SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
By 2050, Africa’s urban population is projected to triple, creating unprecedented pressure on infrastructure, resources, and ecosystems. Rapid urbanization brings challenges: overcrowded slums, air pollution, waste crises, and loss of green spaces.
At ACEECA, we believe cities can be engines of sustainable growth—not environmental degradation. That’s why we’re championing Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11): Sustainable Cities and Communities, working to make African urban areas inclusive, safe, resilient, and green.
Why SDG 11 Matters for Africa
SDG 11 aims to “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”. Key focus areas include:
- Affordable housing & upgraded slums
- Sustainable transport systems
- Reduced environmental impact (air quality, waste management)
- Green public spaces and urban biodiversity
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
With 60% of Africa’s urban dwellers living in informal settlements, achieving SDG 11 is critical for public health, economic stability, and climate adaptation.
How ACEECA is Building Sustainable Cities
1. Urban Greening & Biodiversity Protection
We’re combatting the “concrete jungle” effect through:
- Community tree-planting drives (10,000+ trees planted in Nairobi, Kampala, and Freetown)
- Rooftop & vertical garden projects to cool cities and improve air quality
- Protection of urban wetlands that act as natural flood barriers
2. Waste-to-Wealth Initiatives
Transforming Africa’s waste crisis into opportunity with:
- Plastic recycling hubs creating jobs while cleaning streets
- Composting programs turning organic waste into fertilizer for urban farms
- E-waste awareness campaigns preventing toxic pollution
3. Sustainable Mobility Advocacy
Reducing traffic emissions and congestion by:
- Promoting bicycle lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure
- Advocating for cleaner public transport (electric buses, CNG vehicles)
- Pilot car-free zones in city centers
4. Resilient Housing Solutions
Partnering with communities to:
- Train builders in eco-construction (using recycled materials, passive cooling)
- Retrofit informal settlements with clean energy and water systems
- Develop flood-resistant housing in vulnerable areas
5. Community-Led Urban Planning
Ensuring residents shape their neighborhoods through:
- Participatory mapping of climate risks and resources
- Youth innovation labs for sustainable city solutions
- Women’s cooperatives leading urban farming projects
How ACEECA’s Mission Aligns with SDG 11
Our work on sustainable cities directly advances ACEECA’s core goals:
🌿 Environmental Conservation – Protecting urban ecosystems and reducing pollution
⚡ Clean Energy Transition – Promoting solar-powered buildings and transport
🌍 Climate Resilience – Preparing cities for extreme weather events
🤝 Community Empowerment – Ensuring inclusive, bottom-up development
Join Our Urban Revolution
Cities cover just 3% of Earth’s land but account for 70% of emissions. Africa’s urban future is being written now—help us make it sustainable by:
✅ Volunteering for urban greening projects
✅ Adopting sustainable practices in your home/business
✅ Advocating for greener policies in your city