The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and carbon data platform Sylvera have launched the Carbon Data Access Partnership (CaDAP) to provide African governments with critical carbon market insights.
Announced during the 38th African Union Summit, this initiative aims to enhance access to data on over 21,000 carbon projects, enabling countries to engage more effectively in global carbon markets and attract investment.
Through this partnership, African officials will gain greater visibility into existing and planned carbon projects within their territories.
By improving data accessibility, CaDAP seeks to support countries in leveraging carbon finance under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, shaping policies, and creating regulatory environments that encourage sustainable investment.
“Africa has a critical role to play in the journey to net zero with the continent at the forefront of driving meaningful climate action,” said Allister Furey, CEO of Sylvera. “Partnering with UNDP amplifies our mission by harnessing their excellent reach and expertise, so we can deliver transformative carbon insights that will drive climate action and economic growth.”
He emphasized that by using Sylvera’s platform, governments would be better equipped to assess projects, seize new opportunities, and work toward a fair and equitable net-zero transition.
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Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant UN Secretary General and Director of UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, highlighted the importance of reliable data for maximizing carbon market benefits.
“UNDP is committed to the utilization of credible, up to date and comprehensive data, critical for informed policy and investment decisions,” she stated. “It is our hope that through this partnership, African governments can gain access to relevant insights to engage more effectively with carbon markets.”
CaDAP also aims to ensure that African carbon credits are valued fairly in global markets. Despite Africa’s vast potential for high-integrity carbon projects, its credits have often been undervalued due to a lack of transparency and standardized rating mechanisms.
By equipping governments with insights into project performance and environmental impact, this initiative seeks to enhance credibility, attract higher-value investments, and advocate for pricing that accurately reflects Africa’s contributions to climate action.
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