The Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) is set to make a significant impact as it reveals a jam-packed program that showcases the entire value chain of carbon markets across the continent. Scheduled to take place in Johannesburg from October 22 to 23, with pre-conference sessions on October 21, this summit aims to bring together key players in the industry.
As various stakeholders gear up for this enlightening event, it’s essential to highlight the significance of such gatherings. The CMAS not only serves as a platform for networking but also plays a crucial role in shaping Africa’s carbon trajectory and attracting meaningful investments. With the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) endorsing the summit, it underlines the importance attached to unlocking Africa’s carbon market potential.
Expert voices at the summit will shed light on critical aspects of carbon markets and climate finance readiness. Speakers like Iain Banner, Fenella Aouane, Maxwell Gomera, Javier Manzanares, Caroline Tixier, and Angela Churie Kallhauge are set to provide valuable insights into aligning strategies with global agendas and driving sustainable development through carbon market frameworks.
A key focus will be on comparing Africa’s carbon strategy with global frameworks such as Article 6 during discussions like “Road to COP30: Aligning Africa’s Carbon Strategy with Global Agendas.” This session will feature high-level representatives from various organizations sharing their perspectives on how best to navigate these complex landscapes.
Moreover, as African nations transition from climate ambition to implementation, regulatory clarity becomes paramount. Sessions like “Turning Policy into Action” will delve into evolving national frameworks post-COP29 and explore how public-private collaborations can drive effective execution on the ground. Representatives from different countries and sectors coming together promise an enlightening discussion on advancing carbon market development sustainably.
The future outlook for carbon markets is promising but not without challenges. Olivia Tuchten from Promethium will lead discussions addressing integrity issues within existing market structures alongside experts from Verra, Gold Standard, and Anthesis. This hands-on approach reflects a commitment towards ensuring transparency and reliability within these markets.
Looking ahead at financing opportunities within Africa’s carbon pipeline sets the stage for day two of CMAS. Investor roundtables focusing on connecting climate capital with scalable solutions aim at fostering partnerships between investors and project developers. Keynote sessions featuring industry giants like Shell Nature Based Solutions and Standard Bank underline the growing interest in financing sustainable projects across the continent.
Jonathan First’s keynote address on mobilizing private capital for Africa’s carbon markets emphasizes innovative ways of derisking investments while scaling up impactful initiatives. The collaboration between financiers from diverse backgrounds further highlights the pressing need for strategic partnerships in driving sustainability goals forward.
Noteworthy is the emphasis placed by Dominic Wilhelm from the Global Trust Project on building trust within fragmented value chains of carbon markets globally worth $950 billion currently but projected to reach $16 trillion in ten years’ time. Trust emerges as a central theme in addressing challenges pertaining to transparency and efficiency within these evolving ecosystems.
In conclusion, events like CMAS serve as catalysts for driving positive change within Africa’s burgeoning carbon market landscape. By fostering dialogue among industry stalwarts, policymakers, investors, and project developers – there lies an opportunity not just for growth but also for creating lasting impact towards climate resilience and sustainable development across the continent.
