Representatives from 45 countries, including 24 African nations, are expected in Kigali next week for the Carbon Markets Africa Summit 2026, where governments, investors and carbon-credit buyers will meet alongside project developers from across the continent.
The October 13-15 gathering at Kigali Convention Centre is expected to feature more than 100 speakers, over 50 investors, buyers and financiers, representatives of 20 African governments and more than 40 project developers, according to the organisers.
The breadth of participation will bring together people involved in different parts of the carbon-market value chain, from governments shaping policy to businesses developing projects and buyers seeking carbon credits.
Ibrahim Shelleng, senior special assistant to Nigeria’s president on climate finance and stakeholder engagement, said the summit offered African participants an opportunity to influence the direction of the sector.
“This gathering of the leading players in African carbon markets represents a continental ownership in driving the future of carbon markets shaped by Africans, for the benefit of Africa,” Shelleng said.
The programme will include dedicated investor roundtables, giving financiers, buyers and project developers opportunities to discuss potential partnerships and commercial arrangements.
More than 40 project developers and project representatives are expected to take part, covering sectors such as nature-based solutions, agriculture, waste management, clean cooking and carbon removals.
Maggie Kinyanjui, sourcing manager for Africa at Climate Impact Partners, said closer engagement among these groups was essential to building a market that attracts investment while delivering benefits to the communities involved.
“Africa should not just participate in carbon markets. We should help shape them,” she said. “The opportunity is to build a market that attracts capital, rewards integrity and ensures that value reaches the countries and communities delivering climate impact.”
The summit also comes as international carbon-market rules continue to develop. The Article 6.4 Supervisory Body, which oversees the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism, is holding its 23rd meeting in Bonn, Germany, immediately ahead of the Kigali event.
Amy Rhoades, chief communications and engagement officer at Carbon Standards, said engagement with policymakers, entrepreneurs and buyers was important to the development of credible carbon dioxide removal projects in Africa.
The summit is hosted by Rwanda’s Ministry of Environment, with the United Nations Development Programme and African Development Bank as host organisations. The Development Bank of Southern Africa is the host partner, while AUDA-NEPAD is the strategic institutional partner.
Emmanuelle Nicholls, portfolio director for the summit, said bringing decision-makers, financiers, buyers and project developers together could help strengthen project pipelines and accelerate partnerships.
The three-day meeting will provide a platform for participants to discuss potential collaborations and the practical steps needed to advance carbon-market projects across Africa.
