Beyond Borders: Africa and Asia Unite at AMCEN-20 to Tackle Extreme Heat

As Africa grapples with record-breaking heatwaves, the continent’s rapidly growing cities stand on the frontline of a climate emergency. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the past decade was the hottest ever recorded, pushing urban populations into a state of increased vulnerability. Rising temperatures threaten health, food security, and productivity, while projections from UNEP’s Global Cooling Watch 2023 warn that Africa and Asia face the highest risk, with over one billion people expected to be vulnerable to extreme heat by 2050.

Recognizing this urgency, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), through its Cool Coalition and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), partnered with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) to convene the high-level technical event titled “Dialogue on Sustainable Cooling in Cities, Buildings, and Cold Chain for Inclusive Extreme Heat Adaptation in Africa.” Held in Nairobi, Kenya, on 14 July 2025, the event took place alongside the Twentieth Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN-20), which marks 40 years of collective environmental policy action in Africa.

At the heart of the dialogue was the BeCool programme, a joint initiative by UNEP and SDC successfully piloted in India. BeCool advances passive cooling and nature-based solutions (NbS) through policy reform, innovative finance, and strategic capacity-building. Discussions at AMCEN-20 explored pathways for sharing the BeCool model between Asia and Africa, through identifying opportunities for mutual learning.

Martin Krause, Director of UNEP’s Climate Change Division, opened the dialogue by calling attention to the economic and social costs being felt across Africa due to escalating heat. “Extreme heat is already costing African economies and putting millions at risk, especially in fast-growing cities,” he said. Krause called for sustainable cooling to become a central element in national and city-level planning, and emphasized the need for cross-regional partnerships to drive practical solutions.

Building on this call for partnership, Julien Peissard, Deputy Regional Head of International Cooperation at the SDC, stressed that the BeCool experience in India offers valuable lessons but is not a one-size-fits-all solution. “BeCool is not a blueprint, but a starting point for dialogue and mutual learning,” he explained. “Our goal is to support African partners in developing technical and financial partnerships that enable cities to leapfrog towards climate resilience with solutions tailored to their realities.”

Aarti Nain, Advisor for Extreme Heat and Sustainable Cooling at the UNEP Cool Coalition, delved deeper into BeCool India’s operational successes. Nain detailed how passive cooling solutions, such as reflective roofs, shading, natural ventilation, and strategic green, are being mainstreamed across several Indian states and cities. Early results have been promising, with pilot projects reducing indoor temperatures by up to four degrees Celsius and lowering energy demand in buildings by nearly one-third. “We are transforming mindsets and market rules to drive sustainable cooling of buildings,” Nain emphasized, noting that BeCool is still in its early stages and has much to offer through mutual learning with African partners.

The conversation then expanded into food systems and cold chains, critical for securing livelihoods. Amr Seleem, Country Engagement and Climate Policy Lead at the UNEP Cool Coalition, highlighted the urgent need to improve Africa’s post-harvest cooling infrastructure. “Up to 50% of fresh produce in parts of Africa is lost post-harvest due to inadequate cold chains, a problem exacerbated by rising temperatures,” Seleem pointed out. Drawing parallels with India’s experience, Seleem showed how targeted interventions, linking national planning, strategic investments, and local capacity-building, can significantly reduce food loss, emissions, and strengthen rural incomes. He finished his presentation encouraging African countries to take advantage of the resources and support available through the Global Cooling Pledge.

Regional leaders then shared ongoing efforts to integrate cooling into national and local climate actions. Dr. Abdullahi Khalif, representing the NDC Partnership in Somalia, outlined how his country, highly vulnerable to extreme heat, is embedding cooling measures directly into its updated Nationally Determined Contributions. Khalif emphasized collaboration with UNEP, the Cool Coalition and SDC as essential for technical and financial guidance.

Mohamed Sharif Ibrahim, Deputy Executive Director of IRAD Somalia, highlighted the potential of renewable-powered cold chains as a transformative tool, particularly in fragile states, strengthening critical infrastructure for food security and healthcare.

Kennedy Matheka, National Coordinator for Buildings and Climate Resilience in Kenya’s Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, described Kenya’s efforts to align building codes and affordable housing policies with climate resilience and passive cooling principles. He also noted Kenya’s role in the Intergovernmental Council for Buildings and Climate (ICBC), supporting South–South cooperation and ensuring African perspectives are present in global forums.

Finally, Cape Town’s Executive Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews spotlighted the unique role cities play in climate adaptation, emphasizing the urgency of municipal action. Andrews called for strengthened national-city alignment, finance mobilization, and international support. “Cities are on the frontline of the heat crisis, and we need support to build solutions that match the scale of the challenge,” he noted.

As the dialogue drew to a close, Martin Krause reflected on the challenges ahead, noting the critical need for stronger partnerships and investment to turn momentum into action. With growing knowledge, proven solutions, and a spirit of regional cooperation, participants agreed that Africa has the opportunity to chart a new path for heat resilience, if national and city leaders are supported to scale up sustainable cooling. The ongoing work of AMCEN can help ensure Africa’s cities lead the way in climate-smart development, setting examples for adaptation in a warming world.

The momentum from the technical event carried over to the next morning’s Breakfast Dialogue on Cities and Climate, where African Mayors, Governors, and national experts engaged directly with leading climate scientists on hard adaptation limits, tipping points, and the urgency of accelerating sustainable cooling uptake and climate-responsive urban planning. Participants emphasized closing the gap between national climate planning and local realities, and discussed how better collaboration across government levels can equip cities to protect lives and livelihoods.

Outcomes from these events are now set to shape AMCEN’s technical guidance for 2025–2027, underscoring the necessity for subnational and national actions to align closely with ambitious climate commitments, so Africa’s cities have the resources and partnerships they need to build a more heat-resilient future.