Events like the upcoming East Africa Carbon Markets Forum are ideal for individuals and businesses to learn more about the opportunities carbon markets present for Africa, and how protecting our planet can happen alongside economic growth and development, says sustainability and technology expert Kenneth Muhangi.
Muhangi, Chair of the Carbon Markets Association of Uganda (CMAU) and partner at leading law firm KTA Advocates, is one of many expert speakers who will be part of the Forum alongside 300 or so delegates on 8-9 May at the Mestil Hotel & Residences in Kampala.
Other experts who will be discussing how to unlock opportunities for sustainable development via carbon market initiatives include Monica Musenero Masanza, the Ugandan Minister for Science Technology and Innovation; Margaret Kim, CEO of Switzerland-based Gold Standard; Anna Maina of innovative soil carbon project developer Boomitra; Mark Mutaahi of impact investment firm BiD Capital Partners; Mercy Karunditu of Trees for the Future Kenya; and Franz Rentel of global sustainability consultancy Anthesis Group.
International climate lawyer and Forum Co-Founder Anete Garoza believes that Uganda and the wider region is standing at a turning point, and the Forum is a bold declaration that East Africa is ready to lead its own carbon future. “Carbon markets in Uganda are no longer abstract – they are tangible engines of development. They are creating green jobs, enhancing biodiversity, scaling clean energy, and enabling sustainable land use.”
The Forum’s first day on 8 May includes several keynotes and panel discussions on the main stage in the Bunyoni Ballroom, before splitting into three streams of Deep Dive sessions across the second day, with Fireside Chats, Breakout Discussions, Workshops and more ranging across topics from the role of the private sector in carbon markets, to energy transition and scaling renewables, to farmer engagement.
“These measures we are discussing are meant to help us see how we can save our planet,” says Muhangi. “Events like the Carbon Markets Forum are an opportunity to converge different actors and discuss topics and issues that we feel can be picked up by policymakers and regulators, but also by industry players. We’re really looking forward to it.”
For more information on the East Africa Carbon Markets Forum, visit their website or follow proceedings on LinkedIn or Twitter/X.