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This briefing note by the Global Resilience Partnership and Transitions Research examines the landscape of urban resilience solutions in informal contexts across the Global South. Based on a review of approximately 130 solutions, the report identifies a significant gap in urban climate investment—where only 1.2% of urban climate finance flows to adaptation and resilience—and highlights that most non-governmental solutions are still in early development stages. It provides recommendations for municipalities, funders, and policymakers to scale these innovations through better coordination, hybrid financing, and the integration of informal settlements into city planning.

The Youth Enterprise Grants (YEG) pilot project in Mathare, Nairobi, provided approximately $1,200 in grants and smartphones to youth aged 18-35. Findings indicate a significant shift from casual labour to self-employment (37% to 64%) and marked improvements in financial status, with over 75% of recipients reporting income increases. While smartphones proved essential for market access and business skills via social media, specific money management apps like Touch Doh saw low adoption. Mobile money remains the primary tool for financial management, with a strong preference for savings mechanisms that limit immediate liquidity.