South Africa has unveiled a revised draft of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), introducing a new emissions target for the 2031–2035 period. This latest environmental commitment reflects a roughly 10% reduction compared to the 2026–2030 targets, as the country advances its long-term decarbonisation strategy under the Paris Agreement.
Wildlife scene in South Africa's Knysna Forest, with an African forest elephant amidst lush, biodiverse vegetation. AI generated picture.
The updated NDC, published in the government gazette on 30 July, retains the emissions range of 350–420 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) for 2026–2030. However, it now adds a fresh target range of 320–380 million tCO₂e for 2031–2035, signalling a measured but steady downwards shift in the country’s emissions profile.
‘South Africa considers the mitigation target ranges in this NDC to be an ambitious and equitable contribution to the global mitigation effort, given South Africa's current and historical emissions and its national circumstances (especially its development challenges)’, the draft states.
The country has also reaffirmed its aspiration to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a goal that will be further explored in the upcoming update of its Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS).
‘Pathways by which we can reach net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050 will be elaborated in our next LT-LEDS, which we are currently preparing’, the document notes.
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The NDC outlines ongoing efforts to align domestic policies with its environmental objectives. One of the key mechanisms remains the national carbon tax, implemented in 2019. In addition, the recent enactment of the Climate Change Act in July 2024 empowers authorities to set greenhouse gas limits for major emitters, bolstering regulatory support for mitigation efforts.
‘Fulfilling its obligation under Article 4.2 of the Paris Agreement, South Africa continues to pursue domestic mitigation measures, with the aim of achieving the objectives of our NDC’, the document continues.
To operationalise parts of the Climate Change Act—specifically Sections 26 and 27—the government is expected to release detailed mitigation plans for public comment in early August.
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As South Africa sharpens its green commitments—combining policy instruments like carbon taxation with enforceable emissions limits—it reinforces a global move towards more accountable and transparent carbon markets. In this shifting landscape, the demand for high-integrity, nature-based carbon credits is growing fast. That’s where DGB Group comes in. As a publicly listed company on Euronext, our global, large-scale ecosystem restoration projects are certified under Verra and Gold Standard, producing carbon units that meet the highest standards of credibility and community impact. The carbon market of tomorrow is being built today—be part of the change.
