Strengthening partnerships for Africa’s carbon market future: WAA and EAA meet with Germany at SB64
On the sidelines of the 64th Session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) of the UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, leaders of the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance (WAA) and the Eastern African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance (EAA) held a strategic meeting with Dr. Heike Henn, Director-General for International Climate Action at Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN).
The meeting reflected the strong partnership that has developed over the years between Germany and African countries working to strengthen their engagement in carbon markets and climate finance. Since their inception, both Alliances have benefited from the support of BMUKN and GIZ, whose long-standing commitment has helped build technical expertise, institutional capacity, and regional cooperation across the continent.
More than a courtesy meeting, the discussion provided an opportunity to take stock of the progress achieved and to explore the next phase of collaboration as countries move from readiness to implementation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Over the past years, African countries have invested considerable efforts in developing policy frameworks, strengthening institutions, building technical capacities, and establishing the foundations necessary to participate in international carbon markets. As global carbon market mechanisms become increasingly operational, the focus is now shifting toward implementation and the creation of tangible opportunities for countries and communities.
Participants emphasized that while important progress has been made, continued support remains essential to help countries transform readiness efforts into concrete results. This includes mobilizing climate finance, developing high-quality carbon projects, strengthening national infrastructures, and ensuring effective participation in international carbon market cooperation.
The meeting also highlighted the growing importance of collaboration between regional networks. Representatives of the West and East African Alliances reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, exchanging experiences, and sharing lessons learned from their respective regions. Such collaboration can help accelerate learning, avoid duplication of efforts, and contribute to a more coordinated African approach to carbon markets and climate finance.
Speaking on behalf of member countries, Asmau Jibril of Nigeria, Chair of the WAA Steering Committee, and Irene Chekwoti of Uganda, Chair of the EAA Steering Committee, underscored the priorities and aspirations of their respective networks. They stressed that carbon markets should not be viewed solely as financial mechanisms but as tools capable of supporting sustainable development, creating economic opportunities, and strengthening climate resilience for communities across Africa.
The discussions further reinforced a shared vision: ensuring that African countries are not only participants in global carbon markets but also active contributors shaping their future. Building credible, transparent, and inclusive carbon market ecosystems will be essential to maximizing benefits while safeguarding environmental integrity and national development priorities.
As the implementation of Article 6 gains momentum worldwide, partnerships such as those between African Alliances, Germany, and international cooperation agencies remain critical. They provide the technical, financial, and institutional support needed to help countries navigate an evolving landscape and seize emerging opportunities.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to continue working together to advance carbon markets and climate finance across Africa. It also served as a reminder that long-term partnerships, mutual trust, and shared ambition are indispensable ingredients for delivering meaningful climate action and sustainable development outcomes on the continent.