Africa launches roadmap to lead in global carbon markets

Africa has demonstrated its determination to harness the growing carbon economy for sustainable development and climate justice with the unveiling of a roadmap to lead in global carbon markets.

This was crystallised recently in the launch of the 2025 African Carbon Market Outlook, a flagship report by the Carbon Free African Network, which has been described as a significant step toward climate leadership by climate experts, policymakers, and financiers.

Beyond setting the stage, this action shows a continent ready for action. Opening remarks by Noel Casserly, a seasoned advocate for sustainable development, stressed the importance of the moment.

In the same vein, the keynote speaker, Sadiq Austin Okoh, founder of the CarbonFree Africa Network, delivered a compelling address on Africa’s need to claim ownership of its carbon future, urging African leaders to anchor the continent’s carbon market on transparent governance, clear land rights, and a community-first approach.

“Africa must define who owns its carbon,” he said, adding, “only then can we unlock climate finance that is fair and impactful.”

The discussants at the launch highlighted the carbon market as one booming with vast potential. It is valued at $2.4 billion and projected to double within a decade.

With carbon credits comprising the lion’s share of market value, experts projected up to 1.5 billion credits by 2050, potentially generating $6 billion in revenue and creating 30 million green jobs across the continent.

Panelists agreed that Africa’s abundant natural ecosystems, coupled with its renewable energy prospects and youthful workforce, give it a competitive edge. Yet, they cautioned that these opportunities would be lost without targeted investments in skills development, infrastructure, and regulatory clarity.

The meeting featured detailed sessions on building a resilient carbon ecosystem. Speakers called for stronger validation and verification institutions, as well as better data governance and project oversight. Despite the enthusiasm, key barriers were acknowledged and these included lack of technical know-how, limited funding, and weak policy environments.

In his presentation, John Osonwa, a professor, stressed the need for Africa to build a “climate-smart carbon economy” that aligns with broader goals of justice, biodiversity protection, and economic inclusion. “We must avoid replicating the extractive models of the past,” he warned.

The market outlook also spotlighted the challenge of weak global demand for African carbon credits. Eugene Itua, who moderated the second panel discussion highlighted structural issues stemming from the Paris Agreement’s domestic-focused frameworks and a lack of clear international demand signals.

Still, hope remains. As global climate commitments grow more ambitious, the European Union and private buyers could become key markets for African carbon credits—especially if aligned with clear integrity standards and co-benefit frameworks.