The Pointe Sarène Declaration: A Turning Point for Carbon Markets in West Africa
From October 2–4, 2025, West African countries gathered in Pointe Sarène (Nianing, Senegal) for the second edition of the West African Carbon Markets Hub. At the conclusion of this major regional event, the delegations adopted the Pointe Sarène Declaration — a bold and forward-looking statement reaffirming the shared ambition of West African nations to harness carbon markets as strategic tools for sustainable development, economic sovereignty, and climate action.
Carbon Markets: Drivers of Sovereignty and Resilience
The Declaration recognizes carbon markets as an unprecedented opportunity to transform key sectors such as agriculture, energy, forestry, industry, and waste management. By mobilizing both public and private financing, these mechanisms can enhance climate resilience, create green jobs, and improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities — all while contributing to the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Implementing Article 6 with Integrity and Inclusion
The countries welcomed the finalization of the Article 6 rulebook at COP29 and reaffirmed their collective commitment to implementing it with rigor, transparency, and environmental integrity. The Declaration calls for the establishment of robust national frameworks, capacity-building for institutions, and inclusive governance that actively involves youth, women, and non-state actors.
Toward a Harmonized Regional Carbon Market
A key pillar of the Declaration is the call for a harmonized regional carbon market in West Africa. This includes aligning Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems, standardizing methodologies, and establishing interoperable national registries to ensure transparency and credibility. These steps will strengthen regional cooperation and the overall integrity of the carbon market ecosystem.
Mobilizing the Private Sector and Innovative Finance
The Declaration highlights the critical role of the private sector and financial institutions in driving carbon market expansion. It proposes the creation of a regional carbon fund, supported by institutions such as the West African Development Bank (BOAD) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), to pre-finance high-quality projects, reduce investment risks, and build the capacity of local project developers.
The Central Role of the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance
The West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance is reaffirmed as a key coordinating body to support, mobilize, and harmonize regional initiatives. The Alliance will lead efforts to strengthen capacities, promote policy alignment, and represent the region in global climate finance and carbon market negotiations.
A Shared Vision for a Just and Sovereign Climate Future
Ultimately, the Pointe Sarène Declaration embodies a collective vision: to use carbon markets not only as climate finance instruments, but also as strategic levers for inclusive development, regional integration, and global leadership.
Through this Declaration, West African countries commit to building a carbon market system that is transparent, equitable, and environmentally sound, with climate justice and regional sovereignty at its core.
🔗 Read more: POINTE SARENE DECLARATION