East Africa Carbon Markets Forum

Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Development

Date: 09.05. - 10.05.2024
Place: Four Points By Sheraton Kampala, Uganda

The East Africa Carbon Markets Forum - a premier event bringing together key stakeholders in the region's carbon markets.

This forum serves as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and actionable discussions aimed at advancing sustainable development goals through carbon market initiatives.

Agenda

Day 1: 09.05.2024

Understanding Carbon Markets Regulations and Implications

MAIN STAGE

Welcome and Introduction

08:00 AM - 09:30 AM Registration and Networking
09:30 AM - 09:40 AM
Opening protocol
Welcome words from Dr Ronnie Mich Egwang (MC)
Overview of the Forum
09:40 AM - 10:00 AM Opening Remarks. Translating Article 6 of the PA into action. Uganda's readiness.
Speaker: Hon. Beatrice Anywar Atim, Minister of State for Environment

Session: Carbon Credit Regulations Landscape in East Africa

10:00 AM - 10:25 AM Keynote Address: Uganda's Preparedness for Climate Finance and Urgency to Expand Clean Energy Access.
Speaker: Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development
10:30 AM - 11:10 AM Panel Discussion: Navigating Carbon Compliance in East Africa
Marc Baker, CEO, Carbon Tanzania
Mahlon Walo, Chairman of CAMAK, CEO Afrinet Carbon
Daniel James, Founder & CEO, REGID International
Anete Garoza, Co-founder & Chief Climate Officer, 1MTN

11:15 AM - 11:30 AM Keynote: A Credible and Transparent Carbon Market.
Speaker: Lily Ginsberg-Keig, Policy Manager, BeZero Carbon
11:35 AM - 11:50 AM Keynote: Green Horizons: Charting Uganda's Journey Toward Climate Resilience
Speaker: Margaret Athieno Mwebesa, Commissioner for Climate Change, Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda
Session: Article 6

11:55 AM- 12:10 PM Keynote: The view from the ground: practical implementation of Article 6 Framework in Tanzania.
Speaker: Rehema Mbalamwezi, Vice president of UpEnergy’s Africa operations

12:15 PM - 01:00 PM Panel discussion: Exploring Article 6 and its Implications for East African Nations
Sam Davies, CEO, FLUX
Kenneth Muhangi, Partner, KTA advocates
Ely Sandler, Policy Advisor, Seagrass
Molly Brown, Head of Carbon Strategy, BURN Manufacturing
01:00 PM - 01:10 PM Keynote VIDEO: Opportunities for Africa
Heather McEwan, Senior Manager, Africa and the Middle East, Verra

01:10 PM - 01:40 PM Networking Lunch

Session: How can voluntary carbon markets overcome credibility questions?

01:40 PM - 01:55 PM Keynote: Translating Policy into Action: Advancing Article 6 Implementation in East Africa.
Speaker: William Otieno, Regional Lead, UNFCCC RCC East and Southern Africa (RCC EAS Africa)
01:55 PM - 02:10 PM Keynote VIDEO: Building Africa’s Carbon Economy
Speaker: Dr Max Graham, CEO, Space For Giants
02:15 PM - 02:55 PM Panel Discussion: Scaling VCM
Ann Maina, Project Lead East Africa, Boomitra, 2024 Earthshot prize winner
Olya Grovel, Chief Growth Officer, Orbify
Molly Brown, Head of Carbon Strategy, BURN Manufacturing
Frederick Leuschner, co-founder and CEO Greentrade Tech

03:00 PM - 03:40 PM Panel Discussion: Sustainable Approaches to Carbon Dioxide Removal: A Long-lasting Perspective
Lily Ginsberg-Keig, Policy Manager, BeZero Carbon
Peter BenHur Nyeko, Co-founder and Managing Director, Mandulis Energy
Yifan Powers, Senior Research Manager, Climate Precision Development
Bhagyan Kekal, Director, Bukona Agro Processors Ltd.
Calvin Jodisi, President, African Summit on Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ASENTI)
03:45 PM - 04:00 PM Keynote: Convening a movement on carbon markets: experiences from the Nairobi Climate Network
Mahlon Walo, Chairman of CAMAK, CEO Afrinet Carbon
Bryan Adkins, Co-Chair, Carbon Markets Association of Kenya (and NCN)
04:05 PM - 04:20 PM Keynote: Harnessing Water Projects for Sustainable Development.
Dr. Sami Divleli, CEO of Net Zero Climate Investments
04:25 PM - 04:40 PM Announcement: Formation of the Carbon Markets Association
04:45 PM - 05:25 PM Panel Discussion: Road from COP28 to COP29 and what we need to achieve
Andrew Ocama, Climate Finance Advisor, Ethiopia Tony Blair Institute
Max William Matter, Senior Financial Sector Specialist, CGAP
Robert Mukiza, Director General, Uganda Investment Authority
Kristjan Raude, CEO and co-founder, 1MTN
05:25 PM - 05:40 PM Closing Remarks.
Speaker: Anete Garoza, Co-founder & Chief Climate Officer, 1MTN

Workshops:

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM 3 Fundamental Elements to set up a Smallholder ACM Carbon Project in East Africa. Hosted by: Enoch Mkobi, Country Director, Trees for the future

Introduction: Trees for the Future, an agroforestry and farmer centric non profit, has spent the last few years getting the Lake Victoria Watershed Carbon Project ready for verification and validation. With this knowledge and insight, key technicians from the project will host a lively workshop highlighting key elements that you need to think about as you get started on your own project.

REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP HERE

11:00 AM - 11:40 AM How to effectively identify and screen carbon projects with modern tech. Hosted by Olya Grovel, Chief Growth Officer, Orbify

Introduction: Understanding Satellite Data Utilization: insights into how remote sensing and satellite data can be pivotal in assessing the feasibility of carbon projects, setting a strong foundation before diving into the Project Design Document (PDD) phase. Comparative Analysis of REDD+ vs ARR Projects: the critical differences in assessing the feasibility of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) versus ARR (Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation) projects. This segment will cover essential aspects to consider for aligning with specific project goals.Navigating Data Accuracy and Parameters: Explore the nuances of satellite data, including accuracy, reliability, and other vital parameters. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring the success of your carbon projects

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12:00 PM - 12:40 PM Remote Sensing 101: How high quality data can support high impact projects
Hosted by Dr. Sophie Flack-Prain, Reporting & Insights Lead, Space Intelligence

Introduction: An introduction to Satellite Data: various types of satellite data and imagery that can be used in remote sensing of forest carbon projects. Explanations of Satellite Resolution: Pros and cons, and appropriate use cases across project screening vs. investment-grade data. Overcoming Common Challenges in Remote Sensing;. How cloud cover, seasonality and other impacts data analysis and how these can be overcome. Accuracy Assessment Processes: An overview of the various methodologies and considerations for end-users of data.

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01:10 PM - 02:00 PM How can African countries use Article 6 and carbon finance to fund national infrastructure? Hosted by Ely Sandler, Policy Advisor at Seagrass

Introduction: This session will inform governments, private developers, and investors how Article 6 can offer large-scale upfront concessional finance to clean energy projects, including grid infrastructure, generation, biogas, clean cooking, NBS, and others.

“Article 6 investment” - a new climate finance mechanism developed by academics at Harvard University
Pilots: Article 6 investment to fund transmission, distribution, and electrification in East Africa
Workshop Q&A

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04:00 PM - 04:40 PM Conscious leadership for Regenerative Living. Hosted By Deniz Erkus, International Consultant for UNDP, CIO Sustainability at HealthSum

Introduction: Combining ‘Being’ with ‘Co-creation’ for regenerative living (net positive impact), connecting to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This interactive workshop includes couple of activations on finding your genius, mission and vision, effective communication, culture (core values), team building, mindset for resilience, and building emotional intelligence and energy.

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05:00 PM - 06:00 PM Generating Change. Hosted by Deniz Erkus, International Consultant for UNDP, CIO Sustainability at HealthSum

Introduction: Becoming ‘Changemakers as catalysts’ for net postive impact. This interactive workshop connects New Business Context, Structural transformations, Triple Bottom Line (TBL) becoming Quadruple Bottom Line (QTL) with alignment to SDGs, combining mindset, behavior, habits and routines, being comfortable with unusual, power of neuroscience, energy vs inactivity.

REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP HERE

Exclusive Networking Event 9th of May, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Find your tickets HERE

Day 2: 10.05.2024

Climate Finance in East Africa and Showcase of Investment Opportunities

MAIN STAGE

Session: Impact Investing

09:00 AM - 09:10 AM Welcome words from Dr Ronnie Mich Egwang (MC)
09:10 AM - 09:50 AM Case Studies: Successful Impact Investing in East African Carbon Projects
Sivan Yaari, Founder & CEO of Innovation: Africa. From Sun to Water: Carbon Credits as a Pathway for Sustainable Water Projects in Africa
Bryan Adkins, CEO, Eden Reforestation Projects. Project and Policy Development in East Africa: Lessons and Areas for Improvement
09:50 AM - 10:05 AM Keynote: Accelerating Green Growth in East Africa through Carbon Finance from High-Integrity Markets.
Speaker: Bianca Gichangi, Regional Lead for Africa, VCMI
10:10 AM - 10:25 AM Keynote: State of Carbon Markets in Africa and Climate Finance
Speaker: Lawrence Cole-Morgan, Global Markets: Lead, Carbon Credit Trading, Standard Bank
10:30 AM-11:10 AM Panel Discussion: COP28 Follow-up: How East Africa Can Unlock Billions for Nature-Based Carbon Solutions
Nikita Parfeniouk, Originator, Offset8 Capital Limited
Daniel Yin, CEO, Spouts International
Denis Mugagga, Climate Finance Unit, Ministry of Finance
Canary Mugume, News anchor at NBS Television and investigative journalist

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM Panel Discussion: Investing for the Planet: Strategies in Carbon Markets and Beyond
Ilkay Demirdag, Impact & Investment Strategist
Anete Garoza, Co-founder & Chief Climate Officer, 1MTN
Andreas Reger, Head of Project Development, Volkswagen ClimatePartner GmbH
Roy Kahangwe, Business Lead and Managing Director, Khala Labs
12:00 PM - 12:40 PM Networking Lunch

Session: Unleashing Africa's Potential

12:40 PM- 12:55 PM Keynote: Navigating Corporate Climate Action.
Speaker: Patrick Ayota, Managing Director, NSSF
01:00 PM-01:15 PM Keynote: Ecosystem Insights: Kenya’s Nature-based Opportunities
Speaker: Dr. Sophie Flack-Prain, Reporting & Insights Lead, Space Intelligence
Introduction: Join Dr. Sophie Flack-Prain, Reporting & Insights Lead at Space Intelligence, to explore Kenya through the lens of our national-level land cover data set, diving into key insights about the country’s natural capital, the challenges in mapping certain regions of the landscape via remote sensing, and how project developers and investors can use these data to maximise and showcase nature impact from forest carbon projects.
01:15 PM- 01:25 PM Keynote VIDEO: How the work of the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market impacts East Africa
Speaker: Kanyinke Sena, Governing Board Member, Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM)
01:30 PM- 02:10 PM Panel discussion: How Carbon Credits are Driving Sustainable Agriculture, Agroforestry
Caroline Kimani, Carbon Technical Expert, Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A)
Alek Pillay, Senior Underwriter, Kita.Earth
Vincent Mainga, Country Director, Trees for the future
Carolina Fernandes, Global Head of Origination, Seagrass
02:15 PM - 02:55 PM Panel Discussion: Decarbonisation: Accelerating e-mobility in East Africa
Allan Muhumuza, Team Leader, Mobility Bureau at the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat – Office of the President
Rikki Verma, Founder, Nexus Green
Ivan Kwikiriza, Founder, Safelori
Asmahaney Saad, Partner, KTA Advocates

Session: Carbon Market Digitalisation

03:00 PM- 03:15 PM Keynote: From Data to Decisions: Tech Solutions for Climate Investment in Africa
Speaker: Einars Garoza, Partner, Bld.ai
03:20 PM - 04:00 PM Panel Discussion: Tech-Driven Resilience: Revolutionizing Climate Finance in Africa
Alexey Shadrin, CEO & Co-founder, Evercity.io
Hania Othman, Director Sustainable Impact EU/Africa, The HBAR Foundation
John Robert Turyakira, Deputy Executive Director, The Environment Shield
Nicholas Katongole, Co-Founder & Director, NileOrbital Aerospace
04:05 PM- 04:45 PM Panel discussion: Carbon Markets: Innovating Finance, Promoting Health, and Leading Consciously into the Future
Deniz Erkus, International Consultant for UNDP, CIO Sustainability at HealthSum
Kandia Milton, Government Affairs Director, Dream.org
Julius Magala, Energy Access Coordinator at UNCDF
04:50 PM - 05:10 PM Keynote: Green Horizons: Exploring the Synergy Between Sustainable Tourism and Carbon Markets for a Greener Future.
Speaker: Ron Kawamara, Vice Chairperson, Uganda Tourism Board
05:15 PM - 05:55 PM Panel Discussion: The View from a Top: Strategies of Visionary Leadership in Dynamic World
Dr. Sami Divleli, Co-Founder & Chair of Net Zero Climate Investments
Victoria Joy Sibiya, Sustainability Business Manager, Next Media
Irene Mugisha, CEO of Presidential CEO Forum
Kristjan Raude, 1MT Nation
06:00 PM - 06:20 PM Closing Remarks.
Speaker: Anete Garoza, Co-founder & Chief Climate Officer, 1MTN

Workshops:

9:00 AM - 9:40 AM Impact and Integrity at Scale: Insights from the Live Well programme. Hosted by Euan McDougall, Group Chief Operating Officer, DelAgua Group

Introduction: DelAgua uses carbon finance to fund the free provision of a top-quality stove with integrated education and life-long support delivering long-term behavior change and multiple, measurable impacts for people and the environment. This sets the benchmark for high-impact, high-integrity VCM-funded clean cooking. DelAgua is a large-scale carbon project developer, and through this workshop, Euan will share first-hand experience in agreeing Letters of Authorization with the Government of Rwanda and achieving Corresponding Adjustment labels for our Rwanda projects on VERRA.

REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP HERE

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM PlantVillage+: Leveraging Deep Cooperation and AI for Trust and Transparency in Carbon Projects. Hosted by Chelsea Akuleut, CEO, Carbon4good

Introduction: The workshop provides an overview of PlantVillage+'s approach to co-development and leveraging AI technology to foster innovation. It includes a showcase of the biochar app and its features, ensuring transparency in carbon projects through AI-driven monitoring, reporting, and accountability, as well as how PlantVillage + provides inputs to farmers for sustainable biomass production.

Through case studies and practical, real-life examples, the emphasis is on community engagement and empowerment.

REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP HERE

11:00 AM - 11:40 AM Successful Implementation of Water Projects in rural African Villages. Hosted by Simon Peter Ojoto, Innovation: Africa Country Manager

Introduction: Simon Peter Ojoto will share the valuable lessons Innovation: Africa has learned over the past 15 years regarding the successful implementation of sustainable water projects. This presentation will provide an overview of the critical factors to consider and explore how Carbon Credits can contribute to the long-term sustainability of these initiatives.

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01:00 PM - 01:40 Fueling Green Growth: Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Future. Hosted by Sophie Odupoy, Group Head of Public Affairs, KOKO networks

Introduction: There is clarity that Business as Usual (BAU) will not deliver what is sought to limit the temperature increase to below 1.5 Degrees. Thus there is a need for innovation across all areas and sectors to transition to sustainable solutions. Carbon financing is providing a pathway to sustainable solutions. What is required from the private sector, public sector, and civil society for a united approach to enable this growth? Join us to share experiences and learn from those on the path to delivering sustainable and innovative solutions.

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02:00 PM - 02:40 Evolution of Carbon Markets from Kyoto Protocol to Paris Agreement. Hosted by: Oğuz Tosun, CEO, Climate Balanced

Introduction: This workshop aims to address the current needs of the carbon markets dictated by Article 6 of Paris Agreement besides focusing the historical developments on Kyoto Flexibility Mechanisms, Voluntary Carbon Market and other bounded compliance mechanisms such as CORSIA and various ETS mechanisms. The workshop will help participants understand what corresponding adjustments are expected in the global voluntary carbon market that will lead to a significant transition in carbon offsetting transactions and principles.

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03:00 PM - 06:00 PM Showcase of Projects (in the workshop room)

03:00 PM - 03:20 PM: Easy Housing Uganda, Moses Ssekyanzi, Marketing Associate

03:22 PM - 03:42 PM: 1MTN, Kaspar Jõgeva, COO

03:44 PM - 04:04 PM: Nutravest, Bayo Herbert, CEO

04:06 PM - 04:26 PM: Aqua-Farms Organization, Edwin Superius Rutakumwa, co-founder

04:28 PM - 04:48 PM: SunCulture Carbon Program, Daniel James, Head of Carbon

04:50 PM - 05:10 PM: Earthshot Prize 2023 winner Boomitra- Ann Maina, Project Lead East Africa

05:12 PM - 05:32 PM: Bamboo Uganda, Thomas Quirynen, Managing Director

05:34 PM - 05:54 PM: Green Home Transformations Ltd, Endriko Bosco, Founder