On the margins of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, a defining moment for Africa’s climate leadership unfolded!

Addis Ababa, 14 February 2026 –During the Meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), the African Union Development Agency–NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) officially launched the African Principles for Equity and Integrity in Carbon Markets, widely referred to as Africa’s Gold Standard. The Gold Standard has been officially endorsed by the CAHOSCC!

The launch marked a major step in implementing the Africa Action Plan on Carbon Markets developed under the leadership of the African Union Commission and AU Assembly Decision (Assembly/AU/Dec.875(XXXVII) which mandated AUDA-NEPAD to lead the processes towards the development of the "African Gold Standard on Carbon Credits" in collaboration with member states, the AUC and partners..

This has been reflected in the development of the African Principles for Integrity & Equity in Carbon Markets which is Africa’s Gold Standard, a comprehensive set of principles prioritizing integrity, equity, transparency, and inclusivity to ensure carbon markets generate genuine environmental, economic and social benefits ensuring all market activities deliver equitable, measurable benefits for African governments and communities, with fair benefit-sharing and inclusive participation.

Under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, the Agency continues to position Africa as a credible and influential player in the global climate economy.

Reclaiming Africa’s Place in Global Carbon Markets

For decades, Africa has remained underserved and underrepresented in international carbon markets. Despite being among the regions most affected by climate change, the continent has often struggled to fully benefit from climate finance mechanisms.

When designed and governed with integrity, carbon markets have the potential to strengthen national climate strategies and deliver meaningful economic, social, and environmental benefits to vulnerable communities. However, this potential can only be realised through clear rules, strong governance, and systems that reflect Africa’s unique development realities.

The newly launched Principles respond directly to these challenges. They provide Africa-led Principles that guides participation in carbon markets, safeguards environmental and social integrity, and ensures fair and transparent benefit-sharing. In doing so, they enhance Africa’s leadership, coherence, and credibility on the global stage.

A People-Centred and Inclusive Approach

A defining feature of the African Principles is their inclusive development process. Their formulation was informed by extensive consultations with Member States, regional alliances, development banks, private sector actors, civil society organisations, and international integrity bodies.

Particular emphasis was placed on the voices of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. Provisions on free, prior, and informed consent, transparent benefit-sharing, grievance mechanisms, and social safeguards reflect a strong commitment to people-centred and just climate action. These measures align closely with CAHOSCC and Assembly calls for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable climate solutions.

Continental Leadership and Political Support

Speaking at the launch, H.E William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Coordinator of CAHOSCC, commended AUDA-NEPAD for leading the development of the African Principles for Integrity and Equity on Carbon Markets. President Ruto congratulated AUDA-NEPAD for delivering on the mandate entrusted to the Agency by the Assembly and called on AUDA-NEPAD to engage with member states and partners in supporting the domestication of the Principles at country and local levels. .

His remarks highlighted the growing political momentum behind Africa’s climate agenda and the shared commitment to building resilient, transparent, and inclusive carbon markets. In her address to the CAHOSCC meeting, Tanzanian President, H.E Samia Suluhu Hassan also welcomed the Principles and called on all member states to take keen interest in its application to ensure integrity and equity in carbon markets development on the continent. 

From Principles to Practice

With the Principles now in place, attention shifts to implementation. Their success will depend on sustained political will, coordinated action among Member States, and strong partnerships with development institutions and the private sector.

This landmark achievement represents more than a policy accomplishment—it signals Africa’s determination to shape its own climate future. By asserting ownership over its carbon market framework, the continent is positioning itself not only as a participant, but as a leader in the global carbon economy.

As AUDA-NEPAD and its partners move forward, the African Principles for Equity and Integrity in Carbon Markets stand as a powerful testament to Africa’s vision: climate action that is fair, credible, inclusive, and firmly rooted in African priorities.


This achievement reflects not only strong continental collaboration, but also the decisive, visionary leadership of AUDA-NEPAD, whose commitment, coordination, and strategic guidance made this historic launch possible and positioned Africa to lead with confidence in the global carbon economy.

AUDA-NEPAD appreciates the contributions and support provided to the development of these principles by all stakeholders. In particular, we express our appreciation to the African Union Commission, the Ministry of Environment- Kenya, the Special Envoy on Climate Change of Kenya, AfriExim Bank and the UK Government’s Department of Energy Security and Net Zero for supporting the process.
 

Technical Contact:

Name: Estherine Lisinge- Fotabong | Email: EstherineF@auda-nepad.org | Website: www.auda-nepad.org

Media Contact:

Name Zipporah Maubane | Email: ZipporahM@auda-nepad.org | Website: www.auda-nepad.org