ECOWAS carbon market platform validation workshop

ECOWAS held a regional workshop in Abuja to validate a framework for establishing a West African carbon market platform. The initiative aims to address the region's limited participation in international carbon markets and mobilize climate finance. ECOWAS Commissioner Kalilou Sylla warned that climate change could displace about 32 million people in West Africa and that the region needs $294 billion for climate action. The proposed platform, aligned with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the African Union's Agenda 2063, is based on transparency, environmental integrity, inclusive governance, and valuation of member states' climate efforts. Nigeria's Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing its potential to attract climate investments and support nature-based solutions.