The Covenant of Mayors Office for Sub-Saharan Africa Actions for Synergies Creations in Africa

The Covenant of Mayors Office for Sub-Saharan Africa has held a session to explore synergy creation on 14^th March 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa prior to the Implementation Committee Meeting.

This session of synergy exploration with other cities’ networks was chaired by Mr Frédéric Vallier, Secretary-General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), has recorded the participation of important partners known for being very active so far in Africa. This working session aimed at fostering a better collaboration between all stakeholders and provide efficient support to the core target group: the cities.

It was also an opportunity to learn more about various existing initiatives and find synergies and identify how they can support the CoM SSA regional office based in Accra to deliver further support to the interested cities. The Covenant of Mayors Office for Sub-Saharan Africa now records 100 signatories (recording also compact cities).

Reacting to this achievement, CEMR Chairman said they are proud of this important milestone and enjoined the different actors to work on a better understanding of what CoM SSA is and how to mobilize and develop the CoM SSA community. Moreover, he announced the good news that DG DEVCO has launched new developments on providing further support for the next phase of the initiative by involving agencies from Spain, France and Germany to help cities to prepare bankable projects.

Remarkable presentations of projects and initiatives have been made by participants such as Amanda Eichel of GCoM, Vincent Kitio, Peta Wolpe and Megan Euston-Brown, Maryke Van Staden, Kobie Brand and Belinda Mills, Hastings Chikoko, Shirin Reuvers, Shirin Reuvers.

Discussions on further development of the CoM SSA in Africa also took place with the conclusion stressing the need to involve all the stakeholders in Africa (starting with SSA), to joint efforts, and keep building on existing projects, initiatives and practices step by step.

Discussions will continue during the upcoming events such as: Climate Chance in Abidjan in June, San Francisco Global climate action summit in September, Africities in November, CoP24 in December and other various events.