Financing shelter for the internally displaced in Africa

Hundreds of millions of people are expected to be internally displaced by 2030 in Africa due to the increasing impact of climate change. The Mayor's Migration Council, a coalition of global mayors, is working with city governments to safeguard the lives of those most vulnerable to climate impact. Vittoria Zanuso, a representative of the Mayor's Migration Council, recently spoke to CNBC Africa's Ridhima Shukla to discuss their initiatives and fundraising efforts to support urban adaptation and provide assistance to migrants, refugees, and internally displaced populations. Last year at COP26, the Mayor's Migration Council launched a global city fund for migrants and refugees with the aim of directing international private funds to local governments addressing climate migration challenges. The fund, known as the Global Cities Fund, started with a modest one million dollars and has now grown to eight million dollars with the support of five donors and a pipeline of more than 25 cities set to benefit from it. The focus is on medium and lower income countries, particularly in Africa, where internal climate migration is expected to have a significant impact. The funds from the Global Cities Fund will be distributed to city governments in Africa, supporting projects that benefit affected communities. The initiative aims to empower local governments to address the needs of migrants, refugees, and internally displaced populations, particularly in urban areas where the effects of climate change are most pronounced. Projects in countries such as Dar es Salaam, Durban, Somaliland, Kenya, and Rwanda are already underway, with a focus on sustainable solutions that include green job creation and renewable energy initiatives. For example, in Rwanda, the mayor of Nauwagabe district is collaborating with a UN-administered refugee camp to provide green jobs to refugees and generate renewable energy for nearby towns. These projects not only provide economic opportunities but also foster social cohesion between host and refugee communities. To ensure the sustainability of these projects beyond the initial funding, the Mayor's Migration Council focuses on building fiscal feasibility in cities and facilitating partnerships with other donors. By leveraging the initial seed funding, cities are encouraged to seek additional funding sources to continue their initiatives independently. The conversation at COP27 also highlighted the importance of addressing loss and damage caused by climate events. Vittoria Zanuso emphasized the urgency of addressing climate breakdown with a focus on climate justice. The Mayor's Migration Council advocates for a holistic approach that considers the human impact of climate change, especially on vulnerable communities. As the world grapples with the escalating challenges of climate migration, initiatives like the Global Cities Fund offer a beacon of hope for vulnerable populations in Africa and beyond. By mobilizing resources and promoting sustainable solutions, the Mayor's Migration Council is taking proactive steps to protect the lives and livelihoods of those most affected by the climate crisis.