Africa’s Blue Cities by Donald L. Sparks

Coastal towns and cities in Africa from Lagos and Cape Town to Victoria, Durban, Djibouti and Swakopmund sit at the front line of the climate crisis, while also sustaining their national economies. Drawing on rich case studies, this volume showcases how ports, fisheries, tourism and urbanization currently contend with sea level rise, storms, inequality and ‘blue crimes’.

An introductory section of chapters is followed by comprehensive sections of case studies from small island developing states (SIDS) and mainland Africa, with a concluding section outlining cross-cutting themes. The volume explains and highlights path breaking responses such as blue bonds, marine spatial planning, climate responsive mobility, and circular, localized nature-based solutions, offering a compelling roadmap for policymakers, researchers, city leaders and practitioners seeking inclusive, climate resilient and justice orientated blue economies across the shores of sub-Saharan Africa.