Market Forecast By Types (Voluntary and Compliance), By Project Types (Forestry & Land Use Project, Transportation, Industry and Others), By Countries (Saudi Arabia and Turkey), And Competitive Landscape.
Product Code: ETC072166 | Publication Date: May 2022 | Updated Date: Mar 2025 | Product Type: Market Research Report | |
Publisher: 6Wresearch | No. of Pages: 120 | No. of Figures: 24 | No. of Tables: 14 | |
Report Name | Middle East & Africa Voluntary Carbon Credit Market |
Forecast Period | 2025-2031 |
Market Size |
USD 300 million BY 2031 |
CAGR | 12.5% |
Growing Sector | voluntary |
The Middle East & Africa Voluntary Carbon Credit Market report thoroughly covers the market by Types, By Project Types, and By Countries. The market report provides an unbiased and detailed analysis of the ongoing market trends, opportunities/high growth areas, and market drivers which would help the stakeholders to devise and align their market strategies according to the current and future market dynamics.
The voluntary carbon credit market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) has witnessed significant growth in recent years. According to recent estimates, the MEA market was valued at approximately $300 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5% through 2031. This growth is driven by increasing corporate participation, government-backed initiatives, and a rising awareness of sustainability goals across various industries. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have become regional leaders, collectively accounting for over 40% of the market share due to their ambitious carbon neutrality targets and large-scale renewable energy projects.
The Middle East & Africa voluntary carbon credit market is growing steadily, driven by a rising demand for sustainable environmental practices and the influence of climate-conscious policies. This diverse market includes project types like forestry & land use projects, transportation, industry, and others, blending corporate sustainability goals with regulatory frameworks. As the region's economies continue to expand, the carbon credit industry has become a vital part of both local and international environmental strategies, supporting carbon offset initiatives.
According to 6Wresearch, the Middle East & Africa Voluntary Carbon Credit Market revenue is projected to grow at a significant CAGR of 12.5% during the forecast period 2025-2031. The Voluntary Carbon Credit market in the Middle East & Africa is expanding due to increasing demand across various sectors, driven by the need for efficient, sustainable solutions. Advances in carbon credit initiatives and the rising preference for sustainable and cost-effective modes of climate change mitigation are fueling this growth. As different sectors seek versatile, high-quality carbon credit solutions, the market is seeing a steady increase in demand for various types of credits like Voluntary and Compliance. This trend highlights the crucial role of ongoing innovation to meet the evolving needs of diverse sectors, further boosting the Middle East & Africa Voluntary Carbon Credit Market growth. Despite the positive outlook, the market faces challenges such as the high cost of carbon credit systems and a lack of awareness about the latest advancements in carbon credit initiatives. However, with the growing need for efficient and sustainable solutions, and government initiatives promoting climate change mitigation, there are ample growth opportunities for players in this market.
The voluntary carbon credit market in the Middle East & Africa is experiencing notable growth, driven by factors such as industrial expansion, increased corporate social responsibility initiatives, and evolving environmental policies. For businesses, there is a rising demand for verified carbon credits that ensure compliance with sustainability goals and international standards. This includes a preference for forestry and land use projects, reflecting a growing interest in biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration.
E-commerce and Online Platforms: With the rise of digital transactions, particularly post-pandemic, investing in online platforms for carbon credit trading offers a significant growth opportunity. Enhancing digital trading experiences with user-friendly interfaces, blockchain verification, and diverse project options can capture the growing environmentally conscious business base.
In the Middle East & Africa voluntary carbon credit market, leading players include both international and local organizations that cater to diverse sustainability needs. International entities like South Pole, Verra, and Gold Standard dominate the verified carbon credit segment, offering reliable and high-quality credits. Meanwhile, regional organizations such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Turkish Carbon Market are gaining traction by promoting locally sourced and verified carbon credits. These entities appeal to industries seeking transparency, quality, and sustainability.
The voluntary carbon credit market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) has seen considerable momentum with the introduction of government regulations aimed at fostering sustainable growth. Several countries in the region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, have implemented frameworks to encourage corporate participation in carbon offset initiatives. These regulations often involve guidelines for carbon accounting, reporting, and verification, ensuring that the market operates with transparency and credibility. Additionally, some governments are offering incentives such as tax benefits or subsidies for businesses actively engaging in carbon reduction projects. Recent policies have also emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships, driving the creation of renewable energy projects and reforestation programs across the region.
The future of the Middle East & Africa voluntary carbon credit industry looks promising, with continued growth driven by corporate sustainability mandates, regional environmental policies, and a shift towards verified carbon offsets. Industries are becoming more focused on quality, transparency, and high-impact projects, creating opportunities for organizations that align with these values. Digital trading platforms will play a significant role in shaping the market, with online transactions expected to expand. Additionally, regional and locally driven carbon credit projects are gaining popularity, as businesses increasingly seek to support homegrown sustainability initiatives.
The report offers a comprehensive study of the subsequent market segments and their leading categories
According to Ravi Bhandari, Research Head, 6Wresearch, voluntary carbon credits dominate due to their widespread use across various industries. Voluntary credits are valued for their flexibility and effectiveness in supporting corporate sustainability goals, making them the preferred choice for many.
In the Middle East & Africa voluntary carbon credit market, forestry & land use projects dominate due to the preference for nature-based solutions. These projects are preferred for their ability to provide long-term environmental benefits and wide-ranging sustainability impact.
In the Middle East & Africa, Saudi Arabia's voluntary carbon credit market is growing at a faster rate compared to other countries. The government's sustainability initiatives, along with strong corporate commitments, have driven a significant shift toward carbon offset programs. Industries, especially in urban areas, are increasingly investing in verified carbon credit projects, attracted by the ability to meet global sustainability standards, achieve carbon neutrality, and benefit from government incentives.
The market report has been segmented and sub segmented into the following categories:
1 Executive Summary |
2 Introduction |
2.1 Key Highlights of the Report |
2.2 Report Description |
2.3 Market Scope & Segmentation |
2.4 Research Methodology |
2.5 Assumptions |
3 Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market Overview |
3.1 Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market Transaction Values (2021-2031F) |
3.2 Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market Supply and Demand, In MtCO2e (2021-2031F) |
3.3 Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market Industry Life Cycle |
3.4 Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market Porter’s Five Forces Model |
3.5 Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market Ecosystem |
3.6 Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market Value Share, By Types (2020 & 2031F) |
3.7 Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market Value Share, By Countries (2020 & 2031F) |
4 Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market Dynamics |
4.1 Impact Analysis |
4.2 Market Drivers |
4.3 Market Restraints |
5 Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market Trends & Evolution |
6 Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market - Impact Analysis of COVID-19 |
7. Middle East & Africa Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Overview |
7.1 Middle East & Africa Voluntary Carbon Credit Market Supply, By Project Type (2021-2031F) |
8. Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market - Key Performance Indicators |
9. Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market - Price Trend Analysis (2021-2031F) |
10. Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market - Country Initiatives & Regulatory Scenario |
11. Analysis of Key Participants Involved in Carbon Credit Market |
12. Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market - Opportunity Assessment |
13. Middle East & Africa Carbon Credit Market Competitive Landscape |
14. Company Profiles |
15. Key Strategic Recommendations |
16. Disclaimer |