Cameroon and Kenya Strengthen Climate Commitment: Cities Sign Memorandums of Understanding

Cities in Cameroon and Kenya have taken remarkable strides toward securing a sustainable energy future by formally signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) in June and August 2023, respectively. These formal agreements outline the terms of cooperation between the cities and CoM SSA's partner, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), to establish a collaborative framework for exploring alternative energy sources through the Urban Smart Energy (USE) process and focusing on nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation.

In Cameroon, MoUs were signed in Garoua and Douala by Mr Oumarou Sanda, Mayor of Garoua 2, and Mr. Goura Beladji, Mayor of Garoua City. Dr Roger Mbassa Ndine, Mayor of Douala City Council, also endorsed the agreement. Under the ambit of the USE process, CoM SSA and the municipalities plan to establish decentralised solar systems across county/municipal infrastructure, ranging from town halls, county offices, markets, libraries, cultural centres, bus stations, hospitals and schools. These installations will provide additional or alternative energy sources, significantly contributing to energy diversification.

 

 

The Mayors of Garoua voiced that this endeavour resonates with the priority actions outlined in Garoua's Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SEACAP, 2022), geared towards enhancing energy accessibility. As emphasised by Dr Roger Mbassa Ndine of Douala City Council, “the initiative's dual significance is in diminishing reliance on grid electricity and fostering alternative solutions for improved public infrastructure functionality while curtailing electricity expenses.”

 

Embu County also endorsed an MoU in partnership with GIZ Kenya under the CoM SSA partnership, solidifying their commitment to local climate action. This collaboration will focus on nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation. The signing event saw the participation of distinguished dignitaries, including His Excellency Justus Mugo, Deputy Governor of Embu County, and representatives from various county departments. In addition to CoM SSA's involvement, GIZ was also represented by delegates from Energizing Development (EnDEV), the Green Climate Fund (GCF-EnDEV) and African Biodigester Component (ABC) projects. These projects champion clean cooking solutions and enhance the environmental mission on a broader scale.

 

 

 

 

 

These partnerships demonstrate a collective commitment to sustainable energy solutions and climate action, paving the way for sustainable urban development. CoM SSA supports signatory cities in their climate and energy goals, offering practical support, technical guidance and access to strategic partnerships.