A placard with climate advocacy./Photo courtesy
African cities are set to benefit from a major expansion of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund, with 60 municipalities on the continent included in a new global rollout aimed at backing young people to lead climate solutions in their communities.
The programme, announced at Bloomberg CityLab 2026, adds 300 new city halls worldwide and triples the reach of the initiative since it was launched in 2024. It is one of the latest examples of philanthropy being used to support local government action while giving young people direct access to funding and decision-making spaces.
Under the fund, city governments receive financial support and technical guidance to run open calls for ideas from residents aged 15 to 24.
Winning youth-led projects are then backed with grants of $50,000, with additional support available for cities that move quickly to deliver results.
For African cities, the investment comes at a time when many urban areas are dealing with climate shocks, waste management pressures, unemployment, and the need for greener public spaces.
The fund allows young residents to help shape practical responses while gaining leadership experience.
“The Youth Climate Action Fund is helping city halls around the world work alongside hundreds of thousands of young people to take action on city climate challenges and improve their communities,” said Patricia E. Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Bloomberg Philanthropies.
“They are showing how local government can be a partner on issues youth and residents care deeply about, and they are building trust along the way.”
The first round of the programme has already shown visible results globally. More than 300,000 young people have taken part, helping create green spaces, plant trees, launch composting stations, establish gardens, and improve neighbourhood environments.
Beyond environmental gains, organisers say the programme has also strengthened trust between young people and city authorities. Survey findings showed confidence in local government rose sharply among participating youth.
One African city already benefiting is Masaka in Uganda.
“By launching the Youth Climate Action Fund, Masaka City is empowering our future leaders to take center stage,” said Mayor Florence Namayanja.
“Thanks to the essential funding and resources provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies, we are enabling our youth to convert their visions into real-world solutions that address our city’s needs.”
The inclusion of 60 African cities reflects growing recognition that the continent’s young population is central to climate progress.
It also shows how philanthropic funding can move quickly to test new ideas and support communities in ways traditional financing often cannot.
Rather than funding projects from afar, the model puts resources directly into city halls and local hands.
For participating African municipalities, that could mean cleaner neighbourhoods, greener public spaces, and a stronger generation of young civic leaders ready to shape the future of their cities.
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