Back to Africa Check

Which African countries are the biggest greenhouse gas emitters?

Within Africa, more than 60% of the continent’s carbon emissions are produced by just three countries – South Africa with 534.5 million tonnes, Egypt with 377.7 million tonnes and Algeria with 284.4 million tonnes.

South Africa is one of the world’s most coal-dependent countries, with nearly 85% of its CO2 emissions coming from coal.

More facts

For reading our fact-checks!

Did you know that our work is free to read and share? Support our work to continue reading.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Support independent fact-checking in Africa.