diff --git a/config.py b/config.py
index 8660397f..702873ee 100644
--- a/config.py
+++ b/config.py
@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ debug_senders: List[str] = []
 trace_on: List[str] = []
 
 capi_pretend_down: bool = False
-capi_debug_access_token: Optional[str]
+capi_debug_access_token: Optional[str] = None
 # This must be done here in order to avoid an import cycle with EDMCLogging.
 # Other code should use EDMCLogging.get_main_logger
 if os.getenv("EDMC_NO_UI"):