The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and leading carbon data platform Sylvera have announced a new partnership at the 38th African Union Summit to provide African countries with improved access to carbon market insights.

The Carbon Data Access Partnership (CaDAP) will offer comprehensive data on carbon projects via Sylvera’s platform, giving governments in participating countries access to insights on more than 21,000 projects.

This collaboration will allow African governments to gain full visibility of existing and planned carbon projects within their territories. By facilitating access to this data, the initiative aims to empower African nations to engage more effectively with carbon markets, particularly under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and unlock carbon finance.

Furthermore, the data will inform policy decisions, enhance host countries’ readiness, and promote favourable regulatory environments that are essential for attracting investment.

Allister Furey, CEO of Sylvera, stated, "Africa plays a critical role in the journey to net zero, with the continent at the forefront of driving meaningful climate action.

Partnering with UNDP amplifies our mission by leveraging their reach and expertise, enabling us to provide transformative carbon insights that drive climate action and economic growth. With our platform, governments will be able to fully assess existing projects, seize future opportunities, and ensure a fair and equitable transition to net zero."

Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant UN Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa, added, "UNDP is committed to using credible, up-to-date, and comprehensive data to support informed policy and investment decisions. We hope that through this partnership, African governments will access the insights they need to engage more effectively with carbon markets."

The partnership also aims to ensure that African carbon credits are valued more fairly in global markets, addressing the issue of undervaluation due to limited access to transparent data and standardised rating mechanisms.