Eswatini’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0).

Eswatini’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) outlines an enhanced climate strategy for 2027–2035. The Country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.24 MtCO₂eq by 2035 relative to the business-as-usual scenario, with 31% of reductions financed domestically and the remainder contingent on international support. The energy sector, the largest emitter, is central to mitigation efforts through renewable energy expansion, clean cooking solutions, energy efficiency, and low-carbon transport initiatives. Additional measures target waste management, industrial processes, and agriculture, forestry, and land use (AFOLU), including landscape restoration and carbon sequestration through forest rehabilitation and tree planting. Adaptation is prioritized due to Eswatini’s vulnerability to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, droughts, floods, and tropical storms. Seven sectors—agriculture, water, health, energy, disaster risk reduction, ecosystems and biodiversity, and infrastructure—form the core of adaptation actions. These include climate-smart agriculture, improved irrigation, resilient health systems, water governance reforms, and climate-proof infrastructure. Ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation are emphasized to enhance resilience and maintain ecological integrity. Cross-cutting measures integrate gender equality, youth participation, and social inclusion, ensuring that climate actions are equitable and aligned with Just Transition principles. The NDC also introduces a robust climate finance architecture, leveraging domestic resources, green bonds, and carbon markets. Technology transfer and capacity building are identified as critical enablers, alongside strengthening monitoring, reporting, and verification systems to comply with the Enhanced Transparency Framework.