Urban sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa demands a nuanced understanding of the interplay between human activities and environmental systems, particularly in cities experiencing rapid urbanisation like Windhoek, Namibia and Accra, Ghana. This chapter thus investigates the human–environment nexus based on a comparative analysis of the two cities (i.e. Windhoek and Accra). It focuses on urbanisation, socio-economic vulnerabilities and environmental challenges while exploring the role of policy frameworks and digital technologies in fostering sustainable urban futures. Through a mixed-methods approach, the study combines geographic information systems (GIS)-based spatial analysis, remote sensing and qualitative interviews with urban planners and policymakers. It applies resilience theory, urban political ecology and smart city frameworks to assess disaster adaptation strategies, equitable resource management and policy efficiency in these cities. Findings highlight that Windhoek demonstrates targeted resource management while Accra leads in technological adoption, yet both face challenges in integrating digital tools into urban planning. By emphasising interdisciplinary collaboration and capacity-building in digital infrastructure, the study proposes actionable recommendations for enhancing urban resilience, reducing vulnerabilities and promoting equitable resource distribution. This chapter not only contributes to the discourse on sustainable urban solutions in sub-Saharan Africa but also provides globally relevant insights for achieving urban sustainability in resource-constrained contexts.