Decarbonizing Hard-to-Abate Sectors in Africa

The Paris Agreement aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by the middle of the century, but Africa’s aviation and shipping emissions are not meeting these targets due to rapid activity growth and a lack of commercial mitigation options. Large-scale models for regional mitigation analysis often overlook the specificities and emission reduction options of international shipping and aviation, while bottom-up sectoral models overlook their interconnections with the entire system. To achieve net zero carbon emissions in Africa’s challenging sectors, such as transportation, heating, aviation, shipping, and industry, a multifaceted strategy is needed. The aviation industry must focus on modernizing aircraft and investing in environmentally friendly technologies, while the shipping industry can benefit from low-carbon fuel deployment and energy efficiency improvements. The industrial sector must invest in renewable energy sources and implement energy-efficient technologies while promoting sustainable practices among employees and stakeholders can create a culture of environmental responsibility. A multifaceted strategy that includes modernizing technology, deploying low-carbon fuels, promoting energy efficiency and sustainability practices, and educating staff is essential for achieving climate policy goals across the aviation, shipping, and industrial sectors. By working together toward these goals, we can create a more sustainable future for Africa, our planet, and future generations.