In the global race to reach Net Zero, the most effective technology might actually be 30 million years old: the tree. Microsoft has just signalled its massive confidence in nature-based solutions by finalising a nine-year deal to acquire 2 million carbon removal credits from a pioneering forestry project in Northern Uganda.
By early 2026, the Kijani Forestry Smallholder Farmer Forestry Project had already mobilized a massive network of 50,000 local growers to plant over 30 million trees. For Microsoft, which aims to be carbon negative by 2030, this deal is a cornerstone of a diverse portfolio that prioritizes the restoration of the world’s natural ecosystems.
This deal is more than a simple purchase—it is the first major move under a strategic framework with Rubicon Carbon established in 2025. This long-term structure could see Microsoft securing a staggering 18 million tonnes of removal credits by 2035.
What makes this project stand out to institutional investors and sustainability officers is its regulatory first-mover status. It is one of the debut programs approved under Uganda’s new Climate Change Mechanisms Regulations, providing a blueprint for how national oversight can boost the quality of voluntary carbon markets.
To combat historical concerns about the permanence of forest carbon, Rubicon Carbon has deployed a cutting-edge technology stack to monitor every acre:
As Phillip Goodman, Director of Carbon Removal at Microsoft, puts it: ‘We are pleased to support Kijani’s work in strengthening farmer livelihoods while restoring ecosystems in Northern Uganda. The framework with Rubicon Carbon streamlines the contracting process, while ensuring project quality and unlocking financing for nature-based removals.’
For the farmers of Northern Uganda, the benefits are immediate. The project replaces the destructive illegal charcoal trade with a sustainable economy. Growers receive payments based on tree survival rates as early as the first year, providing the liquidity needed to invest back into their land. As these forests mature, they offer a regulated supply of timber and sustainable charcoal, ensuring that the environmental recovery also drives long-term agricultural resilience and wealth.