A recent study in African Tech Futures Lab by Trisha Patel and Rose M. Mutiso outlines the complex stakeholder consultation process behind evaluating carbon dioxide removal strategies across the continent. The research examines how technical, financial, and geographical factors shape the viability of various carbon removal pathways in emerging markets.

The central challenge addressed in the assessment involves balancing the rapid expansion of carbon dioxide removal with the practical realities of local resource allocation, ecosystem health, and shifting voluntary market demand. Stakeholders noted that indiscriminate or generalized deployment models risk overlooking regional priorities, particularly regarding land use, food security, and community consent. Furthermore, shifting voluntary demand and procurement pauses by major buyers have introduced financial uncertainty for project operators attempting to scale initiatives.

To address these hurdles, the research details a structured consultation framework comprising fifteen semi-structured expert interviews across multiple global and regional lenses. The methodology maps insights across thirty-nine analytical dimensions and scores recurring themes to categorize perspectives from operators, investors, and policymakers. By analyzing these expert evaluations, the report establishes a targeted breakdown of technique focus areas—such as biochar and enhanced rock weathering—to identify pathways that offer robust sequestration alongside tangible socio-economic co-benefits.

The outcomes of this comprehensive consultation provide decision-makers with an empirical basis for prioritizing context-specific carbon removal methods. The findings help stakeholders navigate regional nuances, particularly across East and South Africa, while aligning project development with sustainable economic growth and rigorous verification standards. Ultimately, the study bridges the gap between global climate targets and ground-level implementation realities.

Source: Patel, T., & Mutiso, R. M. (2026). Consultation and Methodology Note: The Future of Carbon Dioxide Removal in Africa: Feasibility, Opportunity, and the Choices Ahead. African Tech Futures Lab.