Liberia Launches Carbon Markets Authority to Advance Global Climate Finance Participation

February 18, 2026

By Feeme M. Wantee

Monrovia: The chief Executive Officer of the carbon Markets Authority of Liberia, Ambassador Jeanine M. Cooper has unveiled the Carbon Markets Authority (CMA), a landmark national initiative designed to position the country as a leading player in global carbon markets while safeguarding its vast ecological resources for future generations.

Speaking at the Ministry of Information regular briefing she disclosed that Liberia holds a uniquely strategic position in the global climate landscape. The country contains more than 43 percent of the remaining Upper Guinea Rainforest, with nearly 70 percent of its landmass covered by dense tropical forests.

These forests serve as a critical carbon sink and biodiversity hotspot, placing Liberia at the center of international climate mitigation efforts. According to her, the CMA is structured around a comprehensive three-pronged strategic approach aimed at maximizing the country’s participation in global carbon finance systems while ensuring sovereign control over its natural wealth.

The CEO outlined three-Pronged Strategic Framework, Which include: Establishing of the CMA as the Lead National Entity, serving as the primary government authority overseeing all carbon market development matters, the Blue Economy Secretariat will manage the sustainable development of Liberia’s ocean and coastal resources, integrating marine conservation into the broader climate finance framework, and the Climate Finance Vehicle that will function as a special revenue fund to mobilize, manage, and leverage carbon market revenues as bankable assets to support national development priorities.

“Strengthening Governance and Transparency At the core of the CMA’s is our gold, and our operations is a strong governance framework designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and community inclusion” Ambassador Cooper added.

Key measures include: Transparent registry systems to prevent double counting of carbon credits Clear benefit-sharing mechanisms for communities and private landowners Annual independent audits with public disclosure Full alignment with national debt management laws Officials note that these safeguards are intended to guarantee sovereign control over Liberia’s natural assets while maintaining international credibility in carbon trading systems.

 The establishment of Sovereign Carbon Wealth Fund A major highlight of the CMA is the creation of Liberia’s first Sovereign Carbon Wealth Fund. Modeled on international best practices, the fund is designed to preserve capital, prevent unsustainable withdrawals, and invest proceeds for long-term national benefits.

This initiative emphasizes intergenerational equity and protection of the country’s economic interests for future generations. CMA first-Year Priorities In its inaugural year is to focus on:

Institutional establishment and governance structuring Development of legal and regulatory frameworks Implementation of Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems Creation of a national carbon registry with live, real-time updates Development of a national carbon project pipeline Stakeholder engagement and capacity building Formation of international partnerships Establishment of West Africa’s first national carbon market exchange Expanding International Partnerships

The Authority has already engaged international partners, including the European Union, Sweden, France, international non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and regional bodies such as the African Union’s International Bureau for Animal Resources. The technical advisory partnerships have also been formed with firms such as Gordian Knot Strategies to support resource mobilization and strategic implementation.

Current project pipelines include rubber tree planting initiatives, waste management improvements, and wetlands restoration programs efforts expected to generate measurable carbon credits while promoting environmental sustainability.

The CEO emphasized “we have a vision Beyond Environmental Coordination where Government officials will represent more than environmental coordination, this is a strategic financial instrument designed to enhance fiscal transparency, strengthen sovereign control over natural assets, and unlock sustainable economic growth through participation in global carbon and financial markets”. She concluded, by leveraging its forest wealth and biodiversity assets, Liberia aims to become a model form of climate finance governance in Africa and balancing ecosystem preservation with national development and economic resilience.