Global carbon market leaders set their sights on Kigali
The Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) 2026, scheduled for October 13–15 in Kigali, has confirmed participation from 45 countries, including 24 African nations. The summit is expected to bring together more than 50 investors, buyers and financiers, over 40 carbon project developers and representatives, more than 100 speakers and representatives from 20 African governments.
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The gathering comes as African countries seek to turn growing international interest in carbon markets into investments that support climate action, create economic opportunities and deliver benefits to local communities.
For Ibrahim Shelleng, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance and Stakeholder Engagement for the Government of Nigeria, the summit offers an opportunity for Africans to shape the development of the market.
“This gathering of the leading players in African carbon markets represents a continental ownership in driving the future of carbon markets shaped by Africans, for the benefit of Africa,” Shelleng said.
The participation of investors and carbon credit buyers is expected to provide opportunities for project developers to present their initiatives, explore financing options and establish commercial partnerships.
Dedicated investor roundtables will bring together capital providers, buyers and project developers to discuss potential investments and collaboration.
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Participating projects will cover sectors including nature-based solutions, agriculture, waste management, clean cooking and carbon removals.
Maggie Kinyanjui, Sourcing Manager for Africa at Climate Impact Partners, said stronger engagement among project developers, buyers and investors would be important for building a carbon market that benefits African countries and communities.
“Africa should not just participate in carbon markets. We should help shape them. The opportunity is to build a market that attracts capital, rewards integrity and ensures that value reaches the countries and communities delivering climate impact,” Kinyanjui said.
International carbon market rules in focus
The summit will take place amid ongoing developments in international carbon market rules and standards under the Paris Agreement.
The UNFCCC’s Article 6.4 Supervisory Body, which oversees the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism, is holding its 23rd meeting in Bonn, Germany, from October 5–9, ahead of the Kigali gathering.
These international discussions are relevant to African countries seeking to develop carbon projects and attract investment while ensuring that emissions reductions and removals meet credible standards.
Amy Rhoades, Chief Communications and Engagement Officer at Carbon Standards, said engagement among policymakers, entrepreneurs and buyers was important for developing credible carbon removal solutions in Africa.
“Africa isn’t waiting for global carbon markets to mature; it’s actively building them. At Carbon Markets Africa Summit, we’re not just sponsoring a conference, we’re engaging the policymakers, entrepreneurs, and buyers who are building the carbon removal ecosystem in Africa. That engagement is the future of credible CDR and that’s why Carbon Standards is in Kigali,” Rhoades said.
Beyond discussions on international rules, the summit is expected to provide a platform for African governments and market participants to examine how global developments can translate into practical investment opportunities on the continent.
Emmanuelle Nicholls, Portfolio Director, said bringing decision-makers, financiers, buyers and project developers together could help strengthen project pipelines and establish partnerships needed to expand African carbon markets.
“The real opportunity lies in bringing decision-makers, financiers, buyers and project developers into the same room. Those conversations can help unlock investment, strengthen project pipelines and accelerate the partnerships needed to scale African carbon markets,” Nicholls said.
The summit is hosted by Rwanda’s Ministry of Environment, with the United Nations Development Programme and the African Development Bank as host organisations. The Development Bank of Southern Africa is the host partner, while AUDA-NEPAD is the strategic institutional partner.
The three-day meeting is expected to connect African climate projects with international market participants as the continent seeks to attract investment, strengthen its carbon market infrastructure and ensure that the benefits of climate finance reach the communities involved in delivering climate action.
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