Connecting tenure security and climate resilience in sub-Saharan Africa: reflections from informal settlements in Harare, Zimbabwe

Over half of Africa’s urban population lives in informal settlements marked by inadequate housing, poor services and high climate risks. These communities face layered vulnerabilities, shaped by political marginalisation and insecure tenure, which limit investment and the building of resilience. This paper explores how stronger tenure security mediates climate risks, and may contribute to unlocking partnerships and resources that enable locally led, transformative climate resilience in informal settlements. Drawing on evidence from three informal settlements in Harare, Zimbabwe, it calls for more attention to the importance of tenure security in shifting urban policy from eviction and neglect towards inclusive, equitable climate action.