Econetix Receives First Letter of Authorization in the Democratic Republic of Congo for 750,000 Tonnes of CORSIA-Eligible Carbon Credits
First carbon asset manager to obtain a Letter of Authorization in the DRC, bringing significant new supply to a market where airlines face a shortage of hundreds of millions of credits
Econetix GmbH, a leading global carbon asset manager, has announced that the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has issued a Letter of Authorization (LoA) for 750,000 tCO₂e across two Gold Standard-certified projects in Econetix’s portfolio: GS12620 (Improved Cookstoves) and GS12470 (Solar Lamps). Econetix is the first carbon asset manager to receive an LoA in the DRC.
The LoA was signed on 5 March 2026 in Kinshasa by H.E. Prof. Marie Nyange Ndambo, Minister of the Environment, Sustainable Development and New Climate Economy, acting in her role as Designated National Authority (DNA) and National Focal Point for Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Econetix CEO and Founder Jakob Zenz was present in Kinshasa for the signing, reflecting the company’s hands-on approach to project development across Africa.
Signing ceremony in Kinshasa, 05.03.2026 (from left to right): Remy Kumakamba, Private Secretary to H.E. Marie Nyange Ndambo; H.E. Marie Nyange Ndambo, Minister of the Environment, Sustainable Development and New Climate Economy, Democratic Republic of Congo; Jakob Zenz, CEO & Founder, Econetix
A Critical Step Toward CORSIA Eligibility
Obtaining a Letter of Authorization is widely recognised as one of the most complex and critical steps on the path to CORSIA eligibility. It requires alignment with a country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), close coordination with national regulatory authorities, and sustained on-the-ground engagement. The Government of the DRC has demonstrated strong leadership throughout this process, moving proactively to establish the country as a hub for high-integrity carbon finance.
A Market That Needs What Econetix Delivers
The numbers speak for themselves. Airlines must purchase over 200 million Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs) for CORSIA Phase 1, at an estimated cost of $4 to $5 billion. ICAO confirmed offsetting obligations of 58 million tonnes for 2024 alone. Yet only seven countries worldwide have issued CORSIA-usable LoAs, with just 15.84 million credits available against demand of up to 144 million. The gap between supply and demand is stark, and the pressure on airlines to secure compliant credits is mounting ahead of the January 2028 cancellation deadline.
Econetix’s 750,000 tonnes from the DRC – fully Article 6 authorised, Gold Standard certified, and competitively priced – directly addresses this shortfall.
Building the World’s Strongest CORSIA Pipeline
The DRC is only the beginning. Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Sierra Leone are set to follow, with more than ten projects currently advancing through the authorization process. Econetix is building a multi-million-unit CORSIA pipeline that represents a billion-dollar supply opportunity for the aviation market.
Every project follows the same proven approach: project development, host country authorization under Article 6, a BTR or insurance pathway, CORSIA certification, and commercial structures designed for large-volume buyers at competitive prices.
Jakob Zenz, CEO and Founder of Econetix, commented:
“With this LoA, Econetix becomes the global frontrunner in CORSIA supply. We have proven that we can originate, authorize, and transact at the level the aviation market demands. 750,000 tonnes from the DRC is the first major step, with Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, and Sierra Leone to follow shortly. We are grateful to the Government of the DRC for this collaboration. Airlines and traders looking to secure their compliance positions are highly welcome to contact us.”
About Econetix GmbH
Econetix is a leading global carbon asset manager with offices in Vienna, Abu Dhabi, and Kampala. The company originates, certifies, and commercializes high-integrity carbon credits for CORSIA and Article 6 compliance markets. Econetix operates its own pipeline of Gold Standard-certified projects across multiple African countries, managing the full value chain from project development through host country authorization to commercial execution. With boots on the ground in host countries, millions invested in project development, and a growing portfolio of executed transactions including its landmark supply deal with SCB Environmental Markets, Econetix is one of the partners of choice for airlines and commodity traders seeking CORSIA-eligible supply at scale.
CORSIA is ICAO’s global compliance mechanism requiring airlines to offset CO2 emissions above 85% of 2019 levels. Airlines must cancel eligible credits by January 2028. A Letter of Authorization (LoA) under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement authorizes carbon credits for international transfer, with corresponding adjustments preventing double counting.
Looking to secure CORSIA-eligible carbon credits?
Contact the Econetix team to discuss available supply and compliance strategies.
