Tanzania, through its National Carbon Coordination Centre (NCMC), and Djibouti, represented by the Africa Sovereign Carbon Registry (ASCR) Foundation, have initiated high-level discussions on a strategic partnership in carbon trade, focusing on aviation and maritime transport.
The collaboration seeks to ensure that industries with the highest environmental impact, particularly airlines and shipping companies, contribute directly to funding climate change mitigation projects across Africa.
Speaking during the discussions on March 25, 2026, in Dodoma, Secretary-General of the President’s Office (Union and Environment), Dr. Richard Muyungi, highlighted Tanzania’s commitment to adopting and adapting Djibouti’s system.
He noted that with major ports in Dar es Salaam and Tanga, alongside international airports, Tanzania is well-positioned to integrate into the carbon trade framework, strengthening regional cooperation and economic opportunities.
“This partnership could establish Tanzania as a hub for aviation and maritime carbon trade in Africa,” Dr. Muyungi said, emphasizing that carbon trade in these sectors will not only enhance Africa’s climate action but also ensure that revenues generated remain within the continent.
Ambassador Ahmed Araita Ali, Secretary-General of ASCR, explained that Djibouti has already implemented a carbon pricing system for ships using its ports.
The system mandates that shipping companies report emissions and pay for carbon output transparently, in line with international standards.
He added that revenues from this system have been reinvested in clean energy, forest conservation, and coastal protection projects.
Djibouti now aims to inspire other African countries, regional institutions, and development stakeholders to create a unified, transparent, and credible carbon trading framework that strengthens Africa’s voice in the global carbon market.
Established under Section 29 of the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 191, the NCMC serves as a national strategic institution responsible for coordinating activities related to carbon trade in Tanzania.
Carbon trading is an economic mechanism that allows the buying and selling of carbon credits, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating global warming.
The emerging partnership between Tanzania and Djibouti signals a significant step toward positioning Africa at the forefront of sustainable development while generating revenues to fund environmental and climate resilience initiatives.
