The African Climate Foundation (ACF) has partnered with Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) to tackle some of the most pressing climate-related challenges facing Dakar and other cities in Senegal. This collaboration focuses on urban climate adaptation and finance, two critical areas impacted by climate change. The joint effort aims to produce comprehensive policy recommendations that align with Senegal’s broader climate goals, specifically energy transitions and the impacts of climate change (particularly sea level rise and coastal erosion).
This partnership with Princeton University is based on a shared understanding of the need for effective climate governance and finance mechanisms to address these challenges. The ACF has long recognised the importance of mobilising resources across the public and private sectors, as well as engaging civil society, to drive transformative climate action. This collaboration provides the ACF with an opportunity to leverage Princeton’s academic expertise to further its mission of bolstering climate resilience in Senegal.
“This collaboration with Princeton University is pivotal in shaping our Senegal’s urban resilience strategy. It will help the ACF address critical climate challenges and mobilise resources for sustainable urban development in Dakar and other secondary cities, especially those along the coast,” said Lamine Cisse, Senegal Country Manager for the ACF.
This project is part of SPIA’s Policy Workshop, a core component of Princeton’s Master’s in Public Affairs (MPA) programme. The workshop involves a team of 12 MPA students who will work closely with the ACF to develop and complete this initiative. The team will conduct in-depth research, meet with local stakeholders, and make recommendations designed to strengthen Dakar and other secondary cities. In October 2024, the students will travel to Dakar for a research visit, where they will engage directly with local stakeholders, policy experts, and community members.
Dakar and other coastal secondary cities are grappling with the dual challenges of climate change and rapid urbanisation. As coastal cities, these areas face significant risks from rising sea levels, flooding, and coastal erosion. The effects of climate change are already visible in the form of more frequent and severe weather events, including heavy rainfall and increased temperatures. These challenges are exacerbated by rapid urbanisation, which has led to unsustainable development practises, putting further pressure on the cities’ infrastructure, housing, and public services.
The policy workshop will focus on key strategic objectives, one being developing a strategy for the ACF to strengthen its role as a leader in climate policy and finance in Senegal, helping the foundation build stronger engagement with key stakeholders.
A critical aspect of this collaboration is climate finance, a crucial but often underfunded area in countries like Senegal. Despite significant efforts to advance climate initiatives, mobilising sufficient financial resources remains challenging. The workshop team will explore ways to improve access to climate finance and develop communication strategies to raise awareness and increase investment in adaptation and mitigation efforts. By focusing on both the national and urban scales, the project will offer a comprehensive view of the financial needs and opportunities available for climate action in Dakar.
The ACF will provide strategic input, facilitate connections with local stakeholders, and contribute to the final policy recommendations that emerge from this collaboration. The project will culminate in a final report and presentation to the ACF and other key stakeholders in January 2025, outlining practical steps that can be taken to strengthen climate governance and mobilise resources for urban climate adaptation in Dakar.
Through this partnership, the ACF is enhancing its efforts in climate policy and sustainable finance, both in Senegal and across Africa. By engaging with Princeton University and other international stakeholders, the ACF is working to ensure that Senegal and other African countries are better equipped to face the realities of climate change. The recommendations developed through this project will serve as a roadmap for future climate action, highlighting opportunities to scale up climate finance, improve urban resilience, and promote sustainable development.
