The African Development Bank, with funding from the Africa Climate Change Fund (ACCF), has supported the governments of Botswana, Gabon, Lesotho, and Liberia in developing long-term visions for low-emission and climate-resilient economic development.
The project implemented by the Africa NDC Hub is part of a broader effort to support African countries in aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
"Long-Term Visions provide a clear, country-driven pathway toward achieving net-zero emissions and building climate-resilient economies. This project is a significant step in enabling these four African countries to shape their sustainable futures with confidence and clarity," said Prof Anthony Nyong, Director, Climate Change and Green Growth, African Development Bank.
The visions were developed through a highly inclusive and participatory process engaging over 175 stakeholders across government institutions, civil society, academia, and the private sector in each of the four countries. They align with national development plans while addressing critical sectors including energy, agriculture, forestry, transport, and waste management.
All four countries address cross-cutting themes such as gender equity, just transition, capacity building, and climate finance in their visions.
Key highlights of the four countries' Long-Term Visions:
Botswana's LTV its vast solar potential.
During the Document Validation Workshop in Botswana, Mr. Boatametse Modukanele, Botswana's Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, said, "The Government of Botswana is proud to have developed a Long-Term Vision for a low-emission and climate-resilient future. It is an ambitious blueprint that will empower our nation's future through strategic climate action, sustainable development, and inclusive growth, positioning Botswana as a beacon of resilience, sustainability, and hope for generations to come."
Lesotho's LTV harmonizes sustainable development with the country's mountainous ecosystems, prioritizing clean hydropower, sustainable water management, and inclusive development.
"The Government of Lesotho, through the Lesotho Meteorological Services under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and with support from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, is proud to present the country's Long-Term Vision (LTV) on Climate Change," said Maphakamile Xingwana, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry. "This milestone, completed in 2024, reflects our firm commitment to a climate-resilient and low-emission future. Aligned with national policies and the Paris Agreement, the LTV sets the foundation for the development of our Long-Term Strategy (LTS) and provides strategic direction for the future revision of our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), and the Technology Needs Assessment and Action Plan."
In its Long-Term Vision, Gabon has emphasized its status as a global carbon sink, integrating sustainable forest management and low-carbon development within its economic diversification strategy. The strategic vision reflects strong national ownership and a commitment to innovative climate financing and governance, even amid periods of political transition.
Liberia's long-term vision focused on climate equity, green growth, and coastal resilience. The Long-Term Visioning process in Liberia involved extensive stakeholder engagement and aligned with national development plans, such as Liberia Rising Vision 2030, to create a comprehensive strategy for inclusive, climate-resilient development.
"This launch marks not an end, but a new beginning. A long-term low-carbon and climate resilience vision is a vital tool to inform policy, mobilize resources, and guide the path towards resilient infrastructure development," said Rita Effah, coordinator, ACCF.
