KIGALI, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- African officials and international climate delegates have called for a shift from carbon market frameworks to functioning markets that attract investment, protect Africa's interests and ensure that financial benefits reach local communities.
The call was made on Wednesday, during the formal opening of the Carbon Markets Africa Summit 2026 in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, which has brought together over 500 policymakers, investors, project developers and corporate buyers.
At the summit, Rwandan Minister of Environment Bernadette Arakwiye called on participants to strengthen partnerships and amplify Africa's collective voice in global carbon market discussions.
"Through this Carbon Markets Africa Summit 2026, let us share experiences, build partnerships, learn from one another, and amplify Africa's collective voice in global carbon market discussions," Arakwiye said.
She added that African countries should work together to develop carbon markets that reflect the continent's ambitions and realities while delivering tangible benefits to communities.
Hamad Yussuf Masauni, Tanzania's minister of state in the Vice President's Office responsible for union affairs and environment, called for practical action to move carbon markets beyond policy discussions and into implementation.
He also urged African countries to work together to position Africa as a global leader in building credible, inclusive, and impactful carbon markets that turn climate ambition into sustainable development.
Maxwell Gomera, resident representative of the United Nations Development Program in South Africa, emphasized the importance of ensuring that carbon market revenues benefit the people whose land and work make carbon projects possible.
According to the organizers, discussions at the summit are expected to focus on developments in global carbon markets, investment opportunities, market confidence, and stronger cooperation among governments, investors, buyers, and project developers. ■
