Eswatini’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0)

3.1 NDC 3.0 Contribution ........................................................................................................ 4

3.1.1 Energy – Renewable Energy Expansion ............................................................................ 5

3.1.2 Energy – Clean Cooking Solutions ................................................................................... 5

3.1.3 Energy – Energy Efficiency .............................................................................................. 6

3.1.4 Energy – Transport ......................................................................................................... 6

3.1.5 Waste Management ....................................................................................................... 7

3.1.6 Industrial Processes and Product Use ............................................................................ 7

3.1.7 AFOLU – Landscape restoration ..................................................................................... 8

3.1.8 AFOLU – Carbon sequestration ...................................................................................... 9 4 Adaptation Contribution ............................................................................................................ 10

4.1 Disaster Risk Reduction ................................................................................................... 12

4.2 Agriculture ...................................................................................................................... 13

4.3 Health ............................................................................................................................. 14

4.4 Water Resources Management ......................................................................................... 16

4.5 Water Sanitation and Hygiene ........................................................................................... 16

4.6 Ecosystems and Biodiversity ............................................................................................ 17

4.7 Infrastructure and Human Settlements ............................................................................. 18

4.8 Energy - Adaptation .......................................................................................................... 19 5 Cross Cutting Issues ................................................................................................................. 20

5.1 Inclusivity, Just Transition and Stakeholder Engagement .................................................... 20

5.1.1 Gender Equality and Social Inclusion ............................................................................ 21

5.1.2 Youth and Children ...................................................................................................... 22

5.2 Means of Implementation and Support Needs ................................................................... 23

5.2.1 Financing .................................................................................................................... 23

5.2.2 Capacity Needs ........................................................................................................... 25

5.2.3 Technology Needs ....................................................................................................... 26

5.3 Domestic MRV system and plans for transition to Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) 26 6 Information for Clarity, Transparency and Understanding (ICTU) (Decision 4/CMA.1) .................... 28 1 National circumstances and context Eswatini’s economy remains fragile, with GDP growth averaging just above 2 percent over the past two decades, one of the lowest in the region. The economy rebounded to an estimated 4.9 percent in 2023, up from 0.5 percent in 2022, but this recovery masks underlying climate-related vulnerabilities.1 Total GDP in 2023 stood at approximately USD 4.96 billion, with GDP per capita at about USD 4,162.2 Agriculture, which contributes 6–8 percent of GDP and employs most rural households, saw a 33 percent decline in maize production due to drought, while sugarcane performed relatively better under irrigation. Services and manufacturing helped drive recent growth, yet unemployment remains relatively high at 35.4 percent overall and 48.7 percent among youth, who constitute 73 percent of the population. Poverty persists at 58.9 percent, with a Gini index of 0.55, and food insecurity affects between 20 and 30 percent of the population. These statistics highlight the severe socio-economic risks climate change poses to livelihoods, particularly in rural areas prone to droughts and floods, where shocks worsen inequality and undermine social protection efforts. In the past decade Eswatini has suffered the effects of extreme weather events affecting livelihoods, ecosystems and the national economy. Notably, the country has witnessed recurrent droughts, such as the 2015–2016 El Niño-induced drought, which severely affected agricultural productivity, resulting in widespread crop failure, livestock losses, and heightened food insecurity, especially among smallholder farmers.3 The crisis affected 492,000 people, with a total cost of SZL3.8 billion to address the various impacts. 4 Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns have also contributed to reduced water availability in key river basins and declining dam levels, posing risks to both rural water access and hydropower generation.5 Recent tropical storms, such as Cyclone Eloise in January 2021, caused widespread damage to roads, bridges and urban drainage systems, particularly in Highveld regions. This intense rainfall led to power outages and the flooding of commercial centres in Mbabane, exposing critical weaknesses in existing infrastructure.. The high winds 1 Ministry of Economic Planning and Development. (2022). National Development Plan 2023/24 – 2027/28. 2 International Monetary Fund. (2024). Eswatini: 2024 Article IV Consultation Staff Report. 3 FAO (2016). 2015–2016 El Niño Early action and response for agriculture, food security and nutrition. Accessed on June 30, 2025. Available here. 4 ESEPARC (2018). The Socio-Economic Impacts of the 2015/16 EL Niño Induced Drought in Swaziland. Accessed on June 30, 2025. Available here 5 World Bank (2021) Eswatini, Drought Resilience Profiles. Accessed on June 30, 2025. Available here. 1|P age further worsened the situation on infrastructure. Flash floods and storm events have become more frequent, causing infrastructure damage and displacing vulnerable communities, particularly in low-lying areas.6 The 2023 drought, albeit smaller in scale, left 238,500 people in a situation of food insecurity and requiring humanitarian assistance. 7 Similarly, increased temperatures and dry spells are intensifying the risk of wildfires, with 866 cases recorded between July and August 2024.8 Water, energy, and biodiversity represent further pillars of climate vulnerability. Only about 67 percent of the population has access to safe drinking water, and recurrent droughts and floods threaten both agricultural productivity and hydropower reliability according to the NDP. The country’s energy sector is especially precarious: Eswatini imports 60–70 percent of its electricity, largely from South Africa and Mozambique, and this imported energy is carbon intensive, increasing the nation’s indirect emissions profile while exposing it to external shocks. Economic projections suggest GDP growth of about 5 percent in 2025, supported by public investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as the Mkhondvo–Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Project and renewable energy developments. 9 The dynamics alluded to above showcase how Eswatini’s economic outlook is inseparable from the climate transition, for example through energy self-sufficiency, a less volatile agricultural output or efficient water use. 6 Sustainable Futures Global: Flash flood archives. Accessed on June 30, 2025. 7 Relief Web (2023): Eswatini: Drought - June 2023. Accessed on June 30, 2025. 8 Owolabi, A. (2025, May 21). Eswatini drafts wildfire response plan. Independent News Eswatini. Accessed on June 30, 2025. 9 World Bank. (2024). Eswatini Country Overview. 2|P age 2 NDC 3.0 Elaboration process The formulation of Eswatini's NDC 3.0 was a highly collaborative and inclusive process led by the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (MTEA), with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development (MEPD) serving as a co-focal point. High-level oversight was provided by the National Climate Change Executive Committee (NCCEC), with technical work guided by a dedicated NDC Technical Committee. This institutional framework was complemented by a broad, country-driven consultative process to ensure whole-of-society ownership, which included 17 multi-stakeholder workshops reaching over 850 representatives from government ministries, local authorities, the private sector, civil society organisations (CSOs), and academia. Targeted outreach engaged key private sector bodies was prioritized seeking to anchor climate targets within Eswatini's productive sector. A defining feature of the process was its deliberate focus on inclusivity; special attention was given to the participation of youth, children, women, and vulnerable groups to ensure their perspectives were integrated into the national climate commitments. Youth networks contributed innovative ideas while women’s groups highlighted gender-responsive measures, reflecting a commitment to ensuring that climate actions are co-created, equitable, and beneficial to all segments of society. The result of this is a powerful vision to embed Just Transition principles across sectoral actions. 3|P age 3 Mitigation Sectors

3.1 NDC 3.0 Contribution Eswatini’s new economy wide target, compared to the Business as Usual (BAU) scenario, aims to reduce its greenhouse emissions (GHG) by 2.24 MtCO₂eq in 2035. This is an increase of 115% from the 1.04 MtCO₂eq reductions by 2030 in NDC 2.0. Subject to national circumstances, Eswatini aims to mobilize domestic resources to abate 695 ktCO₂eq tonnes of GHG emissions (31% of the 2.24 million tonnes). The reduction of the remaining 1.55 MtCO₂eq tonnes (69% of the total) will be achieved through a combination of international support, including finance, investments, technology development and transfer, and capacity building. The latest greenhouse gas (GHG) for Eswatini was compiled in 2024 with 2022 as the reporting year with net sink position of –2,783.70 kt of CO₂eq. The energy sector in Eswatini was the largest GHG emitter in 2022, contributing 1,265.55kt CO2eq (54.46%) emitted mostly from liquid fuels, natural gas and coal, followed by Agriculture accounting for 866.05 ktCO₂eq (37.95%). The least contributors to emissions in 2022 were industrial processes and product use (IPPU) with 72.15 kt CO₂eq (3.16%) and waste with 78.20 ktCO₂eq (3.43%). The total GHG emissions were 2,281.95 kt CO2eq against a sink of -5,065.65 ktCO₂, giving a net sink of - 2,783.70 ktCO2eq in 2022 (Eswatini, 2024). Removals of CO₂ by forests, timber plantations and land-use practices continue to provide an option to offset national emissions in Eswatini. Table 1: Trends in GHG emissions (Including baseline projections) Sector Base year NDC Endline % Change % Change (2010)-kt Baseline (2035)-kt (2010 to 2022) (2022 to 2035) (2022) Energy 998.17 1,265.55 3,048.75 26.79% 140.901% IPPU 44.69 66.79 103.76 49.45% 55.35% Agriculture 1,043.06 866.03 835.01 -16.97% -3.58% Waste 69.71 78.24 88.24 26.58% 12.78% Total emissions 2,155.63 2,276.62 4,075.76 5.61% 79.03% FOLU (Sink) -4,978.84 -5,061.43 -4602.17 -1.66% 9.07% Overall -2,823.21 -2,784.81 -526.41 1.36% 81.10% Overall, estimates in a non-NDC scenario show that Eswatini’s GHG emissions will keep increasing, driven by GDP growth and land use changes. The mitigation goal will be achieved through the promotion and implementation of key priority mitigation initiatives, including the following: 4|P age

3.1.1 Energy – Renewable Energy Expansion Sector Energy Outcome Renewable energy scaled for decarbonized, reliable and inclusive electricity supply. Target 1,272.04 ktCO2eq (Gases covered) CO2, CH4 and N2O Actions planned Electricity generation from clean energy sources. ● Solar: 100 MW by 2035 ● Hydropower: 100 MW by 2035 ● Biomass: 110 MW by 2035 ● Battery Energy Storage: 50 MW ● Geothermal feasibility studies by 2035 ● Wind feasibility study by 2035

3.1.2 Energy – Clean Cooking Solutions Sector Energy Outcome Universal Access to Clean and Efficient Cooking Solutions for Health, Equity and Climate Action. Target 72.19 ktCO2eq–Efficient cooking (Gases covered) 11.54ktCO2eq - Clean Cooking Total: 83.74 ktCO2eq CO2, CH4 and N2O Actions planned ● Promote a large-scale transition from traditional biomass and inefficient cooking technologies to clean and energy-efficient alternatives country- wide, with a 50% reduction in the share of inefficient cooking technologies by 2035. ● 100% access to affordable clean modern energy for cooking at household- level by 2035. 5|P age

3.1.3 Energy – Energy Efficiency Sector Energy Outcome Enhanced energy efficiency for low-carbon growth and economic resilience across sectors. Target ● Agriculture: 20.71 ktCO2eq (Gases covered) ● Residential: 65.32 ktCO2eq ● Commercial and public spaces: 31.09 ktCO2eq ● Industry: 50.88ktCO2eQ ● Total: 168.00ktCO2eq CO2, CH4 and N2O Actions planned Improve energy efficiency: ● Agriculture by 10% ● Residential by 20% ● 10% in commercial and public spaces and industry

3.1.4 Energy – Transport Sector Energy Outcome Low-carbon and inclusive transport systems for sustainable mobility. Target 96.61 ktCO2eq (Gases covered) CO2, CH4 and N2O Actions planned ● Introduce 10% ethanol fuel blending by 2035. ● At least 100 registered Electric Vehicles (EVs) by 2035. ● Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles up to 1% of nationally registered vehicles by 2035. ● Establish a solar powered public EV charging network across the country providing basic charging capabilities. ● Develop more internal combustion engine vehicle testing stations and digitize operations in all stations, to enable heavy and light fuel standards enforcement by 2035. ● Conduct a feasibility study of the development of park and ride stations. 6|P age

3.1.5 Waste Management Sector Waste Management Outcome Integrated and inclusive solid waste management systems supporting a circular economy and climate resilience. Target 178.84 ktCO2eq (Gases covered) CO2, CH4, N2O Actions ● Increase composting of organic waste (biological treatment), by capturing 30% of planned the organic waste generated within the country. ● Strengthen the waste value chain and prioritize local compost producers. ● Decrease healthcare waste incineration by introducing non-burning waste treatment technologies in main hospitals in the country (such autoclave technology). ● Decrease open burning of municipal solid waste (MSW) by 30% by 2035. ● Prepare a National Waste Management Policy as a foundational step that can transform waste from being a chronic environmental and public health problem into a driver of climate action, green jobs and circular economy growth. ● Develop and implement an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework (including policy, legislation and guidelines).

3.1.6 Industrial Processes and Product Use Sector Industrial Processes and Product Use Outcome Transition from HFCs to Low-GWP Refrigerants for Climate Mitigation and Compliance with the Kigali Amendment. Target 175.13 ktCO2eq (Gases covered) ● Freeze Year: 2024 - Cap HFC consumption at baseline levels. ● First Reduction: 2030 - 10% reduction from baseline. ● Final Target: 2045-80% reduction from baseline. HFC32, HFC-134a, HFC143a, HFC227e Actions ● Substitution of HFCs with low GWP refrigerants in industrial, domestic and planned commercial refrigeration. ● Freezing and HFC consumption/import to the established baseline as per the Kigali amendment phase down schedule. ● Establish systems for the safe recovery and recycling or destruction of HFCs from 7|P age refrigeration and air-conditioning RAC equipment at end-of-life.

3.1.7 AFOLU – Landscape restoration Sector Agriculture Forestry and Land Use Outcome Restored landscapes for enhanced soil carbon storage, sustainable agriculture and livestock management. Target 18.36 ktCO2eq (Gases covered) CO2, N2O Actions Sustainable Land Management (SLM) & Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) adoption planned Agriculture ● Increase the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices on an 50,000 hectares of cropland by 2035, focusing on smallholder farmers to reduce emissions from crop production activities. ● Implement improved manure management systems for 20% of commercial livestock farms. ● Introduce basic methane reduction strategies in communal grazing areas by 2030. Land Use ● Rehabilitate 75,000 hectares of degraded communal grazing lands by 2035 through sustainable land management practices. ● Increase soil organic carbon content by an average of 5% in 30,000 hectares of targeted agricultural and grazing lands by 2035 through enhanced soil health practices. ● Develop and integrate climate-resilient land use plans into the development frameworks of 5 priority chiefdoms by 2035, addressing land tenure clarity and sustainable land use. 8|P age

3.1.8 AFOLU – Carbon sequestration Sector Agriculture Forestry and Land Use Outcome Enhanced carbon sequestration through forest restoration and inclusive community- driven forest management, with co-benefits including improved biodiversity and climate resilience, strengthened soil fertility and drought resilience, reduced wildfire and climate hazard risks, and diversified livelihoods. Target 250.11 ktCO2eq (Gases covered) CO2, N2O Actions ● Finalise and gazette the Draft Forestry Bill by 2027. planned ● Plant a total of 15 million trees by 2030 (previous target was 10 million by 2030, of which 8.5 million trees already planted). ● Establish and operationalize community-based fire management plans in 10 key forest-adjacent communities by 2035. ● Improve fire mapping, monitoring using technology that integrates fire detectors and UAVs. ● Restore 5,000 hectares of degraded indigenous forests and woodlands by 2035 to enhance carbon sequestration and biodiversity, focusing on areas with high ecological value. ● Establish at least 3 Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). 9|P age 4 Adaptation Contribution Eswatini has seen a significant rise in temperatures over the years, with the average mean temperature increasing by approximately 1.5°C. Annual surface temperatures have consistently increased by between 0.14 and 0.19°C per decade from 1979 to 2020, and mean temperatures across the country have risen by over 3°C between 1961 and 2000. The frequency of very hot days exceeding 34°C has also increased in the past two decades.10 The country has a history of high rainfall variability, leading to both flash flooding and prolonged droughts. There has been an observed decrease in the number of rainy days, coupled with an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events and dry spells. Rainy seasons have shifted and become shorter since 1980. Eswatini has experienced severe prolonged droughts, notably the 2015/16 El Niño-induced drought, which caused a 30% decline in crop production, extremely low water levels in dams, and the drying up of boreholes. This single drought resulted in an estimated economic loss of over SZL 480 million in the livestock sector. Between 1980 and 2014, approximately ten drought events of varying periods and intensity were recorded. 11 Extreme weather events have also been a significant concern. Severe flooding events have been recorded, including unprecedented flash floods in the capital Mbabane in 2020, which submerged roads and shopping centres. The country has experienced extensive hailstorms, strong winds, and tropical cyclones, such as Cyclone Eloise in January 2021, which caused widespread destruction to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and electricity lines, amounting to multi-million losses. Over E40 million was spent in 2021 on repairing infrastructure damaged by storms. Additionally, increased lightning frequency 10 Déandreis, C. & Krouma, M. (2023) Provision of Consultancy Services Related to Producing Climate Change Scenarios and Risk Assessments for Eswatini: TASK A: Develop Downscaled or area-based climate change projections: LA.1 - Technical Report. Consortium ARIA Technologies, ACTERRA, AGRER for United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 11 Mhlanga, N. & Mhlanga-Ndlovu, N. (2023f) Climate Risks, Vulnerabilities, Opportunities and Entry Points for Integrating Adaptation into the Water Sector Policies, Regulations, Strategies, Plans and Programmes. Mbabane: Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs. 10 | P a g e and intensity have been observed, leading to livestock deaths and damage to energy infrastructure.12 Looking ahead, temperatures are projected to continue increasing through the 2090s. Under the RCP8.5/SSP8.5 scenario, temperatures are anticipated to rise by up to 1.9°C by the 2050s, and potentially between 3°C and 5.5°C from 2071 to 2095. The number of hot days is projected to increase significantly, reaching up to 24.4 days by the 2050s. Specifically, the Highveld region, which currently experiences about 5 days per year with temperatures exceeding 33°C, could see this number increase by a factor of 3 to 4 by 2050 and 5 to 11 by 2100 under high emission scenarios. For the Lowveld, days exceeding 35°C (currently 23 days) could increase by a factor of 1.6 to 1.9 by 2050 and 2.2 to 2.6 by 2100. Heatwaves are also projected to become more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense, potentially leading to a critical situation where one-third of the year could be in heatwave conditions by 2085 under SSP5-8.5. Conversely, frost days are expected to become exceptionally rare across the country. 13 Based on review of national assessments conducted, including risks assessments conducted under the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and stakeholder consultations, seven sectors (Agriculture, Water, Health, Energy, Disaster Risk Reduction, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, and Infrastructure and Human Settlements) were prioritized for adaptation action. Furthermore, this revised NDC has enhanced and strengthened its prior goals from 2021 by adding additional measures for sectors and incorporated a new sector, which is the Energy sector. Eswatini’s adaptation contribution across all sectors includes finalization of the first National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and its implementation, and enhancing governance and legal frameworks such as the finalisation and enactment of the national climate change bill. The sector-wise adaptation contributions will be aligned to the Global Goal on Adaptation indicators as being finalised and are as follows: 12 Ibid. 13 Déandreis, C. & Krouma, M. (2023) 11 | P a g e

4.1 Disaster Risk Reduction Sector Disaster Risk Management Outcome Climate risk management strengthened to avert and minimize economic and non- economic losses, safeguarding climate resilient communities and livelihoods. Target Limit economic losses from climate-related events to no more than 3% of GDP in any given year by 2035. Actions planned ● Enactment of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Bill and operationalization of a DRM Fund (e.g. use of Climate Disaster Risk Finance Instruments). ● Establishment of a Disaster Risk Management Information System (DRMIS) for the collection, analysis, sharing, and use of disaster-related data across sectors and regions and damage & loss tracking. ● Update and revise risk and hazard maps and collect data through research for informed risk reduction. ● Develop an inclusive multi hazard early warning system covering all sectors with climate hazard monitoring, ensuring that women, children and people with disabilities are included in early warning systems, evacuation protocols, and public consultations. ● Modernise meteorological services to improve access to high quality weather data and support risk assessments. ● Build capacity to monitor climate and disaster risks within relevant institutions including capacity building of communities. ● Promote chiefdom-based and inclusive disaster risk management by empowering local actors (especially women, youth and marginalized groups) to assess risks, co- design solutions, and implement adaptive measures, including nature-based solutions and integration of indigenous knowledge systems. 12 | P a g e

4.2 Agriculture Sector Agriculture Outcome 1. Enhanced resilience of the agricultural sector to climate risks through adoption of climate-smart practices, thereby increasing its contribution to food security and sustainable income generation, particularly for women, youth, persons with disabilities, and any marginalized producers. 2. Improved and equitable livelihoods, food security, sovereignty and resilience for all - especially women, youth, and marginalized groups — through sustainable resource use, fair and inclusive market access, and stronger risk management systems. Target 1. Climate-related shocks do not reduce agricultural yields by more than 15% annually by 2035. 2. Number of people facing acute food insecurity is less than 5% by 2035. Actions planned Outcome 1: ● Converting flood irrigation systems to water efficient systems and adopt water saving practices to increase water availability, equity and security. ● Promote climate-resilient irrigation expansion for rainfed farms by prioritizing the deployment of high-efficiency systems in vulnerable agro-ecological zones. ● Supporting development of on-farm water harvesting (including small earth dams, ferro-cement tanks, underground tanks, tie-ridges) and move to more efficient technologies for intensive farming methods to improve food security. ● Develop enterprises that will utilise invasive species for economic value and agriculture byproducts to reduce GHGs. ● Diversifying from heavy water consuming crops varieties to drought tolerant commercial crops (e.g. cultivars), trees and small livestock. ● Developing sustainable utilization and management of rangeland practices to reduce GHG emission with support from women and youth. ● Strengthening Integrated Pest Management Systems (IPMS) to enhance pest surveillance, support climate-responsive early warning mechanisms and reduce reliance on chemical controls through ecological and locally adapted approaches. ● Ensuring compliance with biosafety protocols in GMO use through systematic monitoring, with the aim of preventing biodiversity degradation and minimizing 13 | P a g e ecological risks. ● Promoting solar powered irrigation systems to overcome high energy running costs of irrigation. Outcome 2: ● Restoring, protecting and managing degraded land for adaptation benefits and mitigation co-benefits. ● Conduct fish surveys in degraded areas and restock depleted fish stocks. ● Developing an inclusive integrated early warning and timely response climate information management system to help farmers and value chain actors take informed decision and improve their adaptive capacity using the DRMIS. ● Facilitating production of diverse foods, biofortification and fortification to meet the nutritional needs of the population in consultation with key stakeholders. ● Improving alternative nutrition security with special focus on all vulnerable groups. ● Upscaling and replicating climate smart agriculture for improved food security, nutrition security and higher income. ● Strengthening institutional arrangements to enforce sustainable agroecosystem adaptation practices. ● Managing alien/invasive species using the National Invasive Alien Plant Species Strategy to enhance productivity of rangeland, riparian areas, and preservation of endemic species. ● Building the capacities and support communities towards diversification of livelihoods to alleviate the economic burden on women. ● Intensifying post-harvest loss reduction through crop and food preservation and processing to increase availability of food. ● Promoting healthy eating and healthy lifestyles in line with adaptation needs.

4.3 Health Sector Health Outcome 1. National health system maintains continuity and quality of essential services during climate-related shocks. 14 | P a g e 2. Communities in Eswatini demonstrate enhanced human health resilience through strengthened systems, adaptive capacity, and integrated risk management, effectively minimizing the adverse impacts of extreme weather events (e.g., floods, droughts, heatwaves) and slow-onset events (e.g., vector- borne disease shifts, malnutrition) on population health and well-being. Target 1. Ensure 80% of health facilities remain operational during climate-related disasters by 2035, through resilient infrastructure (e.g. renewable energy and water storage) and emergency preparedness. 2. Reduce climate-related mortality (from heatwaves, floods, and vector-borne diseases) by 50% by 2035 compared to 2026 baseline. Actions planned Outcome 1 ● Mainstreaming climate change into the national health policies and other strategic documents. ● Strengthening climate-informed disease control programs and surveillance systems using climate services to target vector control. ● Improving and integrating the health management information system with other systems from relevant sectors to achieve a centralized Monitoring Review and Verification (MRV) system. ● Strengthening the inclusiveness, preparedness and resilience of the health sector to respond to climate related emergencies and illnesses through preparedness plans and programs (e.g. supply risk management). ● Promoting capacity building through research and development, education, awareness, and training in climate change related issues for health sector. ● Mainstreaming gender responsive climate policies and emphasize special efforts to support vulnerable groups (women, youth, and children) in climate change adaptation efforts within the health sector. ● Upgrade of Health Care Facilities to be low-carbon and climate resilient, including use of solar PV back-ups. Outcome 2 ● Strengthening institutional capacity of healthcare workers on the adverse impacts of climate change on human health and service delivery. ● Educating and informing the public of the needed measures to protect health from the adverse impacts of climate change. ● Adopting sustainable climate smart technologies to enhance the resilience of communities to the adverse effects of climate change in the health sector. ● Financing health actions to address inequities and climate related vulnerabilities. ● Using co-benefits from mitigation measures for health sector air pollution reduction, clean technologies in waste and wastewater management, energy, etc. 15 | P a g e

4.4 Water Resources Management Sector Water Resources Management Outcome Ensure reliable, safe and equitable access to water resources for all uses - particularly to vulnerable groups. Target Increase water security by 10% by 2035 (measured as per capita renewable water resources). Actions planned ● Revise and update the Water Act of 2003 to integrate climate risk reduction strategies ● Improve water governance and compliance to help manage water resources more efficiently and effectively to adapt to resultant water shortages from climate change. ● Develop water pricing regulations to encourage efficient water use and scale- up smart metering systems. ● Strengthen the control and monitoring of water availability and use to protect surface and groundwater resources from over abstraction and impose timely restrictions when needed. ● Strengthen the capacity of early warning systems (near real time dataloggers) to improve preparedness and response while reducing disaster risk for the water sector. ● Develop and implement inclusive basin management and adaptation plans and strategies to promote ecosystem and community resilience. ● Educate, awareness and education on water management efficiencies. ● Control invasive alien species and industrial pollution in catchments to protect water resources (quality and quantity). ● Locate, design and construct water storage infrastructure for multiple uses (large dams, earth dams, sand dams etc).

4.5 Water Sanitation and Hygiene Sector Water Sanitation and Hygiene Outcome Enhanced climate resilience and adaptive capacity of all communities and households by ensuring sustainable, equitable, and safely managed WASH services. Target 100% access to basic water supply by 2035 Actions ● Finalize and operationalize the National Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene planned Masterplan for the continued development of potable water schemes. ● Strengthen governance and coordination of WASH activities to promote resilience 16 | P a g e against climate change (e.g. capacity building in WASH regulation, monitoring, water reuse option, non-revenue water). ● Assess sustainable water supply options beyond 2030 through conducting water assessments/studies to identify potable water supply sources, opportunities, and constraints with a climate lens. ● Secure and climate proof water infrastructure including through developing resilient/ climate proof WASH infrastructure to increase community resilience and boost adaptive capacity.

4.6 Ecosystems and Biodiversity Sector Ecosystems and Biodiversity Outcome The resilience and adaptive capacity of ecosystems are enhanced through the scaled-up protection, restoration and the sustainable management of ecological infrastructure to conserve biodiversity integrity and support community livelihoods with the active participation of women, youth and other vulnerable groups. Target By 2035, effectively conserve 174,000 ha terrestrial and inland water ecosystems and restore 150,000 ha of Eswatini's degraded terrestrial and inland water ecosystems to enhance biodiversity, ecological health, and ecosystem services, ensuring connectivity and integrity. Actions planned ● Finalise and gazette Draft Forestry Bill by 2030. ● Amend the National Trust Commission Act of 1973 by 2030. ● Develop and implement standardized protocols for assessing the impacts of climate actions on biodiversity. ● Provide training for decision-makers and practitioners on integrating biodiversity considerations into climate actions. ● Increase and strengthen the management of the Protected Area Network to support the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) ambition. ● Improving conservation of genetic resources (indigenous trees and land races) ● Restoring, protecting and sustainably managing critical ecosystems (e.g. wetlands). ● Reduce pressures driving biodiversity loss (deforestation, human settlements) through alternative use interventions to improve carbon sinks and promote 17 | P a g e eco-tourism. ● Manage and control invasive species and ecological pest management. ● Conduct research, innovation, and knowledge sharing for income generation through use of tree resources and non-timber forest products (NTFP). ● Design and implement a "payment for ecosystem services" programme. ● Facilitate disclosure of corporate activities with negative impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. ● Include underrepresented groups in the governance and management of Ecosystems and Protected areas. ● Capacity building for the integration of stronger climate adaptation elements into project Environmental Assessments.

4.7 Infrastructure and Human Settlements Sector Infrastructure and Human Settlements Outcome The resilience of new and existing infrastructure is enhanced through the integration of climate-smart planning, nature-based solutions, and building codes to reduce climate-related losses and sustain essential services for all communities, with special attention to ensuring that vulnerable groups do not suffer the negative consequences of extreme weather events. Target Number of destroyed or damaged critical infrastructure facilities 14 attributed to disasters does not exceed 30 per year by 2035. Actions ● Finalise and gazette the Building Bill. planned ● Develop green building regulations and standards. to enable enforcement of minimum standards around resilient construction materials to better withstand existing conditions. ● Strengthen evidence-based approaches on climate change impacts to inform decision making in the infrastructure sector. ● Build capacity at institutional level and community level for integrating climate risk management into infrastructure design and maintenance. ● Identify vulnerable infrastructure and design climate proofing interventions. 14 Critical infrastructure defined to mean public infrastructure, inclusive of public buildings, public roads and crossings, public services (water, electricity, communication) infrastructure. This covers, inter alia hospitals and health centers, schools, water supply and sanitation systems, electricity generation and transmission assets, transport networks (roads, bridges), and communication systems 18 | P a g e ● Develop nature-based solutions (NBS) for urban infrastructure for adaptation benefits and disaster risk reduction to enhance resilience of urban dwellers. ● Manage critical ecosystems through NBS in cities to preserve flood control services, habitats for biodiversity and contribute to maintaining micro-climate. ● Implement integrated waste management for resilient ecosystems, reduced pollution, and healthier communities. ● Build capacity and implement climate smart planning for resilience and enhancing adaptive capacity of urban, peri-urban and rural dwellers. ● Promote accessible and inclusive infrastructure in climate-resilient housing, health, and transport.

4.8 Energy – Adaptation Sector Energy - Adaptation Outcome Enhanced resilience and reliability of the national electricity supply, ensuring continuous and affordable access for all communities, even in the face of climate- related shocks and stresses. Target The frequency and duration of electricity interruptions due to officially declared climate related events is reduced by 20% by 2035 compared to a 2026 baseline. Actions ● Retrofitting options to reduce the risks of climate impacts on current energy planned generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. ● Develop regulations and standards towards ensuring resilient solar panels to better withstand existing conditions. ● Invest and redesign cooling facilities for thermal power stations. ● Build or enlarge dams to reduce water shortages. ● Install smart grid devices to speed identification of faults and service restoration. ● Promote development and use of energy efficient technologies within the network. ● Promote diversified energy sources including renewables like solar, wind and biofuels energy to power the economy. ● Regulate the certification of registered approved solar equipment installers. 19 | P a g e 5 Cross Cutting Issues

5.1 Inclusivity, Just Transition and Stakeholder Engagement A defining feature of Eswatini’s NDC 3.0 process is its elevated inclusivity and Just Transition ambition that recognises that Eswatini’s shift to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy must be equitable, inclusive and grounded in the principles of distributive, procedural and restorative justice. Inclusivity, in the context of Eswatini’s NDC 3.0 revision, refers to the deliberate and equitable integration of diverse voices, needs and capacities, particularly those of marginalised groups, into climate action design, implementation and monitoring. It goes beyond representation to ensure that climate actions are co-created, accessible and beneficial to all segments of society, including youth, women, persons with disabilities, rural communities and informal sector actors. Eswatini’s NDC 3.0 advocates for a Just Transition framework that ensures equitable access to climate benefits and fair distribution of costs. Moreover, it helps prevent unintended harm to marginalised groups, addresses intersecting vulnerabilities across youth, gender and disability and aligns with emerging global climate finance priorities. This priority has been not only reflected across sectors through the consideration of co-benefits and entry points to promote actions that reinforce GESI, but also with dedicated actions. The NDC preparation process was anchored in an inclusive, country‑driven approach that ensured the voices of diverse stakeholders were meaningfully reflected in the final commitments. Targeted outreach was undertaken to engage the private sector, including representatives from the financial services industry and Business Eswatini as part of an effort to foster inclusive dialogue on the country’s low‑carbon and climate‑resilient transition and to explore opportunities for mobilising climate finance, de‑risking green investments and aligning business strategies with national climate goals. Civil society organisations (CSOs) and Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) were actively involved through thematic workshops and dialogue platforms, ensuring that grassroots perspectives informed sectoral targets. The NDC 3.0 explicitly recognises that climate change impacts are not experienced uniformly across society and that structural inequalities exacerbate vulnerability. Women are disproportionately affected by climate‑sensitive sectors such as subsistence agriculture, which engages the majority of rural women and is highly exposed to droughts and floods. Persons with disabilities face systemic barriers to participation, with national reviews noting 20 | P a g e gaps in accessible infrastructure, inclusive service delivery and representation in decision‑making bodies. Eswatini’s commitment to inclusive climate action draws on global best practices, notably the guidance provided by the CIEL–OHCHR Toolkit for Practitioners on Integrating Human Rights in NDCs. Building on the gender mainstreaming commitments in NDC 2.0 and the National Gender Policy, the NDC sets quantitative targets for representation of women and youth in climate governance bodies at national and subnational levels, alongside measures to remove participation barriers such as transport costs and inaccessible meeting formats. Economic empowerment has targeted skills development, apprenticeships and enterprise support in sectors with high climate relevance. Indigenous and local knowledge systems, particularly those embedded in traditional land management and ecosystem stewardship, have been integrated into adaptation planning. The tables below present Eswatini’s commitments, targets and planned actions to ensure that NDC 3.0 is implemented in a manner that is inclusive, equitable, and socially just. It captures specific measures to advance gender equality and social inclusion, alongside targeted interventions for youth and children, recognising their critical role as agents of change in climate action. The table details thematic and process targets, participation mechanisms, and capacity‑building initiatives, supported by quantitative indicators to track progress.

5.1.1 Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Sector Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Outcome Women and vulnerable groups are empowered as central agents of climate resilience through inclusive governance, equitable access to climate resources, services and opportunities, and integrated systems that ensure protection, data-driven decision-making, and responsive service delivery tailored to their diverse needs. Target By 2035, all national climate governance bodies include formal representation of women, and persons with disabilities (and other marginalized groups), who are informed with the skills and capacity to be enabled to advocate and make decisions for gender-just and inclusive programming. Actions planned • Promote the development of gender responsive planning and budgeting tools, training and their application by respective ministries, departments and implementing partners. • Enhance capacity-building and participation of women and girls in decision making to facilitate representation of gender issues and finding solutions to gender-differentiated problems • Develop gender responsive policies and strategies in natural resource management and disaster risk reduction • Promote equitable access to knowledge and skills training to better prepare for climate impacts and improve adaptive capacity • Build capacity of women on waste management, renewable energy, green entrepreneurship and link them to financing mechanisms. • Support women focused climate financing schemes (grants, loans and savings groups). • Promote the collection and analysis of gender disaggregated data by Ministries, departments and implementing partners to enable identification of gender inequality issues and differentiated impacts in the context of climate change. 21 | P a g e • Codifying gender and vulnerable groups mandate in climate governance structures and sectoral ministries.

5.1.2 Youth and Children Sector Youth and Children Outcome Meaningful participation and representation of young people in national and local decision-making processes for the low carbon and resilience transition is guaranteed. Target By 2035, ensure that at least 25% representatives in national and local decision-making bodies related to climate change adaptation and mitigation are young people, with focus on equitable representation of young women, marginalised youth and youth from vulnerable communities. Actions planned • Strengthen youth capacity in the formulation of climate policies and project design, supported by representation targets and inclusive consultation mechanisms through capacity enhancement on effective youth inclusion and engagement skills. • Capacitate and support youth with skills to access and manage climate finance, enabling them to lead and participate in income-generating climate actions utilising digital tools, mobile platforms and community-based grant writing. • Implement entrepreneurship programmes focused on: o Energy-efficient technologies and maintenance services o Climate-smart livestock and urban gardening o Rainwater harvesting and sustainable apiculture o Greenhouse systems and agroecological farming o Agri-processing, water resource management, and industrial efficiency o Integrated waste management and community-based waste solutions • Integrate climate resilience and low carbon modules into the national school curricula. • Support school-based climate clubs and youth-led community awareness campaigns on adaptation and mitigation. 22 | P a g e • Support the creation of youth-led awareness campaigns on climate change adaptation and mitigation, tailored to local contexts and community needs. • Foster youth innovation in climate-smart technologies through: o Provide technical and financial support for research and development. o Implementation and upscaling of National Innovation Forums • Support youth-driven initiatives in climate-smart resource management, including waste systems, water conservation, and sustainable land use with technical and financial support.

5.2 Means of Implementation and Support Needs The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (MTEA) is the government entity mandated to coordinate climate action in the country. The coordination mechanism of the NDC is articulated through the Department of Meteorology within MTEA working closely with MEPD. MTEA serves as the central coordinating body for these reporting efforts and also coordinates climate finance efforts as the focal ministry for the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, and other funding mechanisms under the UNFCCC. NDC implementation will be driven by a National Climate Change Executive Committee comprising of Principal Secretaries (PSs) covering relevant ministries of MTEA, MEPD, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy (MNRE), Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) and Ministry of Tinkhundla Administrations and Development (MTAD) and the National Climate Change Focal Point is in place. An operational committee and working groups are also supporting the technical work with the Climate Change Unit, the Secretariat for all climate change work in the country. Overview of Eswatini’s Climate Coordination Framework,

5.2.1 Financing Eswatini has made notable strides in climate finance readiness. The Ministry of Finance, in partnership with UNDP, has initiated climate budget tagging and expenditure tracking systems to improve transparency and accountability. The country has also begun engaging 23 | P a g e the private sector through the Inclusive Budgeting and Financing for Climate Change in Africa (IBFCCA) initiative and is exploring domestic resource mobilization options such as carbon markets and green bonds. A major milestone is the Central Bank of Eswatini’s commitment to developing a national green finance taxonomy and issuing sovereign green bonds - a move that positions Eswatini as a regional leader in sustainable finance innovation. These mechanisms are essential for attracting ESG-aligned investment and ensuring that climate finance flows are aligned with national priorities. This revised NDC 3.0 now establishes climate finance as a standalone sector, not merely as a funding tool, but as a strategic enabler of sectoral outcomes. The table below presents a detailed framework for Eswatini’s Finance commitments, targets and planned actions to ensure that NDC 3.0 is implemented in a manner that is inclusive, equitable, and socially just. The framework establishes a robust, transparent and inclusive climate finance architecture to mobilise and monitor the resources needed for NDC 3.0 implementation. Sector Finance Outcome A robust, transparent, and inclusive climate finance architecture capable of mobilizing and monitoring domestic and international resources to implement its NDC targets is established. Target At least 80% of the required resources for NDC implementation are mobilised domestically or internationally by 2035, either through public or private means. Actions planned ● Develop a National Climate Finance Strategy and Investment Plan with clear targets and sectoral investment plans aligned with national and international development priorities. ● Review and strengthen Public Private Partnership Policy ● Strengthen private sector collaboration and cooperation. ● Establish a Climate Finance Unit to lead climate finance coordination, mobilisation and mainstreaming. ○ Implement climate budget tagging and expenditure tracking across government and commercial finance institutions. ○ Establish a digital green finance reporting and monitoring platform to track domestic lending against the green taxonomy classification. ○ Develop bankable projects, improving ESG compliance and leveraging regional platforms to attract private capital. ○ Support the financial sector with technical assistance for the operationalisation of the Green Finance Taxonomy. ● Integrate NDC 3.0 financing needs into Eswatini’s Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) to ensure that climate finance mobilisation, allocation and tracking are embedded within Eswatini’s national financing architecture, enabling coordinated resource mobilisation across domestic, private and international sources. ● Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency to develop environmental sustainability criteria within public procurement policies and guidelines to prioritise low‑carbon, resource‑efficient goods, services and infrastructure, supported by green standards and procurement officer training in high‑impact sectors. ● Completing the accreditation process in one of the multilateral climate funds for at least one national entity. ● Develop a Green Bond Framework with clear use-of-proceeds, impact metrics and reporting protocols. ● Explore mechanisms to monetise natural capital, including carbon markets, Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes and biodiversity-linked finance, to support inclusive climate resilience. 24 | P a g e Leverage the Eswatini Environment Fund to mobilise climate finance. Eswatini can implement the NDC measures conditional to receiving a combination of international support, including finance, investments, technology development and transfer, and capacity building. The estimated total cost of implementing NDC is $2.4 million to $3 billion. A full cost estimation will be provided in the revised NDC 3.0 implementation plan. Eswatini recognizes that while the cost of climate action is substantial, the cost of in-action is even higher. The country needs technical capacities, technology transfer and skills development for implementing adaptation and mitigation measures. The country further recognizes that Indigenous knowledge can help with climate change adaptation and mitigation actions. There is need for extensive awareness raising across sectors and with all stakeholders to implement the NDC. Table 2: Estimated sectoral cost distribution in NDC 3.0 Sector Cost Adaptation Agriculture US$ 624,739,000 Health US$ 64,773,000 Water and WASH US$ 422,028,000 Infrastructure and Human Settlements US$ 147,103,000 Ecosystems and Biodiversity US$ 138,883,000 Disaster Risk Management US$ 96,722,000 Mitigation Energy & Transport US$ 644,066,000 Waste US$ 210,034,000 Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU) US$ 1,034,000 Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) US$ 31,241,000 Cross-cutting issues Gender US$ 7,650,000 Finance US$ 1,264,000 Youth and Children US$ 15,451,000 TOTAL US$ 2,406,152,000

5.2.2 Capacity Needs Capacity-building priorities were identified across both mitigation and adaptation sectors to ensure effective implementation of Eswatini’s NDC 3.0. In mitigation, needs include, among others, accredited training for experts in renewable energy systems such as wind, and solar PV, alongside certification programs for women and youth in emerging areas like smart metering and biofuel production. In adaptation, strengthening agricultural extension services, training water basin institutions in climate-smart catchment management, and enhancing health sector skills to address climate-sensitive diseases are critical. These sector-specific investments in human and institutional capacity will 25 | P a g e accelerate technology deployment, which will require technical expertise and financial support, and enable inclusive participation in climate action. The Just Transition framework underpinning NDC 3.0 recognises capacity building as a mechanism to advance equity, inclusivity, and social justice in climate action. Training opportunities for women, youth, and marginalised groups are embedded within sectors becoming a pathway for shared benefits and fair participation in the climate economy..

5.2.3 Technology Needs Delivering on Eswatini’s NDC 3.0 requires the systematic transfer, adaptation, and scaling of technologies that address both mitigation and adaptation challenges. Eswatini faces a critical shortage of technology that needs to be imported into the country. Some relevant examples of areas requiring specialised skills are highlighted below: • Energy: Advanced solar PV systems, wind and geothermal exploration technologies, and smart grid infrastructure integrated with battery storage and demand-side management tools. • Transport: The rollout of EV charging infrastructure and energy-efficient vehicles. • AFOLU: Digital forestry information systems and remote fire detection technologies. • Waste: Biogas digesters, and modern waste-to-energy solutions. • IPPU: Portable and stationary refrigerant recovery, recycling, and reclamation units. • DRM: AI-driven climate modelling platforms, expanded networks of automated weather stations and ICT-enabled emergency operations centres for disaster response. • Agriculture: Drip irrigation systems. • Water: Installation of telemetry‑enabled surface water gauging stations and groundwater monitoring units to provide real‑time hydrological data • WASH: Deployment of urine‑diverting dry toilets and composting sanitation units for rural and peri‑urban communities. • Health: Non-burning waste treatment technologies. • Ecosystems & Biodiversity: Drone-based monitoring systems and DNA barcoding tools. • Infrastructure and Human Settlements: Deployment and management of micro‑grids, environmental sensors and backup power solutions to support critical urban services during climate‑related disruptions.

5.3 Domestic MRV system and plans for transition to Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) Eswatini's Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system is in a nascent stage, centred around the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (MTEA) with support from a multi-stakeholder committee. Foundational tools such as the NDC Registry Platform and an NDC Online Tool for tracking implementation, have recently been developed. However, the system's effectiveness is constrained by significant challenges, including fragmented, ad-hoc data collection processes that rely on voluntary cooperation without an overarching legal mandate, nor an entrenched institution. The country also faces critical data and technical gaps, predominantly using less accurate low-tier methodologies for its GHG inventories, and suffers from a shortage of specialized human capacity, leading to a heavy dependence on external consultants for reporting. There is need to further strengthen the relationship with academia and research institutions 26 | P a g e To facilitate the transition to the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF), key priorities include finalizing the National Climate Change Management Bill to create clear legal mandates for data sharing and securing resources to establish a permanent, fully-funded Climate Transparency Unit. Additionally, Eswatini is working to enhance its capacity to report on Loss and Damage by strengthening its disaster risk management framework in alignment with the Sendai Framework. 27 | P a g e 6 Information for Clarity, Transparency and Understanding (ICTU) (Decision 4/CMA.1) Par Guidance in Decision ICTU guidance as applicable to Eswatini's NDC a 4/CMA.1 1 Quantifiable information on the reference point (including, as appropriate, a base year): (a) Reference year(s), base The base year used in Eswatini NDC 3.0 is 2010. This was also the year(s), reference base year for previous NDCs. period(s) or other The reference year is 2035. starting point(s); (b) Quantifiable information The reference indicator will be quantified based on the total net on the reference emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the reference year of indicators, their values in 2010, approximately -2,823 ktCO2e as (National GHG Inventory, the reference year(s), 2022). For reference purposes, the total emission (removals) was base year(s), reference 2,237 ktCO2e (-4,821 ktCO2e) and 2,281 ktCO2e (-5,065 ktCO2e) in period(s) or other 2018 and 2022, respectively. During the revision of this NDC, the starting point(s), and, as GHG mitigation assessment aimed to estimate emissions three applicable, in the target scenarios: year; 1. Historical emissions between 2010 and 2022, 2. Baseline projections of emissions from 2023 to 2035, and 3. Emission estimates in 2035 to simulate the implementation of policies and measures that aim to reduce emissions in key source sectors. Notably, the GHG estimates for the LULUCF sector differ from previous reporting cycles due to changes in the methodological approach. The last inventory (used in the First BUR) was based on wall-to-wall annual land cover change detection using remote sensing and the CCDC algorithm from 1990–2020, providing consistent and comprehensive land category tracking. In contrast, the current assessment largely derives from Eswatini’s REDD+ Forest Reference Level, which emphasizes detailed forest carbon accounting. While emission factors remained similar between the two approaches, the REDD+ method may have overestimated the national sink due to its narrow focus on forestland and omission of some land categories (e.g., grassland and settlements marked as “Not Estimated”). These methodological shifts—especially in activity data sources and land category coverage—help explain the apparent increase in net removals in recent years. (c) For strategies, plans and Eswatini’s NDC 3.0 is supported by the following strategies, actions referred to in plans and actions: Article 4, paragraph 6, of the Paris Agreement, or • National Climate Change Policy (2016) policies and measures as • National Development Plan 2023-2028 components of • Draft National Adaptation Plan 2025 nationally determined • Energy Master Plan 2050 28 | P a g e contributions where • Mobility Policy (Under Development) paragraph 1(b) above is • Draft Wetlands Policy and Strategy (2020) not applicable, Parties to • Eswatini National Agricultural Investment Plan (2023–2028) provide other relevant • Updated Integrated Water Resources Management Master information; Plan 2016-2025 • Draft Bioenergy Policy (2024) • Energy Policy (2018) • Energy Efficiency and Conservation Policy (2018) • Draft Mitigation Activity Design Document (MADD) (d) Target relative to the In 2030 NDC 3.0 leads to a reduction in GHG emissions of ~180% reference indicator, compared to the BAU scenario and ~ 25% reduction compared expressed numerically, to NDC 2.0. In 2035 the NDC 3.0 will lead to 424% reduction for example in compared to the BAU. This translates to net emissions of -2,760 percentage or amount kt CO2e by 2035, an increase by 60 kt CO2e compared to 2010 of reduction; levels. (e) Information on sources The major source of GHG data used for the projections is the of data used in 2022 GHG inventory report (submitted in 2024) prepared for quantifying the energy, waste, IPPU and AFOLU sectors. The inventory data was reference point(s); used to project the BAU and NDC 3.0 GHG emissions to the reference point (2035). The following sources were utilized to derive assumptions to project the emissions up to 2035. • 2022 GHG Inventory • Energy Master Plan 2034 • Updated Energy Master Plan 2050 • Unpublished projections from National Accounts data • Eswatini Population Projections Report 2018-2037 • Unpublished GDP projections from National Accounts data Furthermore, extensive data collection and stakeholder engagement was done. (f) Information on the The GHG emissions level for the BAU scenario and targets in circumstances under 2035 may be updated and recalculated depending on which the Party may methodological changes in the GHG inventory, such as update the values of the recalculating the GHG inventory with the 2006 IPCC Guidelines reference indicators. or changes in Global Warming Potential (GWP) in IPCC Assessment Reports, or the adoption of the 2019 IPCC Refinement. Information on updates made will be included in the Biennial Transparency Reports (BTR) and National Communications (NC). Furthermore, when more reliable data becomes available, the GHG inventory may be recalculated. 2 Time frames and/or periods for implementation: (a) Time frame and/or Timeframe for NDC 3.0 implementation shall be 2027 to 2035. period for implementation, including start and end date, consistent with any 29 | P a g e further relevant decision adopted by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA); (b) Whether it is a single- Single year target in 2035. year or multi-year target, as applicable. 3 Scope and coverage: (a) General description of Quantified GHG emission reductions are given in 1 (d). Eswatini the target; will meet unconditional targets from its resources; whereas, conditional targets are dependent on international climate finance and support, technology transfer and/or capacity building. (b) Sectors, gases, Sectors covered: energy, transport, waste, IPPU and AFOLU. categories and pools Gases covered: Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4) and covered by the Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). nationally determined contribution, including, Further, the NDC also covers short-lived climate pollutants as applicable, consistent (SLCP) including Black Carbon (BC) and other air pollutants such with Intergovernmental as Organic Carbon (OC). Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Panel on Climate Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Non-methane volatile organic Change (IPCC) compounds (NMVOC), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Ammonia (NH3) guidelines; and Carbon Monoxide (CO). (c) How the Party has taken Eswatini commits to extend over time, the scope of its NDC to into consideration all categories of anthropogenic emissions in line with paragraph paragraph 31(c) and (d) 31(c). The mitigation actions cover most of GHGs reported in the of decision 1/CP.21; National Inventory Report. (d) Mitigation co-benefits (i) Consideration of Economic and Social Consequences in NDC resulting from Parties’ Development adaptation actions Eswatini’s NDC 3.0 has introduced a comprehensive Just and/or economic Transition framework, by assessing in each sector the potential diversification plans, economic, employment and social impacts of proposed climate including description of actions to ensure they support poverty reduction, inclusive specific projects, growth, and intergenerational justice. Gender-responsive measures and initiatives planning and participatory processes were embedded to ensure of Parties’ adaptation equitable benefit-sharing and avoid exacerbating inequalities. actions and/or economic diversification plans. (ii) The country’s adaptation action plan will result in several (i) How the economic mitigation co-benefits which are listed under 4 (d). The and social consequences mitigation co-benefits of the adaptation actions pertaining Energy and AFOLU related sectors are included in the 30 | P a g e of response measures mitigation contribution of this NDC. Where robust have been considered in quantification of their impact on GHG emissions is not feasible, developing the these co-benefits will be described qualitatively, in line with the nationally determined modalities, procedures and guidelines for the Enhanced contribution; Transparency Framework. (ii) Specific projects, measures and activities to be implemented to contribute to mitigation co-benefits, including information on adaptation plans that also yield mitigation co- benefits, which may cover, but are not limited to, key sectors, such as energy, resources, water resources, coastal resources, human settlements and urban planning, agriculture and forestry; and economic diversification actions, which may cover, but are not limited to, sectors such as manufacturing and industry, energy and mining, transport and communication, construction, tourism, real estate, agriculture and fisheries. 4 Planning processes: (a) Information on the planning processes that the Party undertook to prepare its nationally determined contribution and implementation plans, including domestic institutional arrangements, public participation and engagement with local communities and indigenous peoples, in a gender-responsive manner. (i) Domestic institutional Eswatini adopted a consultative process to develop NDC 3.0 arrangements, public which included review of NDC 2.0. This involved assessment of participation and the progress towards meeting the targets., realigning, and engagement with local redefining sectoral targets based on national policies and communities and identifying recommendations for framing NDC 3.0. indigenous peoples, in a The process was aided through data collection, review of gender-responsive national policies, strategies, roadmaps and validated through manner; consultations with stakeholders in Eswatini. Separate teams of local and international consultants were involved across sectors 31 | P a g e under the oversight of the MTEA. The review and recommendations were discussed through several meetings including sessions with gender, disaster and youth experts and representatives. The findings were validated by the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and relevant stakeholders at the national and sub-national level. A high-level validation with stakeholders conducted and the enhanced NDC 3.0 was thereafter approved by the Cabinet of Eswatini. Overall, the drafting process involved a series of multi- stakeholder engagements (17 workshops) that convened representatives from government ministries, local authorities, the private sector, civil society organisations (CSOs), academia, youth and gender representatives and community groups reaching over 850 national stakeholders. (ii) Contextual matters, National Circumstance including, inter alia, as Geography: Eswatini is a land-locked country located between appropriate: Mozambique and South Africa in the south-eastern part of the a. African continent and covers a total area of 17,364 km2. It has four agro-ecological zones classified based on the types of soils National circumstances, and weather patterns, namely Highveld, Middleveld, Lowveld such as geography, and the Lubombo plateau that make up to 33%, 28%, 31% and 8% climate, economy, of the country’s total area respectively. b. sustainable development and Climate: Eswatini’s climatic profile varies from tropical to near poverty eradication; temperate with summers lasting from October to March, characterized by rainfall that peaks in January. January receives the highest rainfall with long-term average monthly downpour c. of 134.4mm while the lowest recorded is in July at 19.9mm. Best practices and experience related to the Demography: The total population of Eswatini is estimated at preparation of the 1.243 million with 51% representation from women. A total of nationally determined 75.1% of the population is classified as rural in the country with contribution; great dependence on urban areas for employment. Economy: Agriculture is the primary economic sector of Other contextual Eswatini and is the main source of income for the majority of the aspirations and priorities population. The secondary sectors comprise of construction, acknowledged when manufacturing (majorly beverages) with services constituting a joining the Paris tertiary sector. Eswatini’s economy is characterised but the Agreement limitations inherent to a small market economy, with external dependency in the energy sector. Eswatini’s economy remains fragile, with GDP growth averaging 2.9 percent over the 2004-2024 period, one of the lowest in the region. The economy rebounded to an estimated 4.9 percent growth in 2023, up from 0.5 percent in 2022, but this recovery masks underlying climate-related vulnerabilities. Total GDP in 2023 stood at approximately USD 4.96 billion, with GDP per capita at about USD 4,162. Poverty persists at 58.9 32 | P a g e percent, with a Gini index of 0.55, and food insecurity affects between 20 and 30 percent of the population. These statistics highlight the severe socio-economic risks climate change poses to livelihoods, particularly in rural areas prone to droughts and floods, where shocks worsen inequality and undermine social protection efforts. Best practices and experience related to the preparation of the NDC 3.0 Eswatini’s preparation of its NDC 3.0 was informed by a set of best practices that include: • Participatory and inclusive approach: The process engaged a wide group of government and non- government stakeholders involving ministries and departments, academia, youth, gender specialists, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and private entities. The consultations were coordinated by the MTEA (Climate Change Unit), with support from NDC Technical Committee and consultants. The consultations involved sector-specific dialogues and targeted outreach to women, youth and vulnerable groups. • Integration of national priorities: Eswatini’s NDC 3.0 is developed with an in-depth understanding of the national circumstances and are aligned with development policies and strategies. Contextual aspirations and priorities acknowledged when joining the Paris Agreement Eswatini’s NDC adopts a multi-sectoral approach to a green development and climate resilience, which builds from the NPD (2023-2028). The targets are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework and National Development Plan, which prioritised inclusive economic growth, poverty reduction, renewable energy, sustainable natural resource management and improved public health. Acknowledging the results from the National Stocktake which showed slower progress on adaptation, NDC 3.0 places a strong emphasis on adaptation by introducing sector-wide targets. Leveraging the annual Vulnerability Analysis and Assessment (carried out by a group of development partners) Eswatini will set up a robust MRV system to enhance its reporting capabilities in adaptation. External support will be critical in this endeavour. With regards to Loss and Damage, Eswatini has introduced a number of indicators aligned with the Sendai Framework, which can provide a better understanding of the direct and indirect costs of climate change. Moreover, the proposed establishment of the DRM Fund provides a unique opportunity to channel international resources to avert and minimise the negative effects of climate change. Eswatini intends to harness the 33 | P a g e Santiago Network as a mechanism to strengthen its Loss and Damage national architecture. (b) Specific information Not applicable as Eswatini is not currently part of a formal applicable to Parties, regional economic integration organisation (REIO) including regional arrangement to act jointly in the implementation of its NDC economic integration under Article 4, paragraph 2 of the Paris Agreement. organizations and their member States, that have reached an agreement to act jointly under Article 4, paragraph 2, of the Paris Agreement, including the Parties that agreed to act jointly and the terms of the agreement, in accordance with Article 4, paragraphs 16– 18, of the Paris Agreement; (c) How the Party’s Eswatini is required to update its NDC by 2025 in line with Article preparation of its 4 (Paragraph 9) of the Paris Agreement. Eswatini’s NDC 3.0 was nationally determined shaped by key messages from the global stocktake, particularly contribution has been the urgency of accelerating action this decade to keep the 1.5°C informed by the goal within reach. The process also reinforced the need for outcomes of the global robust MRV systems, alignment with Biennial Transparency stocktake, in accordance Reports and a mid‑cycle review to incorporate new data and with Article 4, paragraph emerging technologies. Despite a gradual increase in GHG 9, of the Paris emissions until 2050, our projections indicate that Eswatini’s Agreement; NDC 3.0 targets guarantee that the country will remain a carbon sink by 2050, aligning with the 1.5°C goal. The upcoming development of the LT-LEDS, will further reinforce this vision. (d) Each Party with a (i) Consideration of Economic and Social Consequences in NDC nationally determined Development contribution under Eswatini’s NDC 3.0 has introduced a comprehensive Just Article 4 of the Paris Transition framework, by assessing in each sector the potential Agreement that consists economic, employment and social impacts of proposed climate of adaptation action actions to ensure they support poverty reduction, inclusive and/or economic growth, and intergenerational justice. Gender-responsive diversification plans planning and participatory processes were embedded to ensure resulting in mitigation equitable benefit-sharing and avoid exacerbating inequalities. co-benefits consistent with Article 4, paragraph (ii) The following adaptation actions have mitigation co- 7, of the Paris benefits: Agreement to submit information on: Agriculture & Forestry • The expansion of climate-smart irrigation, drought- tolerant crops, and agroforestry systems; restoration of 34 | P a g e (i) How the economic ≥100,000 ha of degraded rangeland has a sequestering and social consequences potential of~0.2 MtCO₂-eq/year. of response measures • Agro-processing & Value Chains will reduce post- have been considered in harvest losses and methane emissions through developing the improved storage and processing facilities. nationally determined contribution; Water Resources • Solar-powered boreholes to replace diesel pumps. • Wetland rehabilitation to enhance carbon storage and (ii) Specific projects, water regulation. measures and activities • Irrigation efficiency improvements from ~40% to ≥70% to be implemented to by 2030 will reduce electricity consumption. contribute to mitigation • Protecting and restoring healthy water catchments co-benefits, including enhances carbon sequestration and reduces emissions information on from land degradation. adaptation plans that also yield mitigation co- Ecosystems and Biodiversity benefits, which may • Restoring and protecting critical ecosystems like cover, but are not limited wetlands and grasslands enhances carbon to, key sectors, such as sequestration and avoids emissions from land energy, resources, water degradation. resources, coastal • Sustainable management practices, such as controlling resources, human invasive species and reducing deforestation, help avoid settlements and urban emissions and build carbon stocks. planning, agriculture and forestry; and Infrastructure and Human Settlements economic diversification • Developing green building standards and retrofitting actions, which may existing infrastructure promotes energy efficiency and cover, but are not limited reduces emissions. to, sectors such as • Implementing nature-based solutions (NBS) in urban manufacturing and areas enhances urban carbon sinks. industry, energy and • Integrated waste management within human mining, transport and settlements reduces methane and CO₂ emissions. communication, construction, tourism, Health real estate, agriculture • Upgrading healthcare facilities to be climate-resilient by and fisheries. including solar PV back-ups reduces GHG emissions and improves energy reliability. • Improving solid waste management in the health sector reduces methane and other toxic emissions. 5 Assumptions and methodological approaches, including those for estimating and accounting for anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and, as appropriate, removals: (a) Assumptions and Assumptions about socioeconomic development in Eswatini methodological that informed the development of the baseline scenario were approaches used for derived from national documents such as the Energy Master accounting for Plan 2034, Revised Energy Masterplan 2050, Eswatini 35 | P a g e anthropogenic Population Projections Report 2018-2037, official projections greenhouse gas from National Accounts data up to 2027 with long term GDP emissions and removals projections based on historical trends and other national corresponding to the statistics. Eswatini followed the IPCC 2006 guidelines for the Party’s nationally quantification of GHG emissions, with the GHG inventory determined prepared in the IPCC inventory software. contribution, consistent with decision 1/CP.21, paragraph 31, and accounting guidance adopted by the CMA; (b) Assumptions and Kindly refer to 5 (a) above. Eswatini will also apply sector specific methodological assumptions and methodologies where required, when approaches used for accounting for progress of various policies and mitigation accounting for the measures under the requirements of the Biennial Transparency implementation of Report. policies and measures or strategies in the nationally determined contribution; (c) If applicable, information Eswatini will continue to follow the IPCC guidelines where data on how the Party will and capacity allow as indicated in 5 (a) above. take into account existing methods and guidance under the Convention to account for anthropogenic emissions and removals, in accordance with Article 4, paragraph 14, of the Paris Agreement, as appropriate; (d) IPCC methodologies Eswatini followed the IPCC 2006 guidelines for the and metrics used for quantification of GHG emissions using Tier 1 methodology across estimating the sectors except for the Transport sector and FOLU (Tier 2). anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and removals; (e) Sector-, category- or activity-specific assumptions, methodologies and approaches consistent with IPCC guidance, as appropriate, including, as applicable: (i) Approach to addressing GHG emissions and removals from natural disturbances, if any, emissions and will be accounted for in accordance with the 2006 IPCC subsequent removals guidelines. from natural disturbances on managed lands; 36 | P a g e (ii) Approach used to GHG emissions and removals from harvested wood products, if account for emissions any, will be accounted for in accordance with the 2006 IPCC and removals from guidelines. harvested wood products; (iii) Approach used to Age-class information was not incorporated but future plans address the effects of include forest carbon stock change estimates that will age-class structure in incorporate age.‑class distribution using IPCC Volume 4, Chapter 4 guidance. This will involve obtaining detailed (plot- forests; level) data from the forest plantation companies and conducting a national forest inventory. (f) Other assumptions and methodological approaches used for understanding the nationally determined contribution and, if applicable, estimating corresponding emissions and removals, including: (i) How the reference The 2035 emissions levels in the BAU scenario were projected indicators, baseline(s) based on assumptions for GDP, population, sectoral activity and/or reference level(s), such as fuel consumption in the residential sector, industry and including, where services, number of vehicles, electricity generation fleet, etc. In applicable, sector-, addition, national documents, strategies, and master plans were category- or activity- discussed with relevant stakeholders to construct the mitigation specific reference levels, and adaptation measures. Studies included assessing GHG are constructed, mitigation potential of actions which were discussed and including, for example, validated with national stakeholders. key parameters, assumptions, definitions, methodologies, data sources and models used; (ii) For Parties with Not applicable. nationally determined contributions that contain non greenhouse-gas components, information on assumptions and methodological approaches used in relation to those components, as applicable; (iii) For climate forcers Not applicable. included in nationally determined contributions not covered by IPCC guidelines, information 37 | P a g e on how the climate forcers are estimated; (iv) Further technical None. information, as necessary; (g) The intention to use Eswatini intends to explore voluntary cooperation under Article voluntary cooperation 6 of the Paris Agreement as a means to enhance the ambition under Article 6 of the and implementation of its NDC. Building on its Initial NDC Paris Agreement, if commitment to engage in international and regional carbon applicable. markets, the country recognises the potential to generate high- integrity mitigation outcomes from selected actions - including renewable energy expansion, ethanol blending, HFC phase- down and nature-based solutions - which may be eligible for transfer as Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). Eswatini is currently undertaking deliberations to assess the feasibility, risks and benefits of Article 6 engagement. These include scenario modelling to evaluate the impact of ITMO allocation on national emissions accounting, and the development of screening protocols to identify suitable mitigation actions. Participation in Article 6 mechanisms will be contingent upon the establishment of a comprehensive legal, technical, and institutional framework to ensure regulatory certainty, environmental integrity, and transparent accounting. Eswatini acknowledges that any ITMO transfers will require corresponding adjustments and therefore cannot be counted toward its own NDC targets. To safeguard its carbon balance and net sink status, the country will only authorise ITMO transfers from mitigation outcomes that are demonstrably additional to its unconditional NDC commitments. Any future decision to use voluntary cooperation under Article 6 will be formally communicated in subsequent NDC updates and/or Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs), with full transparency on the scope, scale and accounting of such activities. 6 How the Party considers that its nationally determined contribution is fair and ambitious in the light of its national circumstances: (a) How the Party considers NDC 3.0 represents a 115% increase in GHG emission reductions that its nationally compared to the NDC 2.0 target (conditional to international determined support). Eswatini considers its NDC 3.0 to be both fair and contribution is fair and ambitious, reflecting the country’s national circumstances, ambitious in the light of sustainable development priorities and capacity constraints, its national while contributing meaningfully to the global effort to limit circumstances; temperature rise to 1.5 °C. The NDC is designed to advance national priorities such as poverty eradication, food and water 38 | P a g e security, job creation, and gender equality, ensuring that climate action supports - rather than compromises - socio‑economic development. (b) Fairness considerations, Eswatini’s NDC 3.0 has been designed to reflect the principles of including reflecting on equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and equity; respective capabilities (CBDR‑RC), as set out in the Paris Agreement, while taking into account the country’s national circumstances, development priorities, and vulnerability to climate change. With over half the population living below the national poverty line, climate action must be pursued in a way that supports poverty eradication, economic diversification and social inclusion. (c) How the Party has Article 4, paragraph 3 of the Paris Agreement requires each addressed Article 4, Party’s successive NDC to represent a progression beyond the paragraph 3, of the Paris Party’s previous NDC and reflect its highest possible ambition, in Agreement; light of national circumstances. Eswatini has addressed this requirement in NDC 3.0 as follows: Eswatini’s NDC 3.0 is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by about 2.24 MtCO₂-eq compared to what would happen if the country carried on with “business as usual” (BAU). Compared to NDC 2.0, NDC 3.0 enhances the GHG emission reductions in 0.5 MtCO₂-eq by 2030. (d) How the Party has Eswatini has consolidated and increased ambitions in the addressed Article 4, NDC2.0 sectors with new sectors added under adaptation. paragraph 4, of the Paris Agreement (e) How the Party has Not applicable as Eswatini is not an LDC or SIDS. addressed Article 4, paragraph 6, of the Paris Agreement. 7 How the nationally determined contribution contributes towards achieving the objective of the Convention as set out in its Article 2: (a) How the nationally Eswatini NDC 3.0 is an indication of the country’s commitment determined in line with the objectives under Article 2 of the Paris Agreement contribution contributes and will contribute towards achieving the temperature goal towards achieving the agreed under Article 2 paragraph (a) and Article 4, paragraph 1 objective of the of the Paris Agreement. Convention as set out in its Article 2; (b) How the nationally By presenting a more ambitious NDC, Eswatini is contributing determined to the "stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the contribution contributes atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous towards Article 2, anthropogenic interference with the climate system”, consistent 39 | P a g e paragraph 1(a), and with Article 2 of the UNFCCC. Furthermore, Eswatini believes it Article 4, paragraph 1, of is contributing to the collective effort to hold "the increase in the the Paris Agreement. global average temperature to well below 2°C above preindustrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels”, consistent with Article 2.1(a) of the Paris Agreement. Eswatini’s NDC is compatible with a long-term indicative objective of achieving carbon neutrality in 2050. 40 | P a g e