Africa-Press – Eswatini. His Majesty King Mswati III has announced Eswatini’s plan to reduce 2.24 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.
He has also revealed that the country is among the first 10 countries to submit its Paris Agreement-compliant NDC 3.0 plan to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The plan outlines programmes, resources and a clear plan to achieve this target by 2035.
Speaking at a high-level event on Climate Change on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, His Majesty said despite the Kingdom’s low emissions, it remains committed to the Paris Agreement.
To meet this goal, His Majesty revealed that Eswatini would need approximately E43 billion (US$2.4 billion). “Despite this, Eswatini comes to this meeting determined to turn vulnerability into resilience.
We are pleased to announce that we have concluded and submitted the Paris Agreement-compliant NDC 3.0,” he said, noting the Kingdom was among 10 African nations meeting the September deadline, supported by the local UN Office and partners.
The NDC 3.0 revision was comprehensive and inclusive, with locally driven greenhouse gas data demonstrating national ownership. Lessons from NDC 2.0 and meaningful dialogues shaped the robust report, aligned with the 2023-2028 National Development Plan and the long-term Low Emissions Development Strategy.
“Eswatini will reform laws and strengthen all institutions to improve capacity, accountability, monitoring and reporting,” His Majesty said.
Financial constraints limited NDC 2.0, which targeted US$900 million (E16.2 billion) to US$1.5 billion (E27 billion), raising only US$449 million (E8.1 billion) since 2018.
The NDC 3.0’s E43 billion cost requires scaled-up, predictable climate finance. “Thus, we expect stronger collaboration with our partners, including the local private sector, to finance the US$2 billion (E36 billion) gap,” the King said.
“Eswatini will remain a net carbon sink and reduce 2.24 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. We will also invest in climate-smart agriculture and technology.
Early warning systems, water resource management, waste management and infrastructure will be improved to protect our most vulnerable society,” he stated. A just energy transition will promote affordable, clean technologies and a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.
Green finance instruments and incentives will align financial flows with climate priorities to attract sustainable investment. A Sendai-aligned Disaster Risk Management Fund will enhance risk financing and reporting, while renewable energy and digital tools are prioritised.
“Climate-smart technologies should be affordable for farmers, homeowners and entrepreneurs after the loss and damage fund is recapitalised,” His Majesty said.
“Eswatini cares about survival and opportunity. With the right support, the country can turn climate challenges into green growth, food sovereignty and shared prosperity,” he concluded.
China’s President Xi Jinping, addressing the session via video link, supported the Paris Agreement, committing to a 10 per cent emissions reduction by 2033, countering US President Donald Trump’s claims about China’s green technology practices.
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