West Africa takes the stage at Innovate4Climate 2026
From 19 to 23 May 2026, the West African Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance (WAA) participated in Innovate4Climate (I4C) in Singapore, the world’s leading forum on carbon markets and climate finance. Represented by its Coordinator, Ousmane Fall Sarr, the Alliance delivered a strong message: West Africa is ready to play a leading role in the development of international carbon markets while advancing its development priorities, climate ambitions, and vision for a just transition.
The Alliance’s participation took place within a broader continental framework, alongside the Eastern Africa Alliance (EAA) and the Southern Africa Alliance (SAA) under a shared exhibition booth. More than a symbolic presence, this collaboration demonstrated the determination of African alliances to speak with a strong and coordinated voice on issues related to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and climate finance.
A strategic presence at the heart of global discussions
Organized by the World Bank, Innovate4Climate brings together governments, financial institutions, investors, carbon standard organizations, project developers, and climate experts from around the world. The 2026 edition marked an important turning point in the evolution of carbon markets, with growing consensus that the time has come to move from regulatory design to effective implementation.
Against this backdrop, the WAA actively contributed to discussions by highlighting the progress achieved across West African countries while also addressing the challenges that remain in ensuring the continent’s equitable and beneficial participation in international climate cooperation mechanisms.
Four interventions to promote West Africa’s vision
Throughout the week, Ousmane Fall Sarr participated in four strategic sessions.
During the Global Knowledge Forum, which focused in part on authorization mechanisms under Article 6, he presented the progress made by WAA member countries. Several countries have already designated their Designated National Authorities (DNAs), initiated authorization procedures for carbon activities, and strengthened peer-learning mechanisms. While challenges remain—particularly in terms of Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) capacities and the establishment of national registries—the region is demonstrating encouraging momentum.
The WAA also contributed to a panel on Paris Agreement alignment in carbon markets. During this discussion, the Alliance emphasized three key principles for West African host countries: promoting high-quality carbon projects, ensuring fair and transparent benefit-sharing mechanisms, and safeguarding environmental integrity by preventing overselling that could undermine the achievement of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Strengthening african expertise in validation and verification
One of the highlights of the WAA’s participation was a high-level roundtable on the capacity of Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs), organized by GIZ and VCMI.
Today, more than 90 percent of carbon validation and verification activities in Africa are carried out by international entities. This situation increases project costs, extends certification timelines, and limits the development of sustainable regional expertise.
In response, the WAA advocated for the creation of a joint accelerator program involving the three African alliances to train, support, and accredit African VVBs. The proposal received significant interest from technical and financial partners, opening the door to future collaboration and capacity-building initiatives.
An Africa that seeks to shape carbon market governance
During the side event jointly organized by the WAA, EAA, and SAA, the three alliances showcased the results of their regional cooperation and shared a common vision for the future of carbon markets.
Their message was clear: Africa does not want to be merely a supplier of carbon credits. The continent seeks to actively participate in rule-making, standards development, project validation, and the direction of climate finance flows to ensure that they genuinely support Africa’s sustainable development priorities and benefit local communities.
Concrete outcomes and new opportunities
Participation in I4C 2026 enabled the WAA to strengthen its international visibility and establish new strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including Gold Standard, GGGI, A6IP, and AUDA-NEPAD.
Discussions with GIZ, VCMI, and other partners on the proposed VVB Accelerator Program have created promising opportunities for strengthening African technical capacities. In addition, cooperation among the three regional African alliances has significantly deepened, with new joint working sessions already being planned.
Looking ahead
Beyond the meetings and announcements, I4C 2026 reinforced a shared conviction among WAA members: carbon markets can only be truly effective, equitable, and sustainable if African countries actively participate in their design and governance.
In the months ahead, the Alliance will continue supporting member countries in the implementation of Article 6, strengthening regional technical capacities, mobilizing institutional funding, and promoting a strong African voice within international decision-making processes.
West Africa now has a recognized voice in global discussions on carbon markets and climate finance. In Singapore, that voice was heard with clarity, ambition, and determination.