As African cities draw up climate plans, two landscape architects argue that Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, should embrace its dry terrain. The city faces scarce, erratic rainfall, temperatures reaching 104°F and heat-trapping roads and buildings. The architects, who reviewed national and city policies and interviewed officials, planners, and community representatives, found that Namibia’s climate policies focus on risk and disaster management, while offering little guidance on nature-based solutions. The city therefore leans on concrete drains and flood barriers. The researchers urge bioswales, contour swales, berms, drought-tolerant native plants, and xeriscaping, which are tailored to local conditions, as potential solutions. The need is particularly urgent in informal settlements, which are growing faster than formal areas and can face severe flooding and inadequate drainage. Grassroots efforts like permaculture gardens and water harvesting help, and municipal champions push change from within, but projects remain disconnected. The architects say stronger coordination between communities, experts, and government could help integrate these approaches into citywide planning.