A new interactive platform details nearly a millennium of localized sea-level change along the African coastline, providing critical data for future adaptation strategies. The tool compiles 950 historical accounts, revealing a century of documented coastal shifts and offering a granular understanding of regional vulnerabilities. This resource highlights the urgent need for proactive planning as Africa faces accelerating sea-level rise by 2100. The platform aims to inform difficult decisions regarding infrastructure, relocation, and resource allocation. Researchers emphasize the continent’s unique challenges, requiring tailored solutions beyond global projections. The data underscores that coastal change is not a future threat, but an ongoing reality for many African communities, demanding immediate attention and investment in resilience measures. The platform is intended for use by policymakers, researchers, and local communities.