VCMI playbook addresses shortage of African carbon market validation bodies

The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) released a playbook on 26 February outlining nine priority actions to address the shortage of Africa-based validation and verification bodies (VVBs) in the continent's carbon market. The report, commissioned by VCMI and GIZ, notes that over 90 per cent of carbon project verification activities in Africa rely on international VVBs, causing 10-50 per cent of project delays and cost overruns. Strengthening Africa's VVB ecosystem could unlock approximately USD $1 billion in economic benefits over five years and reduce greenwashing risks. Africa issued 12.2 million carbon credits in 2024, representing 11 per cent of global issuance, but has only tapped two per cent of its maximum capacity. The playbook calls for a phased approach, from rapid deployment of Africa-based auditors to establishing durable VVB institutions.