The 2025 Clean Air Forum took place in Nairobi, Kenya, marking the third consecutive edition of this growing annual convening, following impactful gatherings in Kampala (2023) and Lagos (2024).
Under the theme “Partnerships for Clean Air Solutions,” this year’s forum built on the commitments made in Lagos by strengthening regional collaboration and accelerating collective action for cleaner air across Africa.
The event hosted over 390 participants from at least 35 countries, bringing together policymakers, journalists, civil society organisations, researchers, innovators, and start-ups, alongside development partners, philanthropic actors, and private sector leaders.
Highlights
“The truth: No government —national or county—can manage what it cannot measure. Air pollution is a serious public health challenge, and we need robust, transparent data to act.”
Ibrahim Auma Nyangoya, County Executive Committee Member, Mobility and Works, Nairobi City County Government
“Public data is a megaphone for advocacy and change. Use that data as a microphone, and you’ll be surprised.”
Mary Tran, Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago
“We must recognise and uphold the role of science in supporting the rule of law. Industries and environmentalists should move beyond adversarial relationships and collaborate toward shared goals.”
Siyabonga Mkhize, National Association for Clean Air (NACA), South Africa
“Air quality management must be mainstreamed into national policies, backed by youth funding and strategic partnerships. Through ACAP’s integrated, country-led approach, we can cut emissions, raise public awareness, and align action with Africa’s Agenda 2063.”
Dr Alice Kaudia, CCAC/UNEP, Kenya
“Air pollution mitigation must engage all sectors—education, finance, and health—and financing needs to be integrated urgently into these policies.”
Dr. Stefan Åström, FICAP, Sweden
“We have five major cities in Kenya. If we start now, we can ensure that each one puts systems in place to guarantee clean air for its people. Conferences like this teach us; now it’s on policymakers to implement.”
Dr Mathew Owili, Deputy Governor, Kisumu County
For full details and insights from the forum, please visit the official website.
