New carbon pricing program in Africa

The maritime industry is witnessing a major development in carbon accountability as Djibouti and Gabon spearhead the Africa Sovereign Carbon Initiative, introducing the continent's first mandatory carbon pricing mechanism for shipping operations.


Current implementation
Since March 2023, cargo vessels calling at Djibouti ports have been required to calculate and report emissions associated with their voyages. Gabon will join this initiative in March 2025, marking a significant expansion of the program across strategic African maritime hubs.

The system operates on a "polluter pays" principle, charging vessels a carbon contribution of USD 17 per tonne of CO₂e based on 50% of the ship's total journey emissions to or from each participating country. Ship operators must report emissions data monthly, with payments due within 45 days following invoicing by the Africa Sovereign Carbon Registry.

To ensure transparency and alignment with international standards, auditing is conducted by Bureau Veritas and Mazars, lending credibility to the initiative's reporting mechanisms.


Potential expansion on the horizon
The initiative is set to evolve significantly in the coming years. Carbon offsetting mechanisms will be introduced in July 2025 for Djibouti and in 2026 for Gabon, adding another layer to the carbon accountability framework.

Perhaps most significantly, approximately 10 additional African countries are actively considering joining this initiative, potentially creating a substantial regional carbon pricing network that could reshape maritime operations across the continent. The expansion is also expected to extend beyond cargo vessels to include other maritime segments, broadening the scope of affected operations.


Global context
This African initiative emerges alongside a wave of international maritime carbon regulations. The EU ETS expansion, FuelEU Maritime regulations, and ongoing MARPOL amendments are creating a complex regulatory landscape where emissions tracking and reporting are becoming essential operational requirements.

The Africa Sovereign Carbon Initiative sets an important precedent for how regional carbon accountability can be integrated into trade and port operations, demonstrating that developing economies are taking proactive steps in global climate action.


Industry implications
For ship operators, this development reinforces a critical operational reality: accurate emissions data and transparent reporting systems are transitioning from optional sustainability measures to mandatory compliance requirements. As global carbon regulations continue to evolve and expand across different regions, understanding vessel emissions profiles becomes essential for both regulatory compliance and effective cost management.

The initiative reflects a broader shift toward embedding climate responsibility into the fabric of international maritime trade, with regional approaches complementing global regulatory frameworks.


Looking forward
As the Africa Sovereign Carbon Initiative prepares for its multi-country expansion, the maritime industry must adapt to an increasingly complex regulatory environment where carbon accountability spans multiple jurisdictions and frameworks.

The success of this initiative could influence similar regional approaches in other parts of the world, making emissions tracking and reporting capabilities a fundamental requirement for global maritime operations.

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