Johannesburg: The South African government is poised to introduce a comprehensive framework aimed at guiding and expanding high-integrity carbon markets within the country. This initiative was announced by Dr. Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, during his address at the Carbon Markets Africa Summit 2025.
According to South African Government News Agency, Dr. George emphasized the potential of well-governed carbon markets to attract finance, facilitate technology transfer, and promote inclusive growth. He stated, “The framework lays the foundation for developing, governing, and scaling high-integrity carbon markets in South Africa. It is designed to create an enabling environment for credible, transparent, and socially inclusive carbon market activity, aligned with our Nationally Determined Contributions and with the Paris Agreement’s cooperative mechanisms.”
The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) reflect South Africa’s commitment to reducing national emissions and adapting to climate change impacts. Dr. George reiterated the focus on performance over promises in shaping the future of carbon markets. “Our goal is simple: to build a credible system that attracts investment, delivers real emission reductions, and creates lasting value for our people. Through integrity, innovation, and partnership, Africa can lead a new era of climate-smart growth,” he added.
The Draft South African Carbon Markets Framework, developed under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, has undergone extensive consultations with stakeholders from government, business, and civil society. It is currently being vetted and will soon be gazetted.
Dr. George clarified that carbon markets are not intended to replace national actions but are meant to enhance ambition, enable cooperation, and deliver measurable results while preserving environmental integrity and national sovereignty. To complement this framework, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment is working on a Draft Carbon Credit Revenue Plan, which aims to monetize the department’s natural assets and generate sustainable revenue sources.
The Draft Carbon Credit Revenue Plan has three primary objectives: generating sustainable revenue by converting natural landscapes into high-integrity carbon credits, reinvesting this revenue into environmental programs that advance national priorities, and reinforcing South Africa’s leadership in climate innovation. This plan builds on existing programs aligned with South Africa’s G20 priorities, including biodiversity and conservation, climate change, and land use.
Dr. George highlighted ongoing initiatives like the Ten Million Trees Programme, sustainable forest management, and REDD+ initiatives aimed at protecting ecosystems. He also noted efforts in managing national parks and protected areas as verified carbon sinks, restoring degraded landscapes, and creating jobs through ecological restoration.
South Africa’s coastline, with its significant Blue Carbon potential, is seen as a vital area for climate mitigation and coastal community resilience through the restoration of mangroves, seagrass meadows, and salt marshes. Additionally, efforts in capturing and destroying greenhouse gases from landfills and industrial processes illustrate the dual financial and environmental benefits of tackling pollution.
The government plans to initiate pilot projects in identified sectors to demonstrate early success, supported by a comprehensive status analysis and a robust institutional setup, including inter-agency collaboration. A fair revenue-sharing model will ensure benefits reach the national treasury, project expansions, and local communities who are stewards of South Africa’s land.