Climate change poses unprecedented challenges to Africa's coastal regions, threatening ecosystems, infrastructure, livelihoods, and the wellbeing of millions of people. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, flooding, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather events are increasingly reshaping the continent's coastal landscapes, demanding innovative and sustainable responses.

This contributed volume brings together leading scholars, researchers, and practitioners to explore cutting-edge approaches for enhancing coastal resilience across Africa. Through interdisciplinary perspectives and evidence-based case studies, this volume examines the role of technological innovation, geospatial tools, nature-based solutions, integrated coastal governance, climate communication, local and indigenous knowledge systems, citizen science, ocean literacy, and community-driven adaptation in addressing complex coastal challenges.

The book highlights practical strategies for strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable coastal communities while promoting environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and economic development. Attention is given to the experiences of African countries and coastal populations at the forefront of climate impacts, offering valuable lessons for policymakers, development practitioners, researchers, and students. Through showcasing innovative solutions and transformative pathways for adaptation, this volume contributes to ongoing efforts to achieve sustainable coastal futures in Africa and beyond. It serves as an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand and address the intersection of climate change, coastal resilience, and sustainable development in the twenty-first century.

Lazarus Chapungu (PhD, UNISA) is an academic with over 15 years of experience as a lecturer, researcher, and consultant in geography, climate science, environmental planning, and environmental science. He is currently a senior postdoctoral research fellow at the Institute for Sustainability and Corporate Citizenship, University of South Africa, specialising in climate change adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. He serves as a lead author in the IPCC AR7 Working Group III. He has published extensively and edited several books. He also serves as an editor for internationally indexed journals, including Springer’s Discover Sustainability. He thrives in multidisciplinary environments and is committed to becoming part of the next generation of professionals who bring solutions to environmental challenges through participatory and community-engaged processes

Godwell Nhamo (PhD Rhodes University), is a Full Professor, National Research Foundation C1-Rated, and a current employee of the University of South Africa (UNISA). He is currently the Acting Head for the Institute for Sustainability and corporate Citizenship (ISCC). His research space includes Climate Change, Coastal Resilience and Livelihoods, and Sustainable Development (Goals). Prof Nhamo has a passion in capacity development and mentoring (young) people for success, both in the academic and business spheres. He has published 19 books (15 edited and 4 co-authored), over 140 journal articles and many book chapters. Since 2013, Prof Nhamo has graduated 14 PhDs and hosted 21 postdoctoral fellows. Prof Nhamo is also one of the experts for the Non-economic Losses Group under the UNFCCC Warsaw International Mechanisms on Loss and Damage. He also sits in the Gauteng Premier Climate Change Experts Group. He has over 27 years of experience in the academic and consulting spaces of engagements and is an advocate of open access educational resources. Prof Nhamo is a recipient of many accolades, among them, the 2017 Distinguished Old Rhodian Award for having reached exceptional heights in his chosen career by maintaining excellence in the field and service to society, 2021 NRF Science Award, and the UNISA Vice Chancellor Research Excellence Award (three times)