Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe partner with the UK and Guyana as Africa Expands Its Role in Aviation Carbon Markets Ahead of CORSIA’s 2027 Mandatory Phase

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

See Full Bio

June 29, 2026 12:15 GMT+5:30

Image generated with Ai

Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe are strengthening Africa’s position within the global aviation sustainability landscape after officially joining the Aviation Carbon Market Compact, a major international initiative designed to expand the supply of high-quality carbon credits for the aviation industry. The move places the three African nations at the centre of one of the most important environmental developments shaping the future of international air travel as airlines prepare for stricter emissions obligations under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

The agreement, which also welcomed the United Kingdom and Guyana, increases membership of the Supporting Alliance for CORSIA Eligible Emissions Unit Supply to 50 participating entities. The development highlights Africa’s growing role within global climate finance and reinforces the continent’s importance in supporting the aviation sector’s long-term sustainability objectives.

Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe Join a Growing Global Alliance

The signing of the Aviation Carbon Market Compact marks a significant step for Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe as they seek to position themselves within the rapidly expanding carbon credit economy.

The alliance focuses on increasing the availability of high-integrity carbon credits that can be used by airlines to meet future emissions offset requirements. As international aviation continues pursuing decarbonisation goals, demand for verified carbon credits is expected to increase significantly.

For African nations rich in natural resources and conservation assets, participation creates opportunities to connect environmental protection initiatives with international climate finance mechanisms.

The latest commitments also demonstrate the increasing involvement of African governments in shaping the future of sustainable aviation.

CORSIA Becomes a Major Driver of Global Aviation Sustainability

At the centre of this development is the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, commonly known as CORSIA.

Developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the framework requires participating airlines to offset qualifying international emissions through approved carbon credits.

The programme is scheduled to enter a mandatory phase in 2027, creating substantial demand for eligible emissions units across the global aviation industry.

Industry estimates suggest airlines may require between 225 million and 250 million eligible emissions units by spring 2027, highlighting the scale of the market opportunity now emerging.

As that deadline approaches, countries capable of generating certified carbon credits are increasingly attracting attention from airlines and investors.

Africa’s Natural Assets Create New Opportunities

Africa possesses some of the world’s most valuable environmental resources, including extensive forests, biodiversity-rich ecosystems and large-scale conservation landscapes.

Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe are particularly well positioned due to their significant natural capital and existing conservation programmes.

Protected forests, wildlife conservation initiatives, renewable energy projects and community-led environmental programmes all have the potential to generate certified carbon credits under recognised international frameworks.

By joining the alliance, the three countries increase their visibility within the global carbon market while strengthening opportunities to attract future investment into sustainability projects.

Tourism and Sustainability Become More Closely Connected

The development carries important implications for tourism across Southern Africa.

As sustainability becomes a larger factor in destination marketing and travel decision-making, countries that demonstrate strong environmental commitments may gain additional visibility among international travellers.

Madagascar’s unique biodiversity, Zambia’s wildlife ecosystems and Zimbabwe’s renowned natural landscapes already attract nature-focused visitors from around the world. Participation in global carbon market initiatives may further reinforce their reputations as destinations committed to conservation and sustainable tourism development.

The relationship between tourism, environmental protection and climate finance is becoming increasingly important as destinations seek to balance visitor growth with long-term sustainability objectives.

Southern Africa Strengthens Regional Cooperation

The latest commitments also build upon broader regional efforts to coordinate climate finance and carbon market development.

Earlier this year, several Southern African nations launched the Southern Africa Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance in Victoria Falls. Participating countries included Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The initiative was designed to improve regional cooperation and strengthen participation within international carbon markets.

The decision by Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe to join the Aviation Carbon Market Compact reflects continued momentum behind these collaborative efforts and demonstrates growing regional engagement with climate-related economic opportunities.

Aviation Industry Faces Growing Sustainability Demands

The aviation sector remains under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact.

Airlines around the world are investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft, sustainable aviation fuel initiatives and emissions reduction strategies. Carbon offset programmes continue to play an important role within broader decarbonisation efforts.

For airlines operating international networks, access to reliable and credible carbon credits will become increasingly important as regulatory requirements evolve.

The expansion of carbon credit supply through initiatives such as the Aviation Carbon Market Compact is intended to support those long-term sustainability objectives.

Climate Finance Gains Importance Across Africa

The carbon market is increasingly viewed as a significant economic opportunity for African nations.

By developing projects capable of generating internationally recognised carbon credits, countries can attract investment while supporting environmental protection efforts.

The growing demand anticipated under CORSIA may create additional opportunities for conservation financing, community development and sustainable land management projects throughout the continent.

As global aviation moves towards stricter emissions accountability, African participation within these markets is expected to become increasingly influential.

Key Statistics

• Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe have joined the Aviation Carbon Market Compact.
• The Supporting Alliance for CORSIA Eligible Emissions Unit Supply now includes 50 participating entities.
• Airlines are projected to require between 225 million and 250 million eligible emissions units by spring 2027.
• CORSIA enters its mandatory phase in 2027.
• Southern Africa continues expanding cooperation on carbon markets and climate finance initiatives.

Chronological Tracker

Earlier 2026
Southern Africa Alliance on Carbon Markets and Climate Finance is launched in Victoria Falls.

2026
Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe sign the Aviation Carbon Market Compact.

Spring 2027
Global aviation demand for eligible emissions units is expected to increase significantly.

2027
CORSIA enters its mandatory compliance phase for participating airlines.

FAQ

What is the Aviation Carbon Market Compact?

It is an international initiative designed to increase the supply of high-quality carbon credits that airlines can use to meet emissions offset requirements.

Why are Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe important participants?

All three countries possess significant natural resources and conservation assets capable of generating certified carbon credits.

What is CORSIA?

CORSIA is the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s global framework for offsetting emissions from international aviation.

Dates

2026 – Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe join the Aviation Carbon Market Compact.

Spring 2027 – Airlines are expected to require between 225 million and 250 million eligible emissions units.

2027 – CORSIA enters its mandatory phase.

Conclusion

Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe are positioning themselves at the forefront of Africa’s growing role in global aviation sustainability by joining the Aviation Carbon Market Compact. As airlines prepare for the mandatory phase of CORSIA in 2027, demand for high-quality carbon credits is expected to accelerate, creating new opportunities for countries with strong environmental assets and conservation programmes. The move not only strengthens Africa’s presence within international carbon markets but also highlights the increasing connection between aviation, sustainability, tourism and climate finance. With Southern Africa continuing to build regional cooperation around carbon trading, the continent is emerging as an increasingly important contributor to the future of sustainable global aviation.