The Carbon Markets Africa Summit (CMAS) 2026 will bring policymakers, investors, carbon buyers, project developers and standards organisations to Kigali, Rwanda, from 13–15 October 2026, as Africa looks to turn its considerable carbon potential into credible projects, investment and transactions.
With more than 500 participants from over 30 countries expected, the summit will focus on building high-integrity carbon markets that can attract international capital while ensuring African economies and communities capture greater value from their natural assets. Particular attention will be given to strengthening investable project pipelines, connecting developers with buyers and financiers, and navigating the rapidly evolving regulatory environment surrounding voluntary and compliance carbon markets.
Moving beyond high-level discussion, CMAS 2026 is structured around policy dialogue, market activation and capacity building, with ministerial discussions on Article 6, investor and buyer roundtables, deal rooms, project presentations, matchmaking sessions and demonstrations of monitoring, reporting and verification technologies.
The programme will also examine market integrity, carbon pricing, standards and the infrastructure required to scale credible projects across nature-based solutions, regenerative agriculture, energy, waste management, blue carbon, engineered removals and emerging carbon technologies. By bringing policy, projects and finance into the same forum, the summit aims to help move Africa’s carbon markets from readiness and rule-setting towards implementation, investment and measurable economic opportunity.