Students Reinventing Cities is a global initiative by C40 Cities that invites university students and interdisciplinary teams to rethink the future of urban centres, transforming innovative ideas into concrete solutions to climate challenges. In the context of Cape Verde, this programme represents a unique opportunity to boost urban resilience and sustainable development across the islands, aligning local ambitions with global climate action targets.
Context and relevance for Cape Verde
Cities such as Praia and Mindelo are facing growing pressures resulting from rapid urbanisation, rising sea levels and the need for more efficient infrastructure. By implementing the winning proposals from the Students Reinventing Cities competition, Cape Verde can incorporate best practices in urban planning, sustainable mobility and renewable energy, thereby promoting greener and more inclusive communities.
Aims of the initiative
The main aim is to promote collaboration between academia, local authorities and the private sector, enabling proposals developed by students to be implemented directly within the urban environment. It is hoped that the selected projects will contribute to:
- Reduction in carbon emissions;
- Improving air quality and the quality of public spaces;
- Adaptation to climate change;
- Empowering Cape Verdean young people in urban decision-making.
Who can take part and how does it work?
Local authorities, educational institutions and C40 partner organisations may express their interest by submitting proposals that have already been recognised as winners in previous editions of Students Reinventing Cities. The process follows a clear roadmap: proposal selection, adaptation to the local context, implementation planning, monitoring and impact assessment.
Expected impact
By adopting this approach, Cape Verde is establishing itself as a leading Portuguese-speaking nation in sustainable urban innovation, creating green jobs, training local professionals and strengthening international cooperation on climate action.
Deadline for expressions of interest: 9 November 2026.
To view the full call for applications and submit your application, please click on the link: https://www.c40.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/UPDATED-SRC5-RfP-Direct-implementation-of-selected-winning-proposals.pdf?ki-cf-botcl=1
