Steering Committee Meeting of the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance: Advancing Long-Term Sustainability at SB64

Held on the margins of the 64th session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies meetings in Bonn (SB64 Climate Change Negotiations), the Steering Committee Meeting of the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance convened members to review strategic priorities and further strengthen the Alliance’s long-term vision and direction.

A strategic focus on financial sustainability

A central focus of the discussions was long-term resource mobilization, recognized as a key condition for ensuring the continuity, relevance, and impact of the Alliance’s work. Steering Committee members explored concrete pathways to strengthen and diversify the funding base, with the objective of securing more stable and predictable resources.

This priority reflects a shared conviction that sustained financial support is essential to enable West African countries to effectively engage in carbon markets and scale up climate finance initiatives.

Reviewing implementation progress and ongoing work

The meeting also provided an opportunity to assess progress under the ongoing IKI-supported project. Members reviewed achievements to date, ongoing activities, and implementation challenges, fostering an open exchange on how to further improve coordination and delivery.

This review helped reinforce collective ownership of results while ensuring alignment with the Alliance’s strategic objectives.

Looking ahead: 2026 agenda and 2027 Carbon Market Hub

Discussions also turned to the Alliance’s 2026 workplan, including planned regional activities, capacity-building efforts, and key engagement opportunities.

Special attention was given to the early preparations for the 2027 West Africa Carbon Market Hub, which is envisioned as a flagship regional platform to enhance collaboration, visibility, and knowledge sharing on carbon markets across West Africa.

Reinforcing a shared regional ambition

In a context of growing climate finance needs across the region, the Steering Committee reaffirmed its collective commitment to strengthening the Alliance as a credible and sustainable regional platform. The discussions underscored a shared determination to support West African countries in leveraging carbon markets and climate finance as tools for climate action and sustainable development.