Is carbon removal Africa’s missing climate solution?

Is Carbon Removal Africa’s Missing Climate Solution?
As the world scrambles to combat the climate crisis, a compelling question is gaining traction: could carbon removal be the unsung solution that Africa is uniquely positioned to provide? While the continent has historically contributed the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, its vast natural ecosystems and potential for technological innovation are positioning it as a potential powerhouse in the crucial business of drawing carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. This approach moves beyond mere emission reductions to actively healing the planet, turning Africa’s ecological assets into a global climate asset.
The most promising carbon removal strategies in Africa are a blend of cutting-edge technology and nature-based solutions. On the technological front, projects are exploring direct air capture, though the high costs remain a barrier. More immediately scalable are the natural methods. Across the continent, initiatives are underway to restore mangroves in Kenya’s coastal regions, which sequester carbon at a rate far higher than terrestrial forests. Similarly, large-scale savanna afforestation and improved agricultural practices that increase soil carbon—a technique known as regenerative agriculture—are being recognized not just as environmental projects, but as viable economic opportunities through the sale of carbon credits.
The concept has sparked a complex debate. Proponents, including several environmental economists and leaders of carbon offset startups, argue that this creates a much-needed revenue stream for conservation and sustainable development. This is a chance for Africa to be paid for the ecosystem services it provides to the world, argued a director of a Nairobi-based climate fund. However, critics and community advocates urge caution, warning of the risks of carbon colonialism, where foreign entities acquire large tracts of land for offset projects, potentially displacing local communities and compromising food security if not managed with extreme care and transparency.
The future of carbon removal in Africa hinges on robust governance and fair benefit-sharing. For it to be a truly missing solution, African nations must lead in developing strong regulatory frameworks that ensure projects are equitable, verifiable, and aligned with local development priorities. If managed correctly, carbon removal could unlock billions in climate finance, fund the restoration of degraded landscapes, and create green jobs. It presents a paradigm shift: transforming Africa from a victim of the climate crisis into an essential architect of its solution, leveraging its natural wealth to clean the world’s air while building its own sustainable economy.