Fueling European Private Investments for Africa's Green Transition: EU-African SME Carbon Market

Lead Organisation:  European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME

Main objectives:

• Showcase African businesses producing carbon credits
• Explain how international carbon markets work and put opportunities in evidence
• Analyse why they cannot be used by European businesses at the current state of EU legislation
• Fix proposals for change

Description of the session

EU–African SME Cooperation for a Net-Zero Future

The discussion is based on a strategic initiative that brings together four key organisations - European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME, the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI), the Carbon Markets Association of Kenya (CAMAK), and Afrinet Carbon Ltd. - to foster climate-smart collaboration between European and African small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and Mid-Caps.

The initiative aims to unlock new pathways for joint investment in renewable energy, carbon removal, and emissions reduction projects across Africa, while enabling European companies to meet sustainability targets more costeffectively.

The aim is to build a powerful alliance where EU and African SME drive a greener, more inclusive future. By linking investment, innovation, and verified carbon markets, the initiative accelerates Africa’s sustainable growth, strengthens European competitiveness, and delivers tangible global climate benefits.

Accelerated green development in Africa: Projects contribute to energy access, health, water security, nature protection, and sustainable agriculture.

Lower carbon credit costs for EU SME/Mid-Caps: Reducing operational and energy expenses while enhancing competitiveness.

Global climate benefits: Tangible reductions in carbon emissions for a more sustainable future.