What Is Decarbonization, And How Can This Be Achieved In Africa?Litigation: 3 Case Studies

The primary driver of climate change is the excessive accumulation of carbon in the atmosphere. This underscores the need for a structured, long-term approach that not only limits new carbon emissions but also actively removes existing ones—a process known as decarbonization. This method focuses on transitioning major carbon-producing sectors, such as energy, transportation, and industry, to low- or zero-emission technologies, aiming to curb temperature increases and reduce climate-related impacts. Yet, decarbonization is complex, as many industries rely heavily on carbon-based processes and infrastructure. Successfully decarbonizing requires a comprehensive overhaul of these systems, shifting away from carbon dependency to sustainable alternatives. The reason for global decarbonization efforts lies in the 2015 Paris Agreement, an international commitment to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Countries and organizations are aligning with these targets by pursuing net-zero emissions by 2050—a benchmark where any remaining emissions are counterbalanced by equivalent CO₂ removal, such as through reforestation or carbon capture technologies.

For policymakers, the challenge is to develop strategies that not only set decarbonization goals but also ensure the economic feasibility of these transitions. Achieving net zero demands scalable solutions across sectors, rigorous monitoring, and consistent international collaboration to address emissions sources in industry, agriculture, and transport.

Africa’s contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is minimal, yet the continent relies heavily on systems and infrastructure that depend on fossil fuels like coal, particularly in sectors such as energy and transportation. Despite this small footprint, Africa endures some of the harshest impacts of climate change compared to other continents, grappling with extreme weather events, droughts, and food insecurity.

It may be tempting to interpret these facts as an argument for exempting Africa from participating in climate change solutions, positioning the continent solely as a victim of the climate crisis. However, this view overlooks a critical factor: Africa’s heightened vulnerability stems not just from climate change itself but from a foundation of low socio-economic development, which leaves many communities exposed to climate impacts with limited capacity to adapt.

Reducing this vulnerability—and playing an active role in global climate solutions—requires substantial progress across various sectors to build resilience and promote sustainable growth. Here are some essential pathways for Africa to decarbonize its systems and support climate solutions while advancing economic development:

• Investing in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
  Africa’s renewable energy potential is vast, yet only a fraction has been tapped. With some of the world’s highest solar radiation levels, particularly across the Sahara and parts of East Africa, the continent has immense capacity for solar power generation. Countries like Morocco have demonstrated the power of renewables with projects such as the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, the largest concentrated solar farm in the world, which provides clean energy to 1.1 million people. Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam aims to produce 6,450 MW, enough to power most of the nation and export energy to neighbouring countries.
  Renewables not only reduce emissions but also create jobs. A report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that the renewable energy industry has created 1.9 million jobs in Africa with a potential of a 3.8% increase in 20230.
• Afforestation and Agricultural Innovation
  Africa’s forests, especially those in the Congo Basin—the world’s second-largest rainforest—play a vital role in carbon sequestration, with the capacity to absorb up to 1.2 billion tons of CO₂ annually. However, deforestation for agriculture and logging is a major threat. The African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100), which aims to restore 100 million hectares by 2030, is a large-scale effort to address this. Countries like Rwanda and Ethiopia are part of this initiative and have already seen success with reforestation efforts. Ethiopia alone planted over 350 million trees in a single day in 2019 as part of its Green Legacy Initiative.
  In agriculture, climate-smart methods such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and agroforestry not only improve yields but also help soil retain carbon and resist erosion. For instance, in Zambia, research shows that farmers practising agroforestry have seen more than 50% higher yields compared to traditional practices, which makes a huge difference in areas prone to droughts.
• Electrifying Transport
  Africa’s transportation sector relies heavily on fossil fuels, but electrification offers a clear path to sustainability. In Kigali, Rwanda, the government is piloting electric motorcycles as part of a broader plan to reduce urban air pollution and cut emissions. This is being made possible through the government’s support of a local startup Ampersand, that provides EVs that emit 75% less carbon dioxide than standard motorbikes, and they cost drivers 45% less in fuel. Similarly, Kenya is promoting electric buses with BasiGo, a company that introduced Africa’s first electric buses in Nairobi, aiming to transform the congested and highly polluting public transport system.
  Beyond vehicles, expanding public transit networks also reduces emissions. In cities like Lagos, Nigeria, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems have improved urban mobility while cutting down emissions and traffic congestion. When combined with incentives for electric vehicles and investment in charging infrastructure, these projects can make sustainable transport more accessible to millions of city dwellers.
• Promoting a Circular Economy
  Adopting a circular economy is especially relevant for Africa, where waste management infrastructure is often lacking. In Lagos, Nigeria, plastic waste clogs drain, contributing to urban flooding. Initiatives like “RecyclePoints,” which incentivize residents to collect recyclables in exchange for household items, help reduce waste and create economic value. South Africa has also made strides by introducing extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations, requiring manufacturers to take responsibility for recycling and waste management.
  Electronic waste (e-waste) is another area of concern, with Africa receiving high volumes of discarded electronics. Projects like Ghana’s Agbogbloshie Makerspace Platform (AMP) are working to address this by training local communities in e-waste recycling and repair, which provides income and reduces landfill waste. Through these measures, Africa can reduce dependency on raw imports, foster local entrepreneurship, and minimize environmental impact—all while moving toward a greener economy.
• Decarbonizing Cement and Steel Industries
  As urbanisation continues across Africa, demand for infrastructure—and therefore, cement and steel—is expected to grow substantially. However, these industries are among the largest industrial emitters globally. To address this, a few African nations are exploring green alternatives like limestone calcined clay cement (LC3), which has already reduced CO₂ emissions by around 30% in pilot projects.
  Steel production, another major emitter, can also be decarbonized through innovative technologies like green hydrogen. Although still in its early stages, green hydrogen can replace coal in steelmaking processes, drastically reducing emissions. This could position Africa as a leader in clean industry while meeting the continent’s infrastructure needs sustainably.

Despite the plethora of examples provided in regard to strategies for decarbonization in Africa, a continent widespread of Africa’s decarbonization agenda is hampered by a unique set of interrelated challenges, including limited financing options, economic reliance on fossil fuels, entrenched consumption patterns, political instability, and an overemphasis on adaptation strategies rather than long-term mitigation. Financing remains the foremost barrier. African nations, carrying substantial debt burdens, often prioritise debt servicing over green investments, limiting their ability to fund renewable energy projects. International climate finance has fallen short, with concessional loans and grants frequently inadequate to meet the scale of Africa’s transition needs. To address these constraints, debt-for-climate swaps present a promising option, allowing countries to redirect resources from debt payments to decarbonization initiatives without worsening their debt load.

Africa’s economic reliance on fossil fuel exports presents a second major hurdle. Countries like Nigeria and Angola depend heavily on oil and gas revenues to support national budgets and finance essential services such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. A sudden shift away from fossil fuels could disrupt economic stability and potentially spark social unrest, as it would impact jobs and revenue streams in key sectors. Solutions here involve gradual economic diversification. By reinvesting a portion of fossil fuel revenues into renewable energy development and green technology sectors, African countries could reduce dependency on fossil fuels over time, fostering economic resilience while minimizing the risk of fiscal shocks.

The transport sector further complicates Africa’s decarbonization efforts due to its reliance on fossil fuels. Private vehicles, buses, and freight transport predominantly use diesel and gasoline, while electric vehicles (EVs) remain largely unaffordable. In addition, the infrastructure to support widespread EV adoption—such as charging stations—remains limited. Transitioning these consumption patterns calls for targeted subsidies, tax incentives, and public sector investments that can make EVs accessible. Some countries are engaged in these, but widespread support for innovation would be a huge contributor to making this happen. Expansion of green public transportation systems would offer a more affordable, sustainable alternative to private fossil-fuel vehicles, reducing emissions and relieving urban congestion.

Political instability is another key factor that stymies Africa’s decarbonization progress. Environmental policies require sustained commitment and long-term planning, yet governance challenges, civil unrest, and corruption in certain regions can interrupt policy continuity, undermining effective implementation. Political stability is essential for building a supportive environment for decarbonization. Regional cooperation frameworks could safeguard environmental policies from political upheaval, and enhanced accountability within government institutions may build public trust. Strengthening community involvement in policy decisions may also anchor green initiatives against political shifts, ensuring more sustained local commitment.

Finally, Africa’s climate policy has been characterized by a predominant focus on adaptation, largely due to the immediate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations. Floods, droughts, and rising temperatures have forced many countries to prioritize adaptation over mitigation. While adaptation is essential, this approach can divert resources from emission reduction strategies. A balanced approach is required—one that integrates adaptation efforts with mitigation goals. For instance, reforestation projects could serve both as carbon sinks and protective barriers against extreme weather events, addressing both objectives. Securing international funds earmarked specifically for mitigation could help African countries balance these priorities effectively, contributing to long-term climate resilience.

In sum, Africa’s decarbonization challenges are substantial but not insurmountable. Through these measures mentioned above, African nations can navigate their unique path to decarbonization, aligning economic development with sustainable climate action.