THE THEORETICAL PAN-AFRICAN EMISSIONS TRADING SYSTEM: A POLICY TOOL FOR CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AIDING SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN AFRICA

African economies are developing, and rising emission levels present a global challenge to the continent. It is imperative that a climate change mitigation strategy is adopted which aids sustainable economic growth in the region. This paper explores the feasibility of adopting an Emissions Trading System (ETS) with a hybrid market-based approach as an innovative socio-economic policy tool and structure; in line with the global policy narrative, for implementing a green vision in Africa. The piece examines the international emissions trading framework, analyses regional case-studies of ETS?s, highlights key factors stimulating the African potential, and discusses the benefits and challenges of utilising this tool in the continent. The paper then proposes a theoretical model for a hybrid market-based Pan-African Emissions Trading System (Pan-Af ETS) under the impetus of the African Union (AU) and the Regional Economic Communities (REC?S); owing to ever increasing levels of regional integration and cooperation. The paper further develops multiple experimental methods to implementing the Pan-Af ETS in African countries; emphasising scalability and integration. It concludes by emphasising the potential of Africa to be a global leader in developing and fostering an ecosystem of climate change mitigation married to sustainable economic development, and highlighting key prospects and challenges for the ETS approach in Africa in the future.