On November 3, 2026, the Gabonese government, represented by the Agence gabonaise pour le développement de l’économie verte (AGADEV), signed agreements with the German government, represented by the state-owned energy company SEFE (Securing Energy for Europe). These agreements mark the country's first foray into the commercialization of jurisdictional carbon credits, which are generated from the preservation of Gabon's forests. The deals are a significant milestone in Gabon's efforts to leverage its natural resources to drive sustainable development and economic growth.
The agreements cover the valuation of approximately six million tons of CO2, which will be eligible for the CORSIA program, one of the most stringent international carbon offsetting schemes in the aviation sector. According to the Gabonese presidency, the credits are backed by robust verification and tracking mechanisms, ensuring the environmental integrity of the credits being traded. The first deliveries are scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, with the revenue generated from the sales to be managed transparently and equitably.
The Gabonese government has emphasized that the deals are part of its broader strategy to build a more diversified, sustainable, and value-creating economy. President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's vision for the country's economic development prioritizes sustainable practices and responsible management of natural resources. The agreements also underscore Gabon's commitment to climate action and its efforts to contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
Under the terms of the agreements, the revenue generated from the sale of carbon credits will be managed by the Gabonese state, with a mechanism in place to share benefits with local communities. The government has assured that the deals do not involve the sale of Gabon's land or forests, with the state retaining full ownership and control over the country's forest patrimony.
The deals have been hailed as a major breakthrough for Gabon, which becomes the first African country to commercialize jurisdictional carbon credits eligible for the CORSIA program. The agreements are seen as a significant step towards establishing Gabon as a leader in the carbon credit market and demonstrating the country's potential for sustainable economic growth.
The German firm SEFE, which is owned by the German federal government, has a strong track record in the energy sector and is committed to supporting sustainable development projects. The partnership between SEFE and the Gabonese government reflects the growing interest in carbon credit trading and the potential for African countries to benefit from the global demand for carbon offsets.
The implementation of the agreements is expected to have a positive impact on Gabon's economy and environment, with the revenue generated from the sale of carbon credits contributing to the country's sustainable development goals. The deals also highlight the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- Gabon becomes the first African country to commercialize jurisdictional carbon credits eligible for the CORSIA program.
- The agreements cover the valuation of approximately six million tons of CO2.
- The revenue generated from the sale of carbon credits will be managed transparently and equitably, with a mechanism in place to share benefits with local communities.
