Côte d’Ivoire has taken a significant step towards becoming a leader in the low-carbon transition in West Africa and across the African continent by establishing a new Forum on Carbon Markets. This groundbreaking initiative, led by the Ivorian Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development, and Ecological Transition, Jacques Assahoré Konan, seeks to foster the development of carbon credit mechanisms and attract additional resources to finance climate action.
The launch of the forum marks an important milestone in the country’s efforts to tackle climate change and promote sustainable development. Minister Assahoré, in his address, emphasized that the newly established Carbon Market Office has officially commenced its operations. The office will serve as a key platform for stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the mechanisms and opportunities associated with carbon trading and carbon credit markets.

“We are committed to positioning Côte d’Ivoire at the forefront of the green economy by promoting the development of carbon markets, which will not only help reduce emissions but also generate funding for vital climate initiatives,” Minister Assahoré said.
The forum’s launch is part of the country’s broader climate action strategy, which includes a national portfolio of climate projects initiated in 2024. This portfolio is now entering its promotion phase, signaling Côte d’Ivoire’s readiness to scale up its climate ambitions and attract international investments aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change.

In addition to Minister Assahoré’s remarks, French Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Jean-Christophe Belliard, also spoke at the event, commending the initiative as a transformative approach to addressing climate challenges. He described the forum as an important step in turning environmental issues into opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and long-term sustainability. The Ambassador further emphasized the importance of international cooperation in supporting the development of carbon markets across Africa.
The establishment of the Carbon Market Forum comes at a time when many African countries are striving to balance economic development with the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By creating a framework for carbon credit trading, Côte d’Ivoire aims to stimulate green investments and drive efforts to combat climate change while fostering economic resilience in the region.
This initiative is expected to encourage more countries in West Africa and beyond to explore carbon market solutions as a means of financing climate action and contributing to global efforts to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.