AGES Pre-Con Highlights: Carbon Markets Masterclass: “There are real opportunities in this sector”

The pre-con day of AGES 2025 got off to a swinging start with the sold-out Masterclass in African Carbon Markets (the venue had to be changed to accommodate extra attendees) on Tuesday, 18 February. Andrew Gilder (Climate Legal) and Olivia Tuchten (Promethium Carbon) proved energetic and engaging facilitators, and throughout the day kept the conversations going, fielding questions from the audience, watching the clock and masterfully navigating the packed programme that featured 12 expert speakers and panellists.

Prof Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth, African Development Bank (AfDB) welcomed the attendees saying “The time to act is now. We are in the right place and at the right time today to ensure that Africa benefits from carbon markets.”

The masterclass featured carbon market fundamentals, attendees were encouraged to ask questions throughout, and lively discussions were part and parcel of a fascinating, interactive day.

The audience was also reminded of, and treated to, many examples of Africa’s huge carbon market credit potential, such as the Congo Basin, the second-largest rainforest on the planet, in addition to real-life case studies, including the North Swaka Trust’s community reforestation in northern Zambia, Vlinder’s mangrove reforestation carbon project in Kenya, how South Africa’s innovative Carbon Offset Administration System has already shown substantial results and how West African countries are preparing to take advantage of carbon markets. Ghana was even called “the original rockstar” by the AfDB’s Olufunso Somorin. An inspiring and galvanizing start to the third AGES!

AGES Pitch Programme: $5 billion BGHES latest project to join line-up

The popular AGES Investment Pitch Programme is back this year and will feature not one, but two strategic stages tailored to accommodate varying project ticket sizes and financing structures. The Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme (BGHES) is the latest project to join the more than 50 SMME and infrastructure project pitches.

Click here to see the list of all the projects featured at AGES 2025!

The first of many networking opportunities!

The AGES 2025 delegates raised a glass to the start of the summit at Urban Umami. The opening drinks were sponsored by DBSA and offered a wonderful way to network before the event.