Africa’s extensive and diverse ecosystems harbour some of the world’s most underappreciated carbon sinks, yet their potential remains largely untapped in global climate strategies. Savannas such as the miombo forest and vast tropical peatlands are vital natural reservoirs, sequestering huge amounts of carbon and regulating climate. As international targets emphasize reforestation and soil carbon, African carbon sinks represent a complementary and crucially important pathway to achieving national and global emissions mitigation targets. Bringing these ecosystems into the climate spotlight promises not only enhanced sequestration but also ecological resilience as well as socio-economic benefits for local communities.
The hidden power of savannas and peatlands in carbon sequestration
Savannas, largely covering southern and eastern Africa, are often overlooked because of their open canopy and mixed tree-grass structure. However, for example, ecosystems like the miombo woodlands sequester substantial soil and biomass carbon, offsetting emissions at scales comparable to tropical forests. Similarly, tropical peatlands, found mostly in central and west Africa’s wetlands, store carbon over millennia in water-saturated soils, providing stable sinks that prevent its release into the atmosphere. The preservation of these ecosystems is key: degradation through drainage or burning can rapidly convert these sinks into major carbon sources.
Why African carbon sinks matter for global climate ambitions
- Large-scale carbon storage: Miombo woodlands cover approximately 2.7 million square kilometres of Africa, while peatlands encompass nearly 150,000 square kilometres, both storing billions of tonnes of carbon that remain at high risk to unsustainable land use.
- Ecosystem resilience and biodiversity: These carbon-rich ecosystems support diverse flora and fauna and provide livelihoods through ecosystem services such as water regulation, soil fertility, and climate buffering, linking climate goals with social and ecological sustainability.
- Climate adaptation potential: By maintaining soil integrity and hydrological balance, peatlands diminish flood risks and drought impacts, while healthy savannas preserve grazing lands resistant to desertification.
How can Africa leverage its carbon sink potential?
- Improved mapping and monitoring: Satellite imaging, AI, and field monitoring enhance understanding of carbon stocks and changes, informing more accurate greenhouse gas inventories supportive of climate reporting and new policies.
- Community-led conservation: Empowering local communities through inclusive governance aligns conservation with indigenous knowledge and sustainable livelihood strategies.
- Cross-sector partnerships: Governments, NGOs, scientists, and the private sector need to collaborate to design and finance carbon projects that prioritise these ecosystems in addition to forest conservation.
- Policy integration: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and international climate mechanisms should explicitly recognise and advance savanna and peatland conservation, restoration, and sustainable management.
How can Strategy&Ops assist in unlocking African carbon sink opportunities?
- Creating tailored carbon accounting frameworks that incorporate savanna and peatland ecosystems using robust scientific and community-based data.
- Facilitating stakeholder engagement and capacity building to establish indigenous participation and equitable sharing of benefits.
- Mobilising funding and partnerships to create scalable, sustainable initiatives with greater carbon sequestration and socio-economic co-benefits.
- Supporting policy advocacy to mainstream these ecosystems into national and international climate policies.
Africa’s savannas and peatlands represent a missing link in global climate efforts—natural allies that, when conserved, can simultaneously fight climate change, preserve biodiversity, and support vulnerable communities. For organisations ready to partner in this vital journey, contact Strategy&Ops at info@strategyandops.net to create a more resilient and inclusive climate future.
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References
Carbon Brief (2024) Mystery over ‘unexpectedly large’ emissions from Africa’s tropical ecosystems. Available at: https://www.carbonbrief.org/mystery-over-unexpectedly-large-emissions-from-africas-tropical-ecosystems/
CIFOR-ICRAF (2025) Central African moist forests and savannas are net carbon sinks – for now. Available at: https://www.cifor-icraf.org/knowledge/news/89326/
Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (2017) The South African Carbon Sinks Atlas, first edition (2017). Pretoria: Department of Environmental Affairs. Available at: https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/reports/research/ccaq/carbonsinks_southafricanatlas2017.pdf
Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (2020) National Terrestrial Carbon Sinks Assessment: Summary for Policy Makers. Pretoria: Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries. Available at: https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/reports/research/ccaq/report2summary_nationalterristerial_carbonsinkassessment.pdf
Grundling, P-L., Grundling, A.T., Pretorius, L., Mulders, J. and Mitchell, S. (2017) South African Peatlands: Ecohydrological Characteristics and Socio-Economic Value. WRC Report No. 2346/1/17. Pretoria: Water Research Commission.
South African Carbon Sinks Atlas (2021) South African Carbon Sinks Atlas [online]. Available at: https://csa.environment.gov.za/