Official Opening of the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets Members’ Meeting in The Gambia
The Member Meeting of the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance (WAA) officially commenced on March 23 in Banjul, under the chairmanship of The Gambia’s Minister of Environment, Hon. Rohey John Manjang.
Organized by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MECCNAR) in partnership with the WAA, the meeting brings together representatives from the Alliance’s 16 member countries, alongside key technical and institutional partners. This strategic gathering aims to accelerate readiness for carbon markets, support the effective implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and strengthen regional coordination to position West Africa as a credible and influential actor in global carbon markets.
In his opening remarks, Ousmane Fall Sarr, Coordinator of the Alliance, highlighted the significant progress achieved since the creation of the WAA, including strengthened regional coordination, enhanced support to national focal points, and the establishment of a trusted platform for technical exchange and peer learning. He stressed that “Article 6 is entering a new phase that demands greater transparency, stronger governance, and robust technical standards,” while cautioning against rushed decisions and engagement with non-credible actors. He further noted that while carbon markets present real global opportunities, “every authorization issued today carries long-term implications for our countries,” underscoring the need for careful, informed, and coordinated action.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Rohey John Manjang reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to climate action, regional cooperation, and sustainable development. She commended the resilience of the Alliance and the strengthening of its collaboration with technical and financial partners. Emphasizing the financial challenges faced by the continent, she stated that “Africa continues to face a significant gap between climate finance needs and actual flows,” calling for diversified financing mechanisms, including carbon markets. She also stressed that these mechanisms must be “equitable, transparent, and aligned with national priorities” to ensure inclusive and sustainable outcomes for local communities.
Representing the West African Development Bank (BOAD), Jonatan Dosseh underscored the strategic importance of carbon markets as a lever to accelerate the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and mobilize additional climate finance. He highlighted BOAD’s growing engagement through dedicated instruments such as climate finance facilities and green bonds. He emphasized that “the effectiveness of the Alliance depends fundamentally on strong country ownership,” particularly in mobilizing financial and technical resources, and called for open dialogue among members to better identify national priorities and challenges.
Asmau Djibril, Chair of the Steering Committee, also noted the tangible impact of the Alliance at the national level. She pointed out that several countries, including Nigeria, have significantly strengthened their carbon market policies thanks to the WAA’s collaborative framework. According to her, the Alliance plays a critical role in supporting policy development and fostering regional alignment on carbon market mechanisms.
As the meeting unfolds, discussions are expected to further deepen technical cooperation, refine regulatory frameworks, and advance the development of practical tools to support member countries. More broadly, the gathering reflects a shared ambition: to ensure that West Africa harnesses carbon markets not only as a source of climate finance, but as a driver of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development.