SB64: West African Alliance Members strengthen coordination for the future of carbon markets
On the sidelines of the 64th Sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) in Bonn, the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance convened its Members Meeting, bringing together representatives from member countries to exchange updates, discuss emerging priorities, and strengthen regional coordination on carbon markets and climate finance.
As the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement continues to advance, the meeting provided a valuable opportunity for members to reflect on ongoing negotiations and assess their implications for countries across West Africa. It also served as a platform to review the Alliance’s activities and ensure that its support remains aligned with the evolving needs and priorities of its members.
A key focus of the discussions was the latest developments under Article 6, including ongoing conversations on potential financing options for the infrastructure required to operationalize Article 6.2. Such infrastructure—including registries, tracking systems, and transparency mechanisms—is fundamental to ensuring the integrity, credibility, and effective functioning of international carbon markets.
Beyond the technical discussions, member countries shared their experiences, concerns, and challenges related to carbon market development and access to climate finance. These exchanges highlighted both the progress achieved across the region and the capacity-building, institutional, and financial needs that remain critical for successful participation in emerging carbon market mechanisms.
The meeting also reinforced the value of the Alliance as a regional platform for peer learning, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. By creating space for open dialogue among countries, the Alliance continues to support collective efforts to strengthen readiness and implementation of carbon market activities across West Africa.
An important moment of the discussion was dedicated to the Alliance’s upcoming 10th anniversary, which will be celebrated on the margins of COP31. This milestone will provide an opportunity to reflect on a decade of regional cooperation, capacity building, and collective action in advancing carbon markets and climate finance across the region, while also looking ahead to the next chapter of the Alliance’s journey.
As carbon markets move from readiness to implementation, the importance of strong coordination among countries becomes increasingly evident. The opportunities offered by Article 6 are significant, but maximizing their benefits will require continued collaboration, shared learning, and a common regional vision.
The discussions in Bonn reaffirmed a simple yet powerful message: regional cooperation remains one of the strongest foundations for ensuring that West African countries can effectively access carbon market opportunities, mobilize climate finance, and contribute to global climate action while advancing their sustainable development goals.