Welcome to the
Africa Clean Air Network

A thriving network for clean air solutions across Africa.

GET INVOLVED

Welcome to the Africa Clean Air Network.

A thriving network for clean air solutions across Africa.

SUPPORT OUR WORK

Our Story

Over 1.2 million air pollution-related deaths occur in Africa, making it one of the most affected regions in the world. Addressing air pollution requires collaboration across sectors, borders, and systems, but many African countries still face gaps in data, tools, and coordinated support.

Over 15% of annual global deaths from air pollution occur in Africa

Data-driven solutions for enabling targeted actions are prohibitively inaccessible for many African countries, e.g more than 35% of countries do not have a single continuous air quality monitor

Less than 20% of intervention efforts have focused on policy and education in Africa

Accelerating science-driven policy and actions requires cross-sectoral coordination efforts and multi-level governance locally and internationally, and yet, avenues for transdisciplinary cross-border collaborations remain limited.

The Africa Clean Air Network unites partners across disciplines, sectors and borders to support clean air efforts across Africa.

Launched in 2023, under the leadership of AirQo at Makerere University, with initial support from the U.S. State Department, the network is building a shared framework for action through Communities of Practice – to connect people, data, and practical solutions that support clean air efforts across the continent.

Since then, it has grown into a powerful force: bridging science and policy, expanding Africa’s air quality data, raising awareness, and shaping bold new policies.

By connecting diverse voices and expertise, we are empowering communities to lead with knowledge and drive real change towards a cleaner, healthier future for Africa.

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Our Work

To build cross-border, cross-sector, multi-skilled partnerships that deliver scalable, evidence-driven and open-access clean air solutions for African cities.

Connecting people and ideas

We bring together diverse partners – across borders and disciplines – to share knowledge and co-create scalable solutions for clean air.

Growing data capacity

We strengthen Africa’s air quality data systems through locally relevant tools, from low-cost sensors to AI, modelling, and remote sensing.

Raising awareness

We elevate air quality on the public agenda through education, evidence-informed advocacy, and community engagement.

Helping to turn data into policy change

We support institutions to use air quality data to inform policies and decisions – translating evidence into measurable impact.

Our approach is grounded in a simple idea: local solutions drive lasting change. We scale up emerging air quality initiatives and strengthen the networks that support them.

Connect across borders

The annual Clean Air Forum brings together communities, countries, and global experts to share insights and foster collaboration. We continuously provide links to global experts.

Raise awareness

We support global campaigns such as Air Quality Awareness Week, World Environment Day, the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, and World Asthma Day to keep air pollution in the spotlight.

Grow Africa’s data landscape

We work with partners to expand access to air quality data using low-cost sensors, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and open-source tools.

Bridge science and policy

We support evidence-based action through new legislation, policy papers, and alignment with global frameworks.

Open-access air quality monitoring sites in over 20 major cities across Africa

Senior policymakers across Africa brought together during the inaugural policy forum

Directly engaged through outreach

Participants annually at our flagship air quality forum

Awareness campaigns reaching out to over 1 million people directly

Cross-border capacity and knowledge-sharing events

We support a vibrant calendar of conferences, webinars, workshops, trainings, and community campaigns – all designed to connect people and spark dialogue across the region.

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