Nairobi, 1-2 October 2024 - The international workshop organised by Environment for Development (EfD) in Nairobi marked a decisive turning point in the project to explore voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) in Africa. This project, funded by Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC), aims to strengthen the capacity of African countries to develop and implement effective carbon markets. AETS plays a crucial role as the country team for Côte d'Ivoire, Morocco and ECOWAS, and is responsible for the various aspects of the project in these countries.

The 30-month project has five main components: country mapping, stakeholder analysis, institutional analysis, impact assessment and capacity building. AETS is directly responsible for carrying out these components in Côte d'Ivoire, Morocco and the ECOWAS region, thus ensuring the coordination of efforts and the application of research methodologies adapted to local realities.

A global project with local impact

This project covers a wide range of African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Rwanda, in addition to the regions entrusted to AETS. While the EfD centres in the other countries are focusing on their respective regions, AETS must ensure that the mapping, institutional analysis and impact assessment work is carried out in Côte d'Ivoire, Morocco and ECOWAS.

‘The importance of voluntary carbon markets is increasingly recognised as an essential tool for reducing emissions, and this project comes at a key time’, said Anjali Ramakrishnan, project coordinator at EfD.

The Nairobi workshop validated the first phase of the project, which consisted of a literature review and the identification of issues that would guide the subsequent phases, in particular the interviews with stakeholders and the institutional analyses.

Institutional support to guarantee the impact of the project

The project is also supported by an expert advisory committee, including representatives from the African Development Bank (AfDB), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA), and Resources For the Future (RFF). This committee provides strategic advice to ensure the relevance and success of the project.

The final results of the project, expected in June 2026, will provide concrete recommendations for improving the efficiency of voluntary carbon markets in Africa.

AETS is delighted to be involved in this ambitious project and to actively contribute to advancing the knowledge and skills needed to secure a sustainable and environmentally friendly future for Africa.