Over the course of the 3-day conference and exhibition Carbon Markets Africa was attended by around 170 attendees from 26 countries and discussed the current status of the compliance and voluntary carbon market across the African continent. The first critical issues which were raised centered on the market difficulties in the current financial crisis and the continuous lack of institutional and human capacity.

Despite these difficulties delegates heard that there is a huge demand for Africa specific carbon credits in the compliance and also especially in the voluntary carbon market as industry players are looking to diversify their portfolios. Project owners shared firsthand experience and gave attendees the opportunity to ask practical questions about all aspects of project development. Furthermore, it was advised that choosing the right standard can increase the value of credits and ensure buyers that they are getting the added sustainability and social development benefits they are looking for in Africa. The general view was that despite some hurdles still to be overcome, the continent has huge potential in the carbon markets which is also reflected in the increased number of projects in the pipeline.  

We would like to thank all our speakers, delegates, endorsement partners, exhibitors and sponsors for their excellent support. Given the success of the conference and exhibition in 2008 we will be looking at ways to expand the reach and size of the event for 2009 and look forward to welcoming you once again in Cape Town and also to Cairo for the inaugural Carbon Markets Middle East and North Africa conference in 2009.