A solar panel./PHOTO ; Pexel
Johannesburg has taken the top honor for Africa after being named the only African city among the 26 global finalists for the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Local Leaders Awards.
The city earned its place for its Solar Micro-grids in Informal Settlements project, an ambitious initiative that is transforming access to clean energy, improving livelihoods, and advancing climate resilience across marginalized communities.
Organized in partnership with C40 Cities, the Bloomberg Philanthropies Local Leaders Awards celebrate cities and local governments driving bold, people-centered climate solutions that accelerate global progress under the Paris Agreement.
The winners will be announced on November 4, 2025, during the COP30 Local Leaders Forum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
This year’s Awards focus on six categories that align with the priorities of the COP30 Presidency: just energy transition, adaptation, public health, and multilevel partnerships.
Johannesburg was selected under the Energy Transition & Smarter Buildings category, which honors cities cutting carbon emissions and costs through clean energy innovation and efficient design.
The Solar Micro-grids in Informal Settlements initiative brings renewable energy directly to residents who have long lived off the grid.
By installing small, decentralized solar systems, Johannesburg is reducing reliance on fossil fuels, curbing pollution, and enhancing safety and economic opportunity in communities often excluded from national energy infrastructure.
From more than 160 applications across 45 countries, the 26 finalists were chosen for their measurable impact and innovation.
Johannesburg’s recognition stands out as a testament to Africa’s capacity to lead on practical, scalable climate solutions rooted in local realities.
“Climate change is a global challenge, but effective solutions often start at the local level where great ideas can take root and spread from city to city,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Ambition and Solutions and Founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
“Each of these finalists is taking bold action to cut emissions, improve public health, and spur economic growth.”
Africa’s only representation in this global lineup highlights the continent’s growing influence in shaping a just and inclusive energy transition.
Cities like Johannesburg are proving that sustainable urban transformation does not depend on vast resources alone but on visionary leadership, innovation, and community partnership.
Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, praised Johannesburg’s project as a model for urban climate leadership:
“Johannesburg’s solar micro-grids are a trailblazing model for cities everywhere, proof that African innovation can power both climate resilience and social progress.”
Now in its ninth edition and formerly known as the C40 Cities Bloomberg Philanthropies Awards, the Local Leaders Awards spotlight transformative city-led action that connects climate goals to people’s everyday lives.
Johannesburg’s inclusion not only honors the city’s achievements but also signals a broader continental milestone, marking Africa’s voice in the global climate arena as one defined by creativity, determination, and impact.
About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people.
The organization focuses on five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.7 billion.
