[Report Launch] Growing Resilience: Unlocking the Potential of Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa

Time: 2pm – 4pm EAT, 12pm-2pm CET, 6am-8am EST

Led by the World Bank, GFDRR, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), this report describes the implementation of NBS for climate resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa, including trends in outcomes, interventions, geographies, and investments across nearly 300 projects.

At this event, held at the Green & Resilient UrbanShift Africa Forum 2025, the report and its recommendations will be discussed by mayors from the region as well as representatives from WRI, World Bank, and AfDB.

Opening Remarks:

Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director, Africa and Global Partnerships, WRI
Qimiao Fan, Country Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia & Uganda World Bank

Speakers:

Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone
Nasiphi Moya, Mayor of Tshwane, South Africa
Natasha Collins, Project Manager, WRI
Lizzie Marsters, Senior Environmental Finance Manager, WRI
Boris van Zanten, DRM Specialist, GFDRR, World Bank
Innocent Onah, Chief Natural Resources Officer, AfDB
Fitsum Gelaye, Regional Coordinator, Resilient Cities Network
Hana Khaled, Associate Director, Advisor to Managing Director, EBRD
Beatriz Eraso Puig, Senior Urban Specialist, World Bank