Ethiopia, China and Türkiye launch carbon-credit initiative at COP31

Friday 13th November 2026

By inAfrika Newsroom

Ethiopia, China and Türkiye launched a voluntary initiative at COP31 to improve how carbon credits are governed and traded. The three countries introduced it on 11 November at the China Pavilion in Antalya, Türkiye.

The initiative calls for stronger rules around credit quality, more exchange of information and better links between the systems used by different markets. The announcement carried by China’s embassy in Laos says participation is open to governments, international organisations and other institutions.

Carbon credits represent quantified emissions reductions or removals under the rules of a crediting programme. The three countries are asking governments and market operators to improve how those credits are issued and used. The launch announcement did not specify new funding, joint purchasing commitments or a timetable for common rules.

Selam Kidane Abebe, chief strategist for Ethiopia’s COP32 presidency, said Ethiopia joined as a co-sponsor. The country is due to host COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027.

The initiative is separate from a UN Trade and Development network announced for COP31, whose founding members include exchanges and investment institutions in South Africa, Morocco and Nigeria.

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