A vertical apparatus for continuously carbonizing and activating various types of fiber materials. The apparatus comprising a chamber having openings at upper and lower portions thereof, at least one port through which an activating gas is passed for activation of the fiber material and a heater for keeping the temperature in the chamber, a means for vertically passing the fiber material in a continuous manner for the carbonization and activation, and a means for supplying the activating gas into the chamber. A method for continuously carbonizing and activating fiber materials in an efficient manner is also described.