The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) has criticized the European Union's Carbon Border Management Mechanism (CBAM), arguing that African countries have been largely excluded from policy design and implementation, despite the potential implications for the continent's industrial development and export competitiveness, according to media reports.
Speaking at the annual meeting of the African Development Bank in Brazzaville, Hanan Morsy, chief economist and the Deputy Executive Secretary of UNECA said that African governments were not adequately consulted or given meaningful opportunities to influence how the mechanism would be implemented.
Climate goals are supported, but industrialization remains a priority
According to Morsi, African countries widely support global climate goals and recognize the importance of reducing emissions greenhouse gases. However, she stressed that climate-related trade measures should not come at the expense of Africa's economic transition agenda.
Morsi argued that the CBAM has moved beyond a purely environmental instrument and increasingly functions as a broader trade, industrial and competitiveness policy. As a result, its impact goes well beyond emissions reductions and could affect investment decisions, industrial development and export opportunities in developing countries.
The steel and aluminum sectors are most vulnerable
Although the African Development Bank estimates that products covered by CBAM account for only about six percent of Africa's total exports, the impact is concentrated in a few strategically important sectors.
North African economies with strong trade links with Europe are considered particularly vulnerable due to significant exports of steel and aluminum products. Mozambique was also identified as one of the most vulnerable countries because much of its aluminum production is destined for European markets.
Concerns extend beyond raw materials
UNECA and the African Development Bank have warned that the impact of CBAM may not be limited to raw materials and primary industrial products. As emissions-related trade requirements evolve
