Request for Proposals:
CBAM Implementation in Africa- Opportunities and Challenges


Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM Central European Time (CET) / 5:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).

In partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), The TradeExperettes (TE) is launching a targeted research and analysis initiative to capture the first-hand experiences of African economies with the European Union’s (EU) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). 

The CBAM which entered into force on 1 January 2026  is a unique and innovative attempt of the EU to prevent carbon leakage and enhance decarbonization efforts. While intended as a climate measure, it can have a significant impact for the trade relations of the EU with its partner countries. CBAM is not a static regime but will have to evolve and adjust in the coming years. To better assess the initial impact of CBAM on African partner countries, the Multinational Development Policy Dialogue (MDPD) of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in Brussels is publishing a call for (short) papers (or policy briefs) which address the first experiences with CBAM in selected African countries.

We are seeking academics, trade policy professionals and practitioners particularly those within the TradeExperettes network and those with deep ties to Africa to provide nuanced country-specific analyses.

Why Apply? 

This is a unique opportunity to offer meaningful, practical insights to EU policymakers, particularly on how CBAM has been implemented in Africa. We are seeking professionals with solid experience in trade policy who are ready to engage in high-level discussions and influence key trade policy conversations on the global stage.

Program Highlights:

  • Conference in Morocco: The primary findings of participants’ papers are slated for publication and will be presented at an upcoming conference in Morocco (June 2026). Participants will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with a broad policy audience, including key actors from EU institutions, think tanks, and business leaders, supported by targeted outreach and high-profile social media visibility.

  • Global Influence: Provide first insights and lessons from experts from Africa on the implementation of CBAM on the continent to reach a global audience.

Who Should Apply?

  • Trade Policy Professionals: From the public or private sector with specific knowledge of African-EU trade flows.

  • Practical Experts: Preference will be given to those who can provide "real-world" examples of how specific industries in their home countries are responding to the mechanism.

  • Academics & Researchers: We welcome applications from researchers and academics with expertise in international trade topics. Ideal candidates can leverage their scholarly work to provide insightful, evidence-based perspectives on the practical, real-world impacts of specific trade mechanisms within their fields of study.

  • Open Call for All Eligible TradeExperettes Members: We encourage all members who meet the eligibility criteria to apply and share their expertise and perspectives.

  • Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Guidelines and Key Themes for Analysis

The papers/policy briefs should address inter alia the following questions:

  • What are the opportunities and challenges for African countries based on your economic, social and legal assessments?

  • What is the anticipated impact of CBAM (and particularly- in which sectors)?

  • What is the expected or observed compliance cost for exporting firms in different sectors? 

  • What are the consequences of the implementation of CBAM such as intensified decarbonization efforts, trade diversion or resource shuffling?

  • In what way has the country (or countries) in question prepared for the start of CBAM i.a. through the introduction (or not) of monitoring, reporting, verification (MRV) systems etc?

  • What kind of measures / support from the EU could improve adaptation to CBAM and enhance decarbonization efforts?

Submission Details:

  • Statement of Interest: A 2-page proposal or detailed outline (800–1000 words) of your proposed analysis.

  • Formatting: Arial/Times New Roman, Size 12, 1-inch margins.

  • Please do not submit AI generated proposals

Honorarium and Participation

Selected experts will receive a stipend for their finalized paper (contingent upon KAS funding).

Selection Process:

Applications will be reviewed by a select committee, and finalists will be chosen in conjunction with the KAS. Short interviews may be conducted with finalists. Travel and accommodation for the program will be covered, but applicants are responsible for securing any necessary visas. KAS will provide letters of invitation to support the visa process. If a visa cannot be obtained, applicants must inform the program so an alternate candidate can be selected.

Program Coverage for Selected Participants

For selected candidates, the program will cover round-trip airfare to Morocco accommodation for the duration of the program, and meals during official program activities. Participants will be responsible for any incidental expenses, personal meals, and other costs outside of the scheduled events. All travel logistics will be coordinated in collaboration with the KAS.

Commitment and Participation:

Applicants must commit to submit an original completed policy brief paper.

If you have any questions, you can email sarah.frimpong@tradeexperettes.org or michelle.egan@tradeexperettes.org


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