Government is set to introduce a new framework to guide and expand high-integrity carbon markets in South Africa.
Addressing the Carbon Markets Africa Summit 2025, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said when carbon markets are governed with integrity, they can mobilise finance, transfer technology, and drive inclusive growth.
"The framework lays the foundation for developing, governing, and scaling high-integrity carbon markets in South Africa. It is designed to create an enabling environment for credible, transparent, and socially inclusive carbon market activity, aligned with our Nationally Determined Contributions and with the Paris Agreement's cooperative mechanisms," the Minister said in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Nationally Determined Contributions NDCs embody South Africa's efforts to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
"The future of carbon markets will be defined not by promises but by performance. Our goal is simple: to build a credible system that attracts investment, delivers real emission reductions, and creates lasting value for our people. Through integrity, innovation and partnership, Africa can lead a new era of climate-smart growth," George said.
The Draft South African Carbon Markets Framework was developed under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
This draft framework has been widely consulted upon, with input from stakeholders across government, business, and civil society. It is now being vetted and will be gazetted soon.
"Carbon markets are not a substitute for national action. They are a tool to deepen ambition, enable cooperation, and deliver measurable results. They provide a pathway for countries to work together while maintaining environmental integrity and national sovereignty," the Minister said.