Local Municipalities, including municipal skills development initiatives, governance structures, funding mobilization efforts, and partnerships supporting green hydrogen capacity building.
The Waterberg Development Initiative (WDI) presented its vision for a coordinated regional development model that aligns municipalities, industry, and communities around shared economic and sustainability goals. Discussions also featured contributions from national government representatives, development partners, and municipalities already advancing hydrogen-related projects, demonstrating growing momentum behind South Africa’s hydrogen economy.
Final workshop with stakeholders in Waterberg | Photo: Elwin Gaoseb
The mission concluded with a strategy workshop, where participants jointly developed a 36-month roadmap for regional development. The roadmap identified priority actions in infrastructure development, skills readiness, investment attraction, and partnership building to support the creation of a future “Waterberg Hydrogen Corridor.” These outcomes complemented Hydrogen Cities Working group discussions on municipal capability development, finance mobilization, and energy access, while addressing challenges such as financing constraints and uneven municipal preparedness.
The expert mission reinforced the critical role municipalities play in South Africa’s energy transition. Through international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and practical planning, the initiative demonstrated how green industrialization can drive sustainable economic growth while ensuring communities remain at the center of the transition to a cleaner, more resilient future.
Meeting with Mayor and Employees at Lephalale Municipality | Photo: Elwin Gaoseb
Connective Cities invites two experts from your municipality to participate in the international exchange of expertise in Bremen and the subsequent learning process
Do you support the startup scene in your municipality? What opportunities do you offer young people in the job market? What challenges do you face in your work? The City of Bremen is already well-connected on this topic—including internationally. Now, in cooperation with Connective Cities, the city invites you to join five other German and six international municipalities in Bremen to exchange expertise on startup initiatives and incubators, as well as municipal incentives and support programs for startups and new businesses.
Opening new perspectives and promoting skills development are equally important for young people in Germany and the Global South; the opportunity to enter the labour market is essential. In Bremen and Bremerhaven, the number of startups is high by national standards. The startup scene is vibrant, innovative, and well-connected. The Bremen Senate Chancellery also already has valuable international contacts: its partner cities Windhoek (Namibia) and Durban (South Africa) contribute experience with their own startup centres and instruments for startup support.
The goals of this dialogue event are to learn together by sharing good practices at the local level, to discuss challenges through peer consultations, to develop solutions to the challenges identified, and to foster networking among participants.
We look forward to the participation of two experts from your municipality, particularly from the fields of economic development, labour and social affairs, or youth work.
International Community of Practice for Sustainable Municipal Development
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE NO. 92, February 2026
Dear readers,
‘Hydrogen and oxygen will secure the Earth’s energy supply for the foreseeable future,’ predicted Jules Verne in his 1875 novel ‘The Mysterious Island,’ anticipating the importance of hydrogen electrolysis and fuel cell technology.
Technology has the power to open up new worlds. In this issue, we demonstrate how AI visualisations can facilitate the redesign of sustainable and affordable living spaces. We also explore how the rural German city of Borgholzhausen has developed a unique electric car-sharing service for the last mile to and from the train station. Hydrogen is also the subject of two planned Insight Sessions, to which you are cordially invited. We will present the Heilbronn hydrogen model and the Hamburg hydrogen strategy from German cities.
During the last week of March, we will hold two more virtual events to discuss how skilled labour immigration can be organised at a municipal level. We will also explore how mobility data can be effectively managed in the context of urban mobility planning.
There are also still places available on the one-year regional learning programme, ‘Protecting critical infrastructure through risk-informed development in Southern Europe/South Caucasus’. We warmly invite local authorities from the region to apply and have extended the application deadline slightly.
We look forward to working with you to open up new possibilities for sustainable and socially responsible urban development.
Your Connective Cities Team
REVIEW
AI-based Visualisation for Sustainable & Affordable Housing
Connective Cities’ virtual peer-learning workshop
On 22 January 2026, Connective Cities brought together municipalities from sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and the MENA region. Using AI-based visualisations, practitioners from cities such as Nairobi, Huye, Hebron, Berlin and Windhoek jointly developed future scenarios for inclusive housing, public spaces and climate-resilient neighbourhoods. These were based on local contexts and inspired by the principles of the New European Bauhaus. The workshop marked the beginning of a new phase for the Connective Cities working group on sustainable and affordable housing.
Free E-Car Sharing for the Trip to the Train Station
An innovative mobility concept for rural areas in Borgholzhausen and Halle-Künsebeck that pays for itself.
The rural town of Borgholzhausen has developed a new type of electric car sharing service for the last mile to or from the train station. Anyone with a valid public transport ticket can book an electric vehicle free of charge on designated routes between certain stops for a maximum of half an hour. The neighbouring municipality of Halle-Künsebeck is participating in this innovative mobility concept, which is unique in Germany.
Insight session on building a regional ecosystem on 26 February 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CET
The focus is on how the Heilbronn-Franken region is strategically positioning itself in the green hydrogen sector by developing a coordinated regional ecosystem. In line with the EU and German national hydrogen strategies, the initiative is contributing to climate neutrality by expanding electrolysis capacities, developing hydrogen infrastructure, and connecting to the national hydrogen core network. Take this opportunity to gain practical insights into the development of regional hydrogen structures.
Insight Session about an International Hub for the Hydrogen Economy on 18 March 2026 from 10:00 to 11:30 (CET)
Another insight session on the topic of hydrogen will present the Hamburg metropolitan region, which is positioning itself as a leading international location for the hydrogen economy. As a major port and logistics hub, Hamburg is well placed to link global hydrogen supply chains with national demand. The region’s strategy takes an integrated approach to scaling up production, imports, infrastructure, and industrial applications. The aim is to establish Hamburg as a gateway for hydrogen in Germany and Europe, as well as a centre for industrial change and sustainable growth. Join us and take part in the discussion!
Local Economic Development through
Skilled Immigration and Migrant Entrepreneurship
Insight Session on Practical Approaches from Municipalities
on 25 March 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CET (tbc)
How can local governments take an active role in shaping skilled labour immigration in their municipalities? This interactive online session will bring together German and international municipal practitioners to exchange experiences, learn from practical examples, and discuss innovative approaches to managing skilled labour immigration at the local level.
Further information on the good practices presented will follow shortly. Save the date!
A follow-up activity of the learning process ‘Sustainable Mobility. Interaction of Future Proof Mobility Forms.’
The 2.5-hour online event ‘Mobility Data Management’ is aimed at participants in the learning process as well as all interested municipal experts from Germany and the Global South who are involved in data management for sustainable mobility planning in their municipalities. The event is scheduled for the last week of March. The event programme will follow shortly. Interested parties are welcome to contact the project coordinator Marcella Sobisch: marcella.sobisch@engagement-global.de.
Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure through Risk-Informed Urban Development
Call for participation in the learning process on planning for urban resilience in Southeastern Europe/South Caucasus
Climate-related extreme events, technical disruptions, growing inter-dependencies between infrastructure systems and new security challenges threaten the functioning of urban areas. Protecting critical infrastructure – energy, water, transport, communication and health – has therefore become a central task of modern local governance. The focus lies on integrated planning, multi-risk governance and the development of implementable project approaches to protect and strengthen critical infrastructure. Extended application deadline is 15 March 2026. Become part of the process!
Engagement Global gGmbH
Service Agency Communities in One World
Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 40, 53113 Bonn | Deutschland
Kontakt: Sibylle Loyeau
Email: sibylle.loyeau@engagement-global.de
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 32 + 36, 53113 Bonn | Deutschland
Kontakt: Ricarda Meissner
Email: ricarda.meissner@giz.de
International Community of Practice for Sustainable Municipal Development
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE NO. 90, December 2025
Dear readers,
‘Only nature can teach us creation, can teach us creativity. Our true illiteracy is the inability to be creative,’ wrote artist, painter and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser in 1983 in his manuscript ‘Concrete Utopias for the Green City’.
Inspired by this quote, in this issue we look back at a dialogue event in Bonn, where creative minds came together to innovatively combine various forms of CO₂-free mobility. It also marks the start of a new learning process on the topic, which we will continue in 2026.
We provide insights into how cities in Germany and sub-Saharan Africa are converting and expanding their infrastructure for green hydrogen, thereby boosting the local economy.
Taking nature as our model, we invite your municipality to participate in our two-year learning process, exploring the most creative options for protection against drought and heavy rainfall. We would also like to cordially invite you to join our learning process on ‘Green Corridors in Germany and the MENA Region’.
Connective Cities is also starting the new year with three additional strong partners. We will briefly introduce them and outline the topics that we would like to explore in greater depth together with you.
We wish you happy holidays and a good start to the new year.
Sincerely Your Connective Cities Team
REVIEW
Combination of future-proof mobility forms
Kick-Off of the New Learning Process on Sustainable Mobility in Bonn
From 25 to 27 November, Connective Cities hosted a dialogue event in Bonn. 38 experts from 20 municipalities in 11 countries followed the invitation to share their innovative project approaches with colleagues and collaborate on new implementation ideas. Small municipalities such as Schlangen in the Teutoburg Forest, with a population of around 9,000, were represented, as well as metropolises with millions of inhabitants, such as Rio de Janeiro and Munich. The innovative approaches were equally diverse.
Unlocking the potential of new technologies at the local level
Green hydrogen is rapidly gaining global prominence as a crucial energy carrier for the future. For many African countries, abundant solar and wind resources give cities a unique advantage, positioning them not only as innovation hubs but also as centers for technology transfer, workforce training, and industrial diversification. By integrating sustainable use of green hydrogen into urban planning, municipalities can enhance energy security, attract long-term investment, and build more resilient, climate-friendly local economies—ultimately becoming key drivers in the global clean-energy transition.
Water resilience – Municipalities strengthen themselves against drought and heavy rainfall events
Call for participants: Connective Cities Deep Dive – a two-year learning process with a kick-off event in Germany in March 2026
Local authorities are facing challenges due to climate change and soil sealing, with more frequent droughts, heavy rainfall and flooding. In Germany and the Global South, innovative solutions are currently being promoted and rapidly tested. Connective Cities is therefore offering an in-depth learning process on this topical and highly relevant issue, and we warmly invite interested local authorities to participate.
Invitation to the Kickoff Workshop, 7–9 April 2026 (TBC), Egypt
Green corridors improve urban microclimates, enhance public spaces, and support municipalities in adapting to climate change. In the new one-year Connective Cities Learning Process MENA, professionals from Germany and the MENA region will jointly develop practical, co-creative and actionable solutions for green corridors in their local contexts. We warmly invite you to join the kickoff workshop and contribute your project idea or challenge to the learning process.
Stronger Together: The New Partners of Connective Cities
The German County Association, the German Association of Towns and Municipalities and the Association of Public Utilities are now part of the Steering Committee
More municipal voices, more exchange, more joint creative power – Connective Cities is entering the next phase with an expanded group of partners. We introduce our partners and outline the thematic priorities for the coming year. Take a look!
Engagement Global gGmbH
Service Agency Communities in One World
Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 40, 53113 Bonn | Deutschland
Kontakt: Sibylle Loyeau
Email: sibylle.loyeau@engagement-global.de
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 32 + 36, 53113 Bonn | Deutschland
Kontakt: Ricarda Meissner
Email: ricarda.meissner@giz.de
Green hydrogen is rapidly gaining global prominence as a crucial energy carrier for the future. Although much of today’s discussion focuses on hydrogen production and its export potential, domestic consumption of green hydrogen offers equally significant opportunities for local economic development—strengthening municipal infrastructure, creating skilled jobs, and stimulating new economic activities along various value chains. For many African countries, abundant solar and wind resources give cities a unique advantage, positioning them not only as innovation hubs but also as centers for technology transfer, workforce training, and industrial diversification. By integrating sustainable use of green hydrogen into urban planning, municipalities can enhance energy security, attract long-term investment, and build more resilient, climate-friendly local economies—ultimately becoming key drivers in the global clean-energy transition.
To advance the exchange of best practices and accelerate strategy development between African and German cities, Connective Cities hosted its second workshop on “Exploring the Potential of the Green Transition for Local Economic Development” held on 25–27 November 2025 in Mombasa. Representatives from Mauritania, Kenya, South Africa, and Germany participated. This edition focused on improving technological readiness for green hydrogen production, addressing local implementation challenges andstrengthening regional competitiveness among other readiness issues. The discussions further emphasized the importance of involving , and integrating universities, research institutions and start-ups as key drivers of job creation and innovation.
The City of Nakuru, Kenya presented its benchmark strategy to position itself as a model green city and a leading hub for green fertiliser production within is floriculture sector, reducing import dependency and supporting the emergence of new green industries. With its proximity to the rift valley geothermal vents, Nakuru is well positioned for cost- competitive green hydrogen production. The city aims to attract pilot projects, applied research initiatives, and local and international start-ups working along the green hydrogen value chain., reinforcing its long-term vision as a regional clean-energy and innovation hub.
Field visit to the port of Mombasa | Photo: Connective Cities
Kenya has adopted a national Green Hydrogen Strategy and participates in regional African hydrogen initiatives. Mombasa, as a major port city, holds strategic significance for export logistics and coastal project siting. While early national activities have focused on potential assessments and pilot sites, coastal locations like Mombasa are increasingly viewed as gateways for logistics, export-oriented hydrogen production, and coastal renewable-energy projects. The city now seeks to leverage its strategic location to establish itself as a global player in hydrogen-powered logistics and to develop the port into a logistics cluster that attracts innovative local and international investment supported by a skilled workforce.
In South Africa, the Waterberg region in Limpopo forms part of the national “Hydrogen Valley,” stretching across Limpopo, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal. Mining and industrial operations in the Waterberg–Mokopane corridor are being integrated into hydrogen and platinum-group-metal value chains. Recent feasibility studies and national green hydrogen planning have made the region increasingly attractive to investors. The local development vision is to integrate renewable energy generation with mining operations and downstream green hydrogen and green ammonia applications. This approach aims to link industrial decarbonisation and new export opportunities with local job creation and investment. Waterberg is also seeking to strengthen collaboration with universities by fostering local and international research partnerships to spur pilot projects and nurture green start-ups across emerging value chains.
Mauritania has become a high-potential green hydrogen country due to its exceptional wind and solar resources and favourable export position toward Europe. Several large-scale, export-oriented hydrogen and ammonia projects have been announced or are under development. While the national strategy prioritises export-driven green hydrogen production, it also emphasises renewable energy use to support domestic power grids and industry. However, as national projects advance, municipalities within Nouakchott—particularly Sebkha and Ksar, – continue to face high electricity costs, pollution, limited infrastructure, and the absence of clear municipal hydrogen strategies. These communes are not seeking merely to host hydrogen developments, they aim to participate meaningfully in shaping equitable, community-centered value creation within Mauritania’s emerging green hydrogen economy. The City of Nouakchott through its private sector and international partnerships, now seeks to position itself as an active player in his transition with a focus on modernizing urban services , strengthening governance, and building local private-sector capacity ultimately becoming a regional hub for green urban development, logistics, and industrial enterprises linked to the green hydrogen value chain.
The participating German cities also shared key insights and updates on their latest initiatives. Karlsruhe highlighted its hydrogen hub around the Rhine ports (H2iPortKA) and its strong research ecosystem in collaboration with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and the Fraunhofer Institutes. Particularly noteworthy is the dynamic start-up and spin-off environment, which demonstrates how the green transition can generate new jobs and investment for an entire region.
Heilbronn, well known as a centre for technology and hydrogen innovation within Germany’s automotive and engineering clusters, aims to use green hydrogen to diversify its industrial base, upgrade workforce skills, and anchor research-driven companies in the region. Heilbronn University and nearby Fraunhofer initiatives are expanding applied research and innovation centers—including those focused on hydrogen technologies—leveraging strong industry links for piloting and skills development.
Field visit to the port of Mombasa | Photo: Connective Cities
The workshop underscored the vast opportunities emerging around green hydrogen production across regions endowed with abundant renewable energy resources.. However, cities and regions hosting these new green industries are often overlooked in national strategies that prioritize high-profile investments and export ambitions. Many localities remain uncertain of how they and their populations can directly participate in these developments. Significant technological and institutional gaps persist, and synergies between international high-tech initiatives and local realities are not automatic. As a result, municipalities are increasingly seeking models, international experiences, expertise, and partnerships to strengthen their capacity and create a level playing field:- one that enables prosperous, innovative and equitable local economies in which nations, investors, and communities all benefit alongside advancing technologies
African and German Cities Power a Shared Vision for a Just, Climate-Smart Hydrogen Future
Cities across Africa and Europe are accelerating their role as frontline actors in the global green transition, driving innovation, investment, and climate resilience from the ground up. Following the successful launch of the Hydrogen Cities Working Group earlier this year in Naivasha, Kenya, Connective Cities will convene the second peer-learning workshop on 24–27 November 2025 in Mombasa, Kenya.
This flagship event will bring together city leaders, practitioners, industry innovators, researchers, and development partners to scale up municipal hydrogen strategies and unlock new pathways for green industrialization, inclusive growth, and just transition at the local level.
From Naivasha to Mombasa: Turning Ideas into Impact
The inaugural workshop in Naivasha brought together over 30 municipal representatives and technical experts to explore how cities can anchor the emerging green hydrogen economy in local value creation and job generation. It underscored hydrogen’s role not only as a clean-energy vector but as a catalyst for climate-neutral industrial ecosystems, skills development, and innovation-driven urban transformation.
Case studies showcased how municipalities are positioning themselves along the hydrogen value chain — from production and storage to end-use applications in mobility, manufacturing, and port logistics. Examples ranged from Namibia’s evolving hydrogen hubs to Germany’s Heilbronn and Karlsruhe regions, where local governments are building innovation clusters, R&D partnerships, and market linkages for hydrogen deployment.
Specialist presentation during the meeting in Naivasha | Photo: Connective Cities
Participants also highlighted the importance of integrated urban governance — combining spatial planning, transparent land management, and strong stakeholder engagement — to ensure hydrogen projects deliver tangible community benefits.
Key takeaways from Naivasha included:
Municipal leadership as a driving force for innovation, investment, and policy alignment.
Local value creation through SME participation, skills training, and green entrepreneurship.
Institutional capacity and human capital as preconditions for hydrogen readiness.
Peer-to-peer collaboration as a catalyst for scaling solutions and knowledge transfer.
Since Naivasha, cities have been actively refining their project concepts, forging cross-regional partnerships, and identifying bankable entry points to accelerate their green transition agendas.
Green Hydrogen: Powering Sustainable, Inclusive Urban Futures
Africa’s vast solar and wind potential places its cities at the heart of the global clean-energy transformation. Green hydrogen — and its derivatives such as green ammonia and e-methanol — offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity for low-carbon industrialisation, climate resilience, and circular economy development.
For municipalities, this transition means:
Developing innovation clusters and hydrogen corridors that attract private investment.
Expanding renewable energy infrastructure and smart urban grids.
Enhancing water security and resource-efficient technologies such as desalination and wastewater reuse.
Creating green jobs across engineering, construction, logistics, and research sectors.
Catalysing start-ups, incubators, and technology partnerships.
Building skills pipelines aligned with future hydrogen markets.
Yet, challenges persist — from infrastructure gaps and regulatory complexity to financing bottlenecks and local ownership. The Hydrogen Cities Working Group provides a collaborative platform where cities can co-create solutions, de-risk investment, and ensure the green transition remains inclusive, equitable, and locally anchored.
What to Expect in Mombasa: Scaling Up and Going Deeper
The upcoming workshop in Mombasa will mark a critical shift from strategic visioning to operationalisation and project implementation. Over three days, participants will:
Present project updates and refine concepts through structured peer-review and coaching.
Engage in interactive sessions on land use, water-energy nexus, and industrial cluster design.
Explore innovative financing instruments, including blended finance and PPP models.
Participate in hands-on peer-coaching clinics to advance project maturity.
Exchange with international experts on policy frameworks, investment pipelines, and market integration.
Join a site visit to the Mombasa Port and Special Economic Zone to identify real-world opportunities for green hydrogen applications.
The event will feature keynotes from government and private-sector leaders, expert panels, and networking sessions to strengthen partnerships between African and German municipalities.
Confirmed participants include cities such as Mombasa, Naivasha, Lüderitz, Arandis, Nouakchott, Waterberg District, Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Heilbronn, and Freudenstadt — forming a growing alliance of municipalities championing decentralized, climate-smart hydrogen ecosystems.
Looking Ahead: Cities as Catalysts of a Just Green Economy
As the global energy landscape transforms, cities that act decisively today will become the engines of tomorrow’s green prosperity. The Mombasa workshop represents another milestone in empowering municipalities to lead the hydrogen-powered urban transformation — advancing climate action, economic resilience, and social inclusion in equal measure.
Through the Hydrogen Cities Working Group, Connective Cities continues to bridge continents, connect expertise, and translate ambition into action — ensuring that the hydrogen revolution drives sustainable, locally embedded, and future-ready urban economies.
From Naivasha to Mombasa, cities are demonstrating that the green transition starts locally — and scales globally.
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT
NEWSLETTER – ISSUE NO. 89, November 2025
Dear readers,
“Problems can never be solved with the same mindset that created them,” Albert Einstein once said. In this spirit, we actively promote the exchange of innovative ideas.
In this edition, we are pleased to report on the successful conclusion of our learning process on the use of renewable energy in municipalities across Southeast Europe and the Caucasus. We also look forward to the upcoming meeting of our Hydrogen Cities working group, which will continue to explore the potential of the green transition for local economic development – both in German municipalities and in cities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Furthermore, we warmly invite you to our virtual expert exchange on 2 December, focusing on “Opportunities and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Municipal Administration.”
We hope you enjoy an inspiring read.
Warm regards,
Your Connective Cities Team
INSIGHTS
Strengthening cities for a renewable future
Documentation of the Connective Cities learning process in Southeast Europe
Following the conclusion of the Connective Cities learning process in Southeast Europe, municipalities, donors and experts gathered in Podgorica to finalise concrete project proposals and implementation concepts for renewable energies. Following almost two years of collaboration, the workshop paved the way for stronger partnerships and financially viable, implementable energy projects in the region.
Exploring the Potential of Green Transition for Local Economic Development
Further workshop from 24 to 27 November 2025 in Mombasa, Kenya
Cities across Africa and Europe are accelerating their role as frontline actors in the global green transition, driving innovation, investment, and climate resilience from the ground up. Following the successful launch of the Hydrogen Cities Working Group earlier this year in Naivasha, Kenya, Connective Cities will convene the second peer-learning workshop from 24 to 27 November 2025 in Mombasa, Kenya.
Artificial intelligence in local governments: opportunities and challenges in an international comparison
Virtual expert exchange on 02 December 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 CET
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important for local governments. AI opens up new possibilities for action, from making administrative processes more efficient to enabling data-driven decisions in urban development, resource use and citizen participation. However, questions also arise about ethical standards, transparency, and social inclusion. Join the discussion in our international exchange of experiences!
Association of German Cities
Gereonstraße 18 – 32, 50670 Köln | Deutschland
Kontakt: Sabine Drees
Email: sabine.drees@staedtetag.de
Engagement Global gGmbH
Service Agency Communities in One World
Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 40, 53113 Bonn | Deutschland
Kontakt: Sibylle Loyeau
Email: sibylle.loyeau@engagement-global.de
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 32 + 36, 53113 Bonn | Deutschland
Kontakt: Ricarda Meissner
Email: ricarda.meissner@giz.de
