Eswatini’s government has presented a national climate plan to Cabinet and Senators,
outlining targets for emissions cuts and adaptation measures as the country faces high youth unemployment, poverty and climate shocks that threaten agriculture.
Sifiso Nzalo from the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs made the presentation at Happy Valley on Wednesday. 
The Eswatini Meteorological Service also participated, the presentation focused on weather and climate risks, national context, mitigation targets and adaptation priorities.
National context data shows Eswatini’s economy remains fragile. Youth unemployment is 48.7% and poverty affects 58.9% of the population.
The economy is agriculture-dependent and vulnerable to droughts and floods. Climate shocks such as the 2015-16 El Niño drought and Cyclone Eloise caused major losses to crops, livestock and infrastructure. Water, energy and biodiversity sectors face climate risks.
Nzalo addressed the question of farmer preparedness. He stated that farmers have been educated on climate risks.
Government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Planning, has led the process.
Seven workshops have been conducted and more than 850 stakeholders have been engaged.
The approach was inclusive and included youth, women and vulnerable groups. All activities are anchored on Just Transition principles.
According to Nzalo, Eswatini aims for greenhouse gas reductions of 2.24 million tonnes of CO² equivalent by 2035.
This represents a 115% increase from the target in NDC 2.0. Domestic contribution will account for 31.1% of reductions.
Nzalo revealed that international support is needed for 69% of reductions as the country on its own cannot manage the reductions.
Nzalo set it clear to the Cabinet and Senators that in the energy sector, government plans 310 MW of renewable energy by 2035 from solar, hydro and biomass. Clean cooking access is targeted at 100% by 2035.
Transport measures include electric vehicles, ethanol blending and solar charging stations.
“Energy efficiency actions across sectors are expected to deliver 168 kilotonnes of CO² equivalent reduction,” said Nzalo.
The presentation details that other mitigation sectors also have actions. Waste management will use composting, non-burning technology and an Extended Producer Responsibility Framework.
Industrial processes will phase down HFCs in line with the Kigali Amendment. In AFOLU, the government will implement landscape restoration on 75,000 hectares.
Adaptation priorities were listed due to projected temperature increases. Temperature rise could reach up to 5.5°C by 2095 under SSP5-8.5.
Extreme events expected include flash floods, droughts and wildfires. Seven adaptation priority sectors were identified: agriculture, water, health, energy, disaster risk reduction, ecosystems and infrastructure.
Sectoral adaptation actions were also detailed in the presentation, in agriculture, the plan promotes climate-smart practices and drought-tolerant crops.
For water, actions include efficient irrigation and harvesting systems. Disaster risk reduction measures include a DRM Bill, early warning systems and inclusive planning.
Health sector actions focus on climate-resilient infrastructure and services.
Cost-cutting and cross-cutting themes were also included. Gender equality and social inclusion will be addressed through gender responsive measures and support for women’s groups.
Furthermore, youth engagement will be done through youth networks.
Technology, capacity, and Financing and MRV systems needs were highlighted which are listed as key requirements.
The tourism sector said the workshops and stakeholder engagements were conducted to ensure farmers and communities understand climate risks and preparedness actions.
“The Eswatini Meteorological Service will continue providing weather and climate information to support planning,” said Nzalo.
A majority of Cabinet Ministers and Senators stated that agriculture remains central to livelihoods and economic stability, climate action is therefore linked to job creation and poverty reduction.
The Just Transition approach is said to guide implementation to protect workers and vulnerable groups during the shift to a low-carbon economy.
