Africa played an active role in the COP21 negotiations, emphasising the importance of cities at the forefront of climate resilience and the need for mechanisms to finance adaptation to climate change. Many opportunities exist for fostering cross-border co-operation between local authorities. However, given the lack of suitable legislation and funding, local authorities do not always have the means to carry out cross-border projects and the ability to directly access climate finance. This practical guide seeks to better understand the environmental constraints that affect cities in cross-border areas. It reviews international funding sources, and it assesses the legal, financial and governance options that could help local authorities carry out cross-border projects. Thanks to this work, local authorities and cities will be better able to assert their role in formulating climate risk mitigation policies.