Carbon trading is predicated on the polluter-pays principle and the Coase theorem, with an implicit assumption that property rights relating to externalities can be valued and priced by market mechanisms. However, recurrent natural resource crises and environmental degradation indicate these mechanisms are not fully accounting for externalities. While Africa faces the consequences of these externalities, it is also uniquely placed as a veritable source of projects for natural emissions removal, reduction or avoidance. The dearth of literature examining Afrocentric factors and the shortcomings of existing carbon trading systems gives us the impetus to seek stronger and better evidence for the sustainable commodification of nature in Africa that will yield emissions abatement. Beyond the trading of carbon permits/credits (to fund green projects and make profits), legal or governance issues which could constrain Africa’s sustainable development must be urgently addressed.