The Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) 2026 has opened in Kigali, Rwanda. Leaders said Africa must move beyond talking about carbon markets and start delivering real results.
Officials from the United Nations, the African Development Bank and the European Commission joined the opening sessions. They discussed how to turn Africa’s climate potential into investment and jobs.
Perumal Arumugam of UN Climate Change said Africa should not compete by offering the cheapest carbon credits. Instead, he said, it should offer credits the world can trust.
From Potential to Delivery
Speakers said success should be measured not just in credits issued, but in money invested and value reaching local communities. Esterine Fotabong of AUDA-NEPAD called for African countries to build carbon markets on their own terms.
Lukas Visek of the European Commission said Europe will want to buy international carbon credits in the future, but quality rules will be strict. Projects will need strong data and real community involvement, he said.
Turning Projects Into Investment
Leaders from the African Development Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa said more private money must reach African projects. Better planning, clear rules and fair risk-sharing are needed, they said.
Dr Anthony Nyong of the African Development Bank said carbon projects should be seen as development projects first. The summit continues in Kigali with a focus on connecting credible projects with buyers.
Organisers said the summit marks a turning point for the continent. Instead of only discussing carbon market rules, African nations are now building the systems, registries and skills needed to run them well.
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