Technical Guide for the Development of Long-Term Emission Development Strategies in Africa

This Technical Guide for the Development of Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies in Africa has been developed to assist African countries in formulating their LT-LEDS. This guide is motivated by the fact that, by June 2024, very few African countries (only ten) had developed and communicated their LT-LEDS to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Additionally, the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) is mandated to provide expert advice and support to help countries achieve their national climate objectives. Through AGNES’s interactions with policymakers and climate focal points, there has been a clear demand for supplementary information to aid these longterm policy processes, particularly in providing guidance on the phases and steps necessary for developing a holistic and economy-wide LT-LEDS.

The guide outlines the steps and processes involved in developing the LT-LEDS, from setting national priorities and establishing institutional frameworks to engaging stakeholders and implementing policies. It draws on best practices and lessons learned from both within and outside the continent, emphasising the importance of aligning LT-LEDS with national development plans and international commitments, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).

By offering practical insights and actionable steps, this guide aims to empower African countries to develop robust and effective LTLEDS that foster resilience, drive innovation, and unlock opportunities for green growth. We trust that this guide will be a valuable resource for practitioners and policymakers dedicated to building a sustainable future for Africa.