African countries face a conundrum. On the one hand they need to develop economically and industrially. On the other they must also meet their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally. This risks a conflict between climate mitigation ambitions and Africa’s development agenda.
There are 45 nations on the United Nations’ global list of “Least Developed Countries”; 33 (72%) are located in Africa. These countries face enormous problems, including low income levels and limited levels of industry. They are also affected by climate change disasters like floods and droughts.
Africa contributes just 4% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. But all 54 African countries have ratified the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Paris Agreement. So they’re legally bound to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The aim is to prevent an overall global temperature increase of more than 2 degrees Celsius above that of pre-industrial times. In 2024, the world’s temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
