Investigating Africa's decarbonization strategies: evaluating the pathway to net-zero by 2050-2060

Dare Ebenezer Olatunde; Chima Cyril Hampo; Abigail Pelumi Akinlawon; Ogechukwu Benedicta Odobulu; Bamidele James Afanwoubo

doi:10.1007/s44274-025-00287-7

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Investigating Africa's decarbonization strategies: evaluating the pathway to net-zero by 2050-2060

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Investigating Africa's decarbonization strategies: evaluating the pathway to net-zero by 2050-2060

Dare Ebenezer Olatunde, Chima Cyril Hampo, Abigail Pelumi Akinlawon, Ogechukwu Benedicta Odobulu and Bamidele James Afanwoubo

DISCOVER ENVIRONMENT, v 3(1), 103

31 Jul 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44274-025-00287-7

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Abstract

Environmental Sciences

Environmental Sciences & Ecology

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Science & Technology

Climate change poses significant challenges to global stability, particularly for African nations, which, despite contributing minimally to global emissions, face disproportionate climate impacts. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS) submitted by seven African countries, focusing on their alignment with the Paris Agreement's net-zero emissions target by mid-century. A rigorous mixed-method approach was adopted, combining qualitative content analysis of the LT-LEDS documents with quantitative assessment through structured summary evaluation tables and a semantic interval scale scoring mechanism. These methods specifically identified the presence and comprehensiveness of strategic elements within LT-LEDS, while providing numerical scoring to objectively assess strategy effectiveness, clarity of targets, investment planning, and policy measures. The findings reveal considerable variation in the clarity and ambition of strategic goals and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets among the assessed countries. Notably, fewer than half of the countries presented well-defined, actionable plans aligned with global climate commitments. Additionally, the study uncovered critical deficiencies, particularly in integrating socio-economic impacts and ensuring robust public consultation processes. These gaps highlight the urgent need for stronger legal frameworks and inclusive stakeholder engagement to enhance the implementation and effectiveness of LT-LEDS. Addressing these areas will significantly strengthen Africa's contribution to global climate change mitigation and sustainable development efforts.

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Title: Investigating Africa's decarbonization strategies: evaluating the pathway to net-zero by 2050-2060
Creators: Dare Ebenezer Olatunde - Kwara State University
Chima Cyril Hampo (Corresponding Author) - Drexel University
Abigail Pelumi Akinlawon - Obafemi Awolowo University
Ogechukwu Benedicta Odobulu - Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Bamidele James Afanwoubo - Ladoke Akintola University of Technology
Publication Details: DISCOVER ENVIRONMENT, v 3(1), 103
Publisher: Springer Nature
Number of pages: 12
Resource Type: Journal article
Language: English
Academic Unit: Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering; College of Engineering
Web of Science ID: WOS:001594742200001
Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105012270458
Other Identifier: 991022196988104721