Carbon markets are picking up in Africa. However, indigenous peoples in Africa have not fully engaged in carbon trading due to several factors; low awareness of the inherent opportunities, lack of technical knowhow to design and implement carbon projects, and the very negative messages from opponents of carbon trading systems. Carbon projects in communities are also outsider-driven rather than community owned and driven. Consequently, communities receive a smaller percentage of carbon money. The objectives of the proposed COP27 side event is to raise awareness among IPLCs and other stakeholders on the potentially positive impacts of carbon trading while strengthening dialogue/linkages between IPLCs and the private sector. Methodology: Panel discussion - Interactive dialogue, maximum 5 panellists and a moderator. Panellists are expected to structure their presentations around major trends and recent activities in addressing the main issues. 25 minute Q&A session at the end of interventions to engage with the public.