Context:
The global climate crisis calls for deep and cost-effective solutions. Market-based instru-ments such as carbon markets can make a crucial contribution while fostering international cooperation. With the completion of the Article 6 negotiations under the Paris Agreement at COP29, the framework for global cooperation has been established. However, many devel-oping and emerging countries still lack the institutional, regulatory and technical foundations to participate effectively. In Africa in particular, there is a strong need for support to ensure integrity, transparency and sustainable-development benefits, and to unlock the potential of these markets. The EU seeks to play a coordinated and strategic role in this field.
Objective:
The global programme Article 6 Connect – Sustainable Development through Carbon Mar-kets in Africa strengthens the establishment of high-integrity carbon markets in line with Arti-cle 6 of the Paris Agreement. It links market-based climate action with sustainable develop-ment, supports the implementation of ambitious NDCs and contributes to achieving German and European climate goals. The project advances several SDGs – notably SDG 13 (Cli-mate Action), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 17 (Partnerships).
Approach:
The programme follows a Team Europe approach to enhance European cooperation with partner countries. Activities focus on South Africa and Ethiopia, with regional outreach to Southern and Eastern Africa. In cooperation with governments, the private sector, civil so-ciety and academia, it develops institutional and technical building blocks such as regulatory frameworks, help-desk and MRV systems, pilot initiatives and digital innovations. Gender-responsive capacity development, regional exchange mechanisms and learning platforms foster knowledge sharing and sustainable market structures. Through policy advice and networking, the project promotes credible, effective and development-oriented carbon mar-kets.