Clean air experts and environmental stakeholders have called for stronger cross-border collaborations and transdisciplinary partnerships to combat the growing air pollution crisis in African cities.
Speaking at the 2025 CLEAN-Air Forum in Nairobi, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), highlighted Africa’s increasing commitment to air quality improvement through policy reforms and regional initiatives.
“In Nigeria, we are seeing significant progress with policies supporting open-data sharing, especially at the state level, where agencies are encouraged to publish air quality data,” Dr. Ajayi said. He added that agreements between African governments and academic institutions are driving research and practical interventions to improve urban air quality.
He also emphasized the need for increased investment in clean air initiatives, local manufacturing, and targeted pollution control strategies.
Echoing the call, Dr. Alice Kaudia of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition urged governments to prioritise air pollution in their national agendas, advocating for youth involvement, tech innovation, and public awareness campaigns.
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“Youths can harness artificial intelligence and digital tools to monitor and mitigate pollution,” she said, adding that access to funding and resources would empower their participation.
Dr. Kaudia cited the Integrated Assessment on Air Pollution and Climate Change for Sustainable Development in Africa, which shows that mitigation strategies across sectors like transport, agriculture, waste, and household energy could dramatically cut harmful emissions such as PM2.5, black carbon, and methane.
“These efforts can prevent hundreds of thousands of premature deaths, enhance food security, and reduce climate impacts,” she noted.
With over 35 countries represented, this year’s forum—held under the theme “Partnerships for Clean Air Solutions”—underscored the importance of scientific collaboration, technological innovation, and shared policy frameworks to address air pollution on the continent.
The summit also spotlighted the use of emerging technologies like remote sensing, low-cost air sensors, and AI in closing air quality data gaps and enabling smarter, more effective responses.
