(3 Minutes Read)
Supporters call it a climate solution; critics label it carbon colonialism. At the heart of the debate is whether these initiatives are truly helping Africa combat climate change or simply allowing major fossil fuel-producing states to profit from the race to net-zero.
While Africa grapples with the brunt of climate change, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, among other foreign nations, are investing in large-scale reforestation projects, renewable energy initiatives, and land acquisitions across the continent. These efforts are supposed to offset emissions and generate carbon credits.
Supporters call it a climate solution; critics label it carbon colonialism. At the heart of the debate is whether these initiatives are truly helping Africa fight climate change or simply allowing major fossil fuel-producing states to make profits with the race to net-zero.
A growing number of environmental experts and African civil society voices are questioning the long-term value of carbon offset schemes that may undermine local land rights or offer minimal benefits to host communities.
Several African countries are actively participating in the carbon credit market, both through voluntary and compliance-based systems. These countries are leveraging their natural resources, such as forests and land, to generate carbon credits that can be sold to entities seeking to offset their emissions. Kenya, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are among the leading countries in this space.
Many African carbon credit projects focus on reforestation, sustainable land management, and community-based initiatives like improved cookstoves. While voluntary carbon markets are growing, some countries are also exploring compliance markets linked to national or regional emissions reduction targets.
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The UN Economic Commission for Africa estimates that Africa could generate up to $82 billion annually from nature-based carbon credits. While carbon markets offer a pathway to climate finance and sustainable development, African countries need to ensure equitable benefit sharing and avoid “greenwashing”.
