From 18 to 20 March 2025, twelve cities from the ECOWAS region gathered in Lomé, Togo, for a groundbreaking workshop series titled “Risk-Informed Urban Development in West Africa and the ECOWAS Region.” The event, organized by the GIZ Resilience Initiative Africa (RIA) and Connective Cities, in collaboration with the Good Governance Programme of GIZ Togo, took place with the support of the African Union Commission (AUC), the ECOWAS Commission, the German Association of Cities, and SKEW – the Service Agency Communities in One World. This workshop marked a significant step in strengthening urban resilience across the region by connecting local governments, technical experts, financing institutions, and, most importantly, fostering peer-to-peer learning across borders.
The urgency of addressing urban resilience in the face of climate change is evident. Climate-related disasters in West Africa are projected to cost up to three percent of the regional GDP annually by 2030. Combined with rapid urban growth, mounting pressure on infrastructure, and increasing social vulnerability, cities in the region are on the front lines of the climate crisis. In response, the workshop focused on a fundamental principle: cities learn best from other cities.
Building Knowledge Together: Peer Learning as a Catalyst
The workshop was designed around thematic peer learning groups, where participants tackled specific urban resilience challenges in collaborative settings. This approach allowed municipalities facing similar issues to exchange strategies, identify transferable solutions, and build solidarity across borders.
One group brought together coastal cities such as Rufisque (Senegal), Ouidah (Benin), and Lacs 1 / Aného (Togo), which are grappling with erosion, sea-level rise, and frequent flooding. Their discussions emphasized the importance of combining infrastructure measures with nature-based solutions, community awareness, and regional programs like WACA. Despite differing local contexts, the cities found common ground in how they engage citizens and integrate traditional knowledge into climate adaptation strategies.
Another group focused on urban flooding and infrastructure gaps, with participants from Golfe 1 (Togo), Mopti (Mali), and Kongoussi (Burkina Faso). These fast-growing cities explored how data-driven planning, inter-departmental coordination, and decentralized infrastructure could help mitigate flood risks. The group was particularly inspired by insights shared by the City of Berlin, which discussed managing stormwater through long-term planning and innovative urban design.
Informal settlement | Photo: Connective Cities
In parallel, Freetown (Sierra Leone), Accra (Ghana), and Effia-Kwesimintsim (Ghana) discussed challenges surrounding informal settlements and waste management. Their exchange highlighted the need for inclusive early warning systems, local disaster committees, and targeted campaigns in vulnerable neighborhoods. The cities agreed that building trust with communities is just as essential as investing in physical infrastructure.
A group focused on drought and climate fragility, consisting of Tône 1 / Dapaong (Togo), Natitingou (Benin), and Tillabéri (Niger), shared experiences related to drought-resistant agriculture, local early warning systems, and youth engagement. Their discussions reinforced the idea that resilience must be both social and physical—strengthening livelihoods and fostering social cohesion are equally vital in fragile regions.
Additionally, a national group of Togolese cities—Kara, Sokodé, Atakpamé, Agou, Tsévié, and Adéta—used the workshop to explore strategies for scaling successful local initiatives across the country. They discussed how municipal networks and partnerships with civil society can enhance project ownership and ensure long-term sustainability.
From Ideas to Action: Urban Resilience Financing in Focus
On the second day, a dedicated session on urban resilience financing brought together city representatives and key financing partners. Moderated by Jelena Karamatijevic (Connective Cities), the session featured experts from the Gap Fund, the Cities Finance Facility (CFF), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global Covenant of Mayors (GCOM). Together, they explored what makes a project attractive to funders, typical financing thresholds, and how cities can prepare compelling proposals.
The session emphasized that even small or early-stage projects can become fundable when cities demonstrate clear ownership, robust data, and strong community support. The panel highlighted that practical, actionable ideas, backed by collaborative feedback, are key to unlocking financing opportunities. A unique feature of the session was its direct connection to real city proposals, with experts providing feedback on emerging project ideas and encouraging cities to use peer input to move toward investment readiness.
Cross-Continental Learning: A Berlin Perspective
A highlight of the workshop was a presentation by Dr. Benjamin Creutzfeldt from the Senate Department for Climate Protection and Environment of the City of Berlin. Dr. Creutzfeldt shared Berlin’s approach to flood risk management, highlighting large-scale infrastructure like the Havel reservoir system, as well as local rainwater retention measures coordinated by the Berliner Regenwasseragentur. For many West African cities, Berlin’s experience provided inspiration—not necessarily for replicating technical solutions but for seeing how long-term planning, institutional coordination, and public engagement can form the foundation of effective resilience strategies. Presentation [pdf, 3,1 mb]
Seeing is Believing: Field Visit to Aného
Field trip in Aného | Photo: Connective Cities
On the final day, participants had the opportunity to visit the coastal town of Aného (Commune Lacs 1), where they witnessed local resilience initiatives in action. The field trip included visits to coastal erosion sites in Apounoukpa and Adanhouzo, as well as an urban forest supported by the WACA ResIP program. Participants saw how community-based approaches, supported by technical guidance and regional partnerships, have led to visible improvements in risk reduction, even in resource-constrained areas.
Looking Ahead: A Regional Movement Takes Shape
The Lomé workshop was not just a one-off event but the beginning of a broader regional initiative aimed at supporting cities in developing risk-informed, locally led, and financially viable urban development strategies. In the coming months, participating cities will continue to develop and refine their project ideas with the support of Connective Cities, GIZ, and regional experts. The next workshop in the series will take place in Accra, Ghana, in July 2025, focusing on inclusive risk assessments and participatory planning tools.
As one participant aptly put it, “Urban resilience starts when cities come together—not just to talk, but to build something real.” This workshop was a clear demonstration of the power of collaboration and peer learning, marking the beginning of a regional movement toward more resilient, climate-informed urban development in West Africa.
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