Rwanda is set to host the Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) 2026 as the continent accelerates its transition from carbon market preparation to active implementation and trading.
The summit will take place from 13–15 October 2026 at the Kigali Convention Centre, bringing together governments, financial institutions, project developers, and international carbon market stakeholders.
Organisers say the 2026 edition reflects a turning point for Africa’s carbon markets, as more projects become investment-ready and global mechanisms such as Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and CORSIA move into operational phases. Demand is increasingly shifting toward regions capable of delivering verified and scalable emission reduction projects.
CMAS 2026 is hosted by the Ministry of Environment of Rwanda, with support from UNDP and the African Development Bank (AfDB). The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and AUDA-NEPAD are also key partners.
The summit is expected to serve as a continental platform linking policy development with investment opportunities and carbon market transactions. This year’s programme will focus on integrity, transparency, and the creation of bankable climate projects.
Key sessions will include high-level policy dialogues, ministerial discussions, technical roundtables, and investor engagements aimed at strengthening carbon finance structures across Africa.
A curated portfolio of African carbon projects will also be showcased, covering areas such as nature-based solutions, regenerative agriculture, carbon removal technologies, waste-to-energy systems, and blue carbon initiatives. These will be presented through case studies, interactive sessions, and investment matchmaking forums.
Technical workshops will address challenges, including carbon accounting systems, Article 6 implementation, early-stage financing, and improving project viability. Digital monitoring and reporting tools will also be highlighted to support transparency in carbon trading.
Organisers say Africa’s success in carbon markets will depend on strong institutions, reliable project pipelines, and effective public-private collaboration. They add that the region’s opportunity lies in turning climate commitments into investable projects.
Hosted in Rwanda, which is developing its own carbon market framework, CMAS 2026 is expected to strengthen Africa’s role in global climate finance and carbon trading systems.
