As global carbon markets shift decisively from rule-setting to real transactions, one question looms large: Can Africa bring forward credible projects, enabling frameworks, and market infrastructure to transact at scale? The Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) 2026 is designed to answer that question with a resounding yes.
Taking place from 13–15 October 2026 at the Kigali Convention Centre, CMAS 2026 is Africa’s premier marketplace for climate action—a platform where ambition meets execution . Hosted by the Ministry of Environment of Rwanda, with UNDP and the African Development Bank (AfDB) as host organisations, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) as host partner, and AUDA-NEPAD as the strategic institutional partner, the summit brings together the full carbon market ecosystem .
A Pivotal Moment for Africa’s Carbon Markets
The timing couldn’t be more critical. With Article 6 mechanisms moving into implementation and compliance-driven demand such as CORSIA accelerating, attention is turning to where credible supply and policy certainty can be delivered at scale . Africa is emerging as an exciting destination for carbon market projects, with improved policy certainty and more projects becoming investment-ready .
“The question is no longer whether Africa has a role to play, but whether the continent can bring forward credible projects, enabling frameworks and market infrastructure to transact at scale,” said Emmanuelle Nicholls, Project Lead. “CMAS 2026 is designed as a response to that moment – connecting the actors, pipelines and capital needed to move from ambition to execution” .
A Programme Built for Execution
The CMAS 2026 programme spans the full carbon market value chain—from policy and Article 6 implementation to project development, finance, and transactions . Key highlights include:
- Keynote opening session on delivering projects, capital, and transactions at scale
- High-level dialogue on trust and market readiness
- Ministerial and technical roundtables addressing critical bottlenecks
- Sessions focused on buyer demand, investor priorities, and deal structuring
A central feature is a curated pipeline of African carbon projects across nature-based solutions, regenerative agriculture, carbon removals, waste-to-value, and blue carbon, presented through project showcases, case studies, and investment-ready deal rooms .
The programme also includes Solution Labs and technical workshops addressing early-stage finance, MRV systems, and project bankability, alongside live demonstrations of digital carbon infrastructure . For practitioners seeking a deeper dive, a full-day CARBON 201 pre-conference session on 13 October offers hands-on learning on Article 6, CORSIA implementation, project development, and real carbon transactions, with experts from REMA, Standard Bank Group, GGGI, DBSA, and others .
Voices Shaping Africa’s Carbon Future
CMAS 2026 features an exceptional lineup of speakers representing the full spectrum of carbon market expertise. Recent speaker announcements include:
- Jonathan First, Head of Africa at Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), who will share insights on mobilising climate finance and developing market infrastructure
- Erisa Senerdem, Global Lead, Carbon at Argus Media, bringing a data-driven perspective on global carbon market trends and price transparency
- Andrea Bonzanni, International Policy Director at IETA, leading activities on Article 6 and international carbon markets
- Ali Mohamed, Special Envoy for Climate Change, Kenya, shaping climate policy and advancing Africa’s position in global negotiations
- Bernardin Uzayisaba, Carbon Market Programme Specialist at UNDP
- Caroline Raes, Country Representative, GGGI Rwanda
- Anna Schniepper, Jurisdictional Engagement Officer at Carbon Standard International
- Ed Agnew, Director of Global Carbon Partnerships, focusing on climate-smart agricultural solutions
The summit’s Advisory Board includes Andrew Gilder (Climate Legal), Bianca Gichangi (Carbon Markets Consultant), Brett Stacey (Carbon Zero Verification), and Dr. Olufunso Somorin (AfDB) .
Why Integrity Matters
As scrutiny on carbon market integrity intensifies, Africa’s carbon assets are increasingly viewed as tools for financing development and strengthening economic sovereignty . “Africa’s carbon markets must be built on integrity, equity, and continental coordination so that carbon finance delivers real value for communities, ecosystems, and sustainable development across the continent,” said Estherine Fotabong, Director at AUDA-NEPAD .
Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye, Minister of Environment, Rwanda, reinforced this commitment: “Rwanda has made a deliberate choice to position carbon markets as a tool for climate action, investment mobilisation and long-term development. Hosting CMAS 2026 reflects our commitment to building credible and investable carbon projects that deliver real value for our economy, communities and climate goals” .
Who Should Attend
CMAS 2026 is essential for:
- Corporate buyers seeking high-integrity carbon credits
- Project developers looking to connect with capital and off-takers
- Investors exploring Africa’s carbon investment opportunities
- Policymakers shaping carbon market frameworks
- Standards bodies ensuring market integrity
- Anyone committed to accelerating climate action in Africa
With over 500 delegates, 35 investors, and 14 carbon project developers expected—building on a successful 2025 edition that brought together 330+ delegates from 27 countries—the summit offers unparalleled networking and deal-making opportunities .
Registration Details
Group bookings: Buy 4 tickets, get the 5th free (20% discount) .
Be Part of Africa’s Carbon Future
As one market leader observed, “High quality carbon markets offer Africa a unique opportunity to translate its vast natural capital into tangible economic value – mobilising finance at scale while empowering countries to pursue development pathways that are both sustainable and sovereign” .
The shift from readiness to delivery is underway. CMAS 2026 is where it happens.
📥 Download the programme: https://lnkd.in/eCATzfaU
📝 Register here: https://lnkd.in/epzk9zga
📍 Kigali, Rwanda | 📅 13–15 October 2026
