The West African Alliance Strengthens Its Climate Commitment in Praia
On October 28, 2024, the city of Praia, Cape Verde, hosted a significant meeting of the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance. This event, preceding the regional RediCAP workshop, was an important moment to strengthen collaboration among member countries and key partners in the fight against climate change.
Mr. Ousmane Fall Sarr, Coordinator of the Alliance, opened the discussions by warmly thanking Cape Verde for its exemplary hospitality and acknowledging the financial support from the German Government, as well as the technical assistance from the West African Development Bank. These contributions are essential for establishing a conducive framework for fruitful discussions and the development of innovative strategies to address climate challenges.
Founded during COP22 in 2016, the West African Alliance aims to promote a coherent regional approach to carbon markets and access to climate finance. Over the years, it has evolved from a structuring phase to an active implementation period, with a particular focus on preparing for Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which offers significant opportunities to mobilize investments in climate projects. Several member countries have already established national governance frameworks to integrate these mechanisms into their policies.
The discussions during the meeting highlighted several key points. An urgent need was identified to strengthen the technical capacities of member countries in order to better prepare for the implementation of Article 6. This includes training and sharing best practices among nations. Mr. Sarr emphasized the importance of partnerships with organizations such as UNFCCC and technical entities like Arc Holding, ENDA ENERGIE, and Climate Focus. These collaborations are essential to provide the necessary support to member countries. Participants were also encouraged to share their experiences and challenges, fostering collective learning that can guide national strategies.
The meeting also served as a platform to discuss member participation in the upcoming COP29, where the countries of the Alliance hope to advance their climate initiatives on the international stage. At the conclusion of the discussions, several recommendations were formulated to guide the future actions of the Alliance. It was proposed to develop a detailed action plan for the years 2025-2028, incorporating the specific priorities of each member country, as well as to establish support mechanisms to help countries operationalize Article 6, while considering their unique national contexts. The creation of monitoring indicators to evaluate the impact of the initiatives implemented was also prioritized.
This meeting in Praia marked a significant moment for the West African Alliance, further strengthening the collective commitment of member countries to act in the face of climate challenges. The rich exchanges and the recommendations made reflect a shared willingness to better understand the issues related to this theme. As we move towards COP29, the Alliance positions itself as a key player in promoting innovative and sustainable solutions for climate financing in West Africa. Participants left this meeting with a clear vision and reinforced objectives, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.