Network Conveners

Each year, the Africa Clean Air Network appoints two co-conveners – one from the research community and one from the policy space. This dual leadership bridges science and policy, drives regional engagement, and champions clean air action across the continent.
Conveners are selected from the host country of the forum for their leadership and commitment to collaboration, ranging from mayors and ministers to university heads and global advocates.

2023 – Kampala, Uganda

Dr. Akanwasa Barirega

Executive Director, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Uganda

Dr. Akankwasa highlighted the need to embrace progressive technologies for tackling environmental pollution and further emphasised the need for progressive collaborations

“Air pollution cannot be tackled by independent countries in isolation. Like many environmental challenges, it is transboundary in nature. When you collaborate, you address the challenge better.”

Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe

Vice Chancellor, Makerere University

Prof. Nawangwe reinforced the role of academic institutions in driving evidence-informed action through research and cross-sector collaboration.

“Research plays a critical role in understanding the causes and impacts of some of our social challenges. Scientific evidence and data play an important role in informing public education. It is such an honour to see communities of practice coming together to discuss solutions tailored for African cities”

2024 – Lagos, Nigeria

Mr. Tokunbo Philip Wahab

Hon. Commissioner, Environment & Water Resources, Lagos State

Mr. Wahab underscored the urgency of policy-driven action.

“The Lagos State Government remains focused on implementing policies that address air pollution and other climate-related threats to public health. We call on CLEAN-Air Forum experts to help develop a policy framework to guide the African continent's persistent air pollution problem.”

Prof. Folasade Ogunsola

Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos

The Lagos conveners fostered cross-sector collaboration. Prof. Ogunsola underscored the university's commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, emphasising the need for diverse partnerships to develop sustainable solutions to air quality challenges.

“At the University of Lagos, we are deeply committed to fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration. By bringing together these diverse stakeholders, we can co-create holistic and sustainable solutions to the pressing air quality challenges facing our cities.”

2025 – Nairobi, Kenya

The 2025 network conveners seek to champion policy innovation and inclusive community engagement. This also advances this year’s theme, “Partnerships for Clean Air Solutions”.

Name

Governor, Nairobi City County

Text

“Quote”

Wanjira Mathai

World Resources Institute

“The CLEAN-Air Forum has become Africa’s leading platform for driving evidence, innovation, and equity in air quality. Our 2025 theme, Partnerships for Clean Air Solutions, is a timely reminder: no one city, no one country, and no one community can solve this crisis alone. We have to work together.”