In The News

This commentary provides an overview of carbon and biodiversity offsets as an expansion of global capitalism under the western environmental agenda marshalled against development in Africa.

Africa’s drive for carbon credits continues to gather pace. Despite the prospect of generating significant revenue and green jobs, there is concern about the effectiveness, transparency and ethical implications of the current carbon markets on the continent.

Middle-income countries (MICs), comprising 106 diverse nations, face challenges comparable to low-income countries, including high debt and economic competitiveness issues. Despite their potential economic strength, they risk stagnation, particularly post-COVID-19. These concerns are echoed by numerous global organisations and institutions, as outlined below.

Over 600,000 tourists travel to Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area each year, and many will catch a glimpse of the Great Migration: the famed trek of more than one million wildebeests and thousands of zebras, gazelles and other animals crossing over the Mara River into Kenya and back.

Tanzania’s government aims to raise a staggering USD 1 billion through carbon trading this year. Speaking in parliament on February 9, Minister of State, Office of the Vice President (Union and Environment) Hon. Selemani Jafo announced that 39 carbon projects have already been registered with the government, while 12 have received the green light to proceed.