The Freetown Heat Action Plan is Africa’s first, and it outlines targeted actions, policies, and partnerships to enhance heat resilience for vulnerable communities. It was spearheaded by Eugenia Kargbo — Africa’s first Chief Heat Officer — in partnership with Climate Resilience for All.
Goal 1: Engage, Coordinate and Prepare
Target 1: Increase Heat Awareness by 60% by 2030
Freetown’s informal settlements — home to 35% of the population — can be up to 6°C warmer than surrounding areas. Awareness campaigns launched in 2023–2024 address heat rash, dehydration, and heat-related medical conditions. Urban heat island hotspot mapping uses bike-mounted sensors to identify the most vulnerable areas.
Target 2: Establish a Multi-Sectoral Heat Coordination Network
An extreme heat taskforce will coordinate action across government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure coherent, city-wide heat response.
Target 3: Establish a High-Resolution Monitoring and Early Warning System by 2026
A Heat-Health Early Warning System will provide residents and responders with timely, accurate information to take protective action before and during heat events.
Goal 2: Build Equitable and Sustainable Heat Adaptation Solutions
Target 4: Cut Urban Heat Through Nature-Based and Engineered Solutions by 2030
Urban tree coverage expansion, cooling zones and corridors, and reduction of the Urban Heat Island effect will lower temperatures for the most exposed residents.
Target 5: Ensure 35% of Residents in Vulnerable Groups Have Access to Tailored Adaptations
Shade covers in outdoor markets, reflective roofs, and other targeted solutions will protect market vendors and women who work outdoors in extreme heat.
Goal 3: Mobilize Finance and Partnerships for Effective Governance
Target 6: Mobilize $10 Million in Seed Funding by 2028
Leveraging partnerships to attract climate finance and co-designing an investment plan that can unlock resources at scale.
Target 7: Establish a City-Wide Integrated Sustainable Heat Action Plan
Embedding heat resilience in city regulations and policies, rooted in Freetown’s five-year development plan, with a strong governance framework to ensure lasting impact.