As a partner of the Carbon Markets Africa Summit 2025 (CMAS), SACEEC is pleased to share another important update: the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has joined as the official host organisation of the Summit, taking place in Johannesburg from 22–23 October 2025.
Why This Partnership Matters
UNDP’s Africa Sustainable Finance Hub is working with governments across the continent to ensure countries are “carbon market ready.” As UNDP’s Maxwell Gomera noted, “Carbon markets can unlock billions in finance, strengthen our institutions, and accelerate both Agenda 2063 and the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal.”
UNDP’s Role at CMAS 2025
At this year’s Summit, UNDP will play a leading role through:
Carbon 101 Masterclass (21 Oct): Providing a foundational understanding of carbon markets, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and Africa’s emerging role.
Opening Keynote (22 Oct): Delivered by Maxwell Gomera, alongside global partners such as the Swedish Energy Agency.
Policy & Frameworks Panel: Moderating discussions on how African carbon market frameworks are evolving post-COP29.
Sector Dialogues & Workshops: Including nature-based solutions, AFOLU, and how African companies can enter the carbon market.
A Signal of Africa’s Readiness
For Africa, this partnership underscores a shift from ambition to implementation. By hosting CMAS, UNDP strengthens the Summit’s role as a catalyst for turning climate policy into action and building robust frameworks for sustainable development.
SACEEC’s Perspective
As a partner of CMAS, SACEEC welcomes UNDP’s leadership in preparing African governments and industries for participation in high-integrity carbon markets. We believe these efforts will unlock opportunities for inclusive growth, climate resilience, and industrial innovation across the continent.
Read the full UNDP partners with Carbon Markets Africa Summit press release