Freetown Leads Africa’s Fight Against Extreme Heat with Landmark Action Plan

February 10, 2025

As rising temperatures threaten African cities, Freetown has taken a pioneering step by unveiling the continent’s first Heat Action Plan (HAP) during the African Urban Heat Summit on February 6, 2025. The plan aims to protect communities from extreme heat and sets a model for other cities facing similar challenges.

The launch event brought together policymakers, climate experts, and city leaders to discuss strategies for mitigating urban heat. Officials highlighted how extreme heat is already straining healthcare systems and economic stability, making immediate action essential.

The HAP outlines measures such as creating cooling corridors, expanding green spaces, and improving infrastructure to adapt to rising temperatures. It also includes targeted protections for vulnerable populations, such as women, children, and the elderly, alongside public awareness campaigns on heat-related risks.

City officials emphasized that this initiative is more than a policy—it represents a commitment to making Freetown a greener and more resilient city. As African cities continue to grow, the success of this plan could inspire similar efforts across the continent, ensuring better preparedness for climate change’s impacts.