The Pan-African Parliament hosted a joint meeting between three committees, Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment; Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution; and Justice and Human Rights to engage on a high-level presentation on the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The session shed light on the EU’s flagship climate policy tool and its far-reaching implications for Africa’s economies and industries.
The joint committee meeting, chaired by Hon. Gary Sakata, Chairperson of the Rural Economy Committee, opened with a call for active participation to ensure that African voices are heard.
In his presentation, Mr. Vicente Hurtado ROA, Head of Unit at TAXUD of the European Commission, emphasized that CBAM is designed as a climate measure rather than a trade measure. “What we are doing is about fairness,” he explained, noting that the EU is applying the same carbon price to goods produced within the Union and to those imported from outside. He added that the introduction will be gradual, running from 2026 to 2034, to give producers and exporters time to adjust. “This is not about closing markets; it is about ensuring we all decarbonise faster,” he said. Hurtado reassured members that the EU is working on simplifications to ease the administrative burden for exporters, highlighting that small exporters under 50 tonnes annually will be exempt reducing compliance requirements from 200,000 to about 18,000 importers while still covering 99% of emissions. He stressed that CBAM will initially apply to key carbon-intensive sectors such as steel, aluminium, fertilizers, and cement, together responsible for more than half of EU ETS emissions, while agriculture remains excluded. He conceded that revenues will be modest at first but underlined that the mechanism is intended to accelerate global decarbonisation, supported by EU financing and technology transfer to partners
The presentation sparked a vibrant exchange with Members of Parliament from across Africa. From The Gambia, Hon. Sawaibou Touray questioned whether CBAM would truly serve the continent, asking, “For Africa, where many countries are still industrialising and already suffering severe climate impacts, how will the EU ensure that CBAM does not simply become a trade barrier for our exports?” He emphasized that revenues should be directed to support Africa’s adaptation and loss-and-damage needs so that the mechanism aids rather than harms vulnerable economies.
Hon. Sherif El Gabay from Egypt highlighted the potential impact on Africa’s core industries, noting that sectors such as iron, steel, fertilizers, and cement are vital for development. He stressed, “If you truly want us to decarbonise, then support us with financing and technology transfer. Otherwise, CBAM risks cutting jobs and slowing industrialisation in Africa.”
Kenyan Representatives Hon. Esther Passaris and Hon. Rahab Mukami Wachira underscored the need for fairness, pointing out that Africa contributes only four percent of global emissions. Hon. Passaris stated, “Do not let this become another form of economic colonisation,” and called on the EU to use revenues from CBAM to compensate Africa for loss and damage caused by climate change, emphasizing that resources powering global industries should not be burdened with additional barriers.
In closing, Hon. Gary Sakata reminded the gathering that Africa must not be penalized for industrialising later than other regions. “We are not asking for exemptions to pollute; we are asking for partnership so that our industries can grow sustainably,” he said. “CBAM must be implemented in a way that strengthens cooperation rather than deepening inequalities.”
The meeting underscored Africa’s commitment to contributing to the global climate agenda while firmly demanding equity, fairness, and mutual respect in the design and implementation of international climate measures. It concluded with a clear message that the Pan-African Parliament will continue to scrutinize CBAM and advocate for African interests, ensuring that the mechanism becomes an instrument for shared progress and supports the continent’s pursuit of sustainable development and inclusive growth. “Africa is ready to be part of the solution,” the Chair affirmed, “but it must be on terms of justice and mutual respect.”
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