One Carbon World and Carbon Markets Africa Summit Driving Sustainable Growth
One Carbon World (OCW) has been confirmed as the official climate impact partner for the upcoming Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS), set to take place in Johannesburg from 22 to 23 October. This collaboration marks an important step in advancing Africa’s position within the global carbon economy, while ensuring sustainability practices are embedded into major industry events.
OCW, a not-for-profit organisation, specialises in guiding businesses towards reducing their carbon footprint and aligning with international standards such as the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). By focusing on high-quality data and robust methodologies, the organisation supports companies across sectors in transitioning towards low-carbon futures.
The Carbon Markets Africa Summit, organised by the VUKA Group and hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will bring together the entire carbon market ecosystem. Delegates will include project developers, climate financiers, regulators, institutional investors, and international organisations working to unlock Africa’s carbon market potential.
Measuring the footprint of CMAS
Madeleine Garlick, One Carbon World’s Africa Director, emphasised the importance of the partnership: “We are very, very proud to be working with the VUKA group as their climate impact partner for the CMAS Summit. We will be measuring the carbon footprint of the CMAS Summit. VUKA believes in leading by example, which includes setting high standards for themselves.”
She added: “Our partnership, we hope, will enable VUKA to gather huge amounts of data to understand the impacts of their summits. By working together, we hope to be able to track year-on-year improvements. It is a journey. And we think that this is a really, powerful move by an organisation who are not only hosting the critical green conversations that we need about Africa’s future, but are also leading the way by walking the walk themselves.”
This initiative will see OCW apply its expertise in monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes to provide transparency and credibility, setting a benchmark for future industry events across the continent.
A cornerstone of trust and accountability
OCW has recently expanded into nature-based solutions, aligning its work with growing demand for high-integrity carbon credits. The organisation supports its clients in navigating MRV frameworks to ensure carbon reduction projects are independently verified and meet international standards.
Garlick explained: “This is very much in response to what our customers have been asking for, which is high integrity carbon credits to support their low carbon journey. We particularly support our customers and clients and projects through the MRV process (monitoring, reporting and verification) to ensure that their process and activities are of high integrity and comply with all the relevant data and global verification requirements. Ultimately, we believe that carbon markets are a key part of the climate journey for a number of organisations.”
The MRV framework remains central to the credibility of carbon markets, as it ensures buyers and investors can trust the environmental and social value of projects.
Partnerships as the driver of scale
One of OCW’s core messages at CMAS will be the importance of partnerships. Garlick highlighted: “African stakeholders and innovators are developing and leading the market at the moment. And the most important thing at this point in the progress and development of the African carbon market is partnership. Partnerships between businesses, partnership between project implementers to learn from each other, partnerships with communities, finding new ways to deliver value at the grassroots level. Partnership is the way we will get scale out of the African carbon market and ensure it is delivering for everybody.”
Africa’s carbon markets are still in their formative stage, but the region holds enormous potential. With vast renewable resources, abundant land for reforestation, and biodiversity-rich ecosystems, Africa is well placed to lead in generating high-quality carbon credits that can attract global capital while delivering local benefits.
A model for the future
Andrew Bowen, CEO of One Carbon World, welcomed the opportunity to support CMAS: “We’re thrilled to accompany VUKA on the start of their journey as they take meaningful steps to measure the emissions of their inaugural Carbon Markets Africa Summit. With One Carbon World’s extensive experience in footprinting the emissions from large events around the world, we know how impactful this kind of leadership can be in shaping credible sustainability conversations and global climate action. We look forward to our partnership as we work together to advance the future of sustainable events in Africa and beyond.”
By embedding sustainability into its events, the VUKA Group is setting a precedent for Africa’s business and conference sector. Measuring and offsetting emissions not only reduces environmental impact but also creates learning opportunities for companies and stakeholders.
Africa’s role in global carbon markets
The African continent has been increasingly recognised for its critical role in the global climate response. According to the African Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI), Africa could generate up to 1.5 billion carbon credits annually by 2050, unlocking potential revenues of more than $120 billion. However, to achieve this scale, partnerships, regulatory clarity, and investor confidence will be essential.
OCW’s involvement in CMAS underlines the need to strengthen frameworks that ensure integrity, transparency, and inclusivity across Africa’s carbon market ecosystem. It also demonstrates how collaboration between local and international stakeholders can accelerate progress while safeguarding community and environmental outcomes.
VUKA Group’s broader role
The VUKA Group, formerly Clarion Events Africa, is one of the continent’s leading event organisers, with a portfolio spanning infrastructure, energy, mining, mobility, ecommerce, and customer experience. With more than 20 years of expertise, the company has hosted major platforms including Enlit Africa, DRC Mining Week, Africa’s Green Economy Summit, and Smarter Mobility Africa. Its reputation for curating high-level conversations makes CMAS a natural extension of its mission.
By partnering with UNDP and OCW, VUKA is ensuring CMAS is not only a forum for dialogue but also an example of climate-conscious leadership in action.
Towards a greener future
The Carbon Markets Africa Summit is set to be a pivotal gathering for Africa’s carbon market community.
With One Carbon World as climate impact partner, the event promises to demonstrate how rigorous measurement, meaningful partnerships, and high-integrity projects can create a thriving and equitable carbon economy for Africa.
Dates to note:
- 21 October: Pre-summit day
- 22–23 October: Summit
- Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Event Website: Carbon Markets Africa
