By Abdullahi Lukman
The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) on July 31, 2025, announced three major initiatives aimed at strengthening Africa’s leadership and equity in global carbon markets.
The announcements were made during a high-level continental dialogue in Nairobi, co-hosted with the Government of Kenya and Afreximbank.
The agency introduced the African Integrity & Equity Principles for Carbon Market, a draft framework promoting high-integrity and socially inclusive participation in carbon markets, to be formally consulted at the Africa Climate Summit 2 in Addis Ababa this September.
In addition, AUDA-NEPAD launched a Continental Coordinating Mechanism to unify technical efforts across all 55 AU member states, and a Digital Tracking Platform for Article 6 Readiness to monitor national progress and align with global standards.
The event drew strong political backing, with opening remarks from Kenya’s Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Climate Envoy Ambassador Ali Mohamed, UK High Commissioner Neil Wigan OBE, and AUDA-NEPAD’s Estherine Fotabong.
The United Kingdom also committed technical support through the secondment of climate expert Ravi Raichoora.
Member states including Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Madagascar, and the DRC emphasized AUDA-NEPAD’s pivotal role in ensuring regional cohesion, technical support, and Africa-driven governance in carbon markets.
Global actors such as the VCMI, ICVCM, and BeZero contributed perspectives on aligning international frameworks with African priorities.
Private sector participants, including advisory firms and project developers, welcomed the reforms.
Tijani Nwadei of Visuias Limited said AUDA-NEPAD’s coordinating role was critical to unlocking Africa’s carbon potential.
Andrew Ocama of the Eastern Africa Alliance praised the initiative for preventing fragmentation. Africa’s Article 6 lead negotiator, El-hadj Mbaye, urged member states to take control of shaping carbon finance rather than remaining passive recipients.
The event marked a turning point in Africa’s effort to assert its influence in shaping fair and effective global carbon markets that support both climate goals and development needs.
