Although African cities have contributed relatively little to climate change, they disproportionately face its burdens through shifting weather patterns and hazards such as flooding, cyclones, extreme heat, and drought. These impacts rarely occur in isolation; they compound and intensify existing risks, threatening socio-economic development and public health while deepening inequalities, straining infrastructure, and worsening food insecurity. The challenges are further magnified by rapid urbanisation, limited adaptive capacity, and high levels of vulnerability among urban populations. Local governments must navigate the difficult task of anticipating, preparing for, and responding to climate risks while also addressing pressing development priorities. Despite resource constraints – financial, administrative, data-related, and institutional – many local governments are leading innovation on how to tackle these compounding risks.