This publication contains a peer-reviewed selection of articles derived from presentations and posters shown at the Open Science Conference Africa and Carbon Cycle, Accra, Ghana (25-27 November 2008). The conference brought together about 100 participants from 28 nations, mainly from Africa and Europe, presenting issues related terrestrial carbon observations in Africa, biogeochemical modelling, carbon sequestration and reduced emissions potential in Africa, and demonstration projects and developing capacities.