In its quest to become a global centre for carbon offset trading, Africa’s choice of partners is raising concerns among investors. Zimbabwe’s planned carbon credits exchange, for instance, is collaborating with Belarus and Russia on a program to sell offsets from former Soviet states. However, the involvement of South Africa’s former president, Jacob Zuma, who is currently facing corruption charges related to an arms deal, raises eyebrows.
While Africa aims to contribute to climate change mitigation through carbon offset initiatives, partnering with individuals under legal scrutiny may deter some investors. The credibility and integrity of such partnerships come into question, potentially impacting the attractiveness of the carbon credits exchange.
Meanwhile, as the world witnessed record-breaking average temperatures last week, northern Africa faced the grip of a heatwave. This serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective climate action in the continent.
As Africa strives to navigate its role in the global carbon market, it must ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible partnerships to instil confidence among potential investors and make meaningful progress in combating climate change.