The Department of Physics was one of the pioneer departments set up in the University College of the Gold Coast in October 1948. The Department of Physics is the home of Afri-SET: The Air Quality Sensor Evaluation and Training Facility, established to comprehensively evaluate and provide calibrations for low-cost air quality sensors and ensure that end-users are informed about their performance, capabilities and limitations.

Afri-SET uses internationally recognised best practices to provide real-world performance evaluations for low-cost sensors being used in Africa. Afri-SET provides comprehensive capacity-building and training services, including in-person, virtual, and open-access options. Afri-SET’s goal is to empower individuals and organisations with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve air quality monitoring and protect public health and the environment. The Afri-SET website is www.afriset.org

The Africa Network on Climatic and Environmental Change Awareness International is being coordinated by IBEH, Friday Gabriel PhD. Dr. Gabriel Friday Ibeh is a Physics Lecturer at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, who specialises in Atmospheric and Environmental Physics Research, which comprises greenhouse gases, air quality, pollution, meteorological parameters and climate change.

The Africa Network on Climatic and Environmental Change Awareness International (ANOCAEAI) is dedicated to advancing climate change awareness, environmental education, air quality and sustainable development across the African continent. The organisation’s core activities include public awareness campaigns, educational outreach, capacity-building workshops, and the promotion of community-based adaptation and mitigation projects on clean air and environmentally friendly.

ANOCAEAI works closely with diverse stakeholders—ranging from youth, women, and rural communities to policymakers and international partners—to ensure that climate action, clean air are inclusive and locally relevant. ANOCAEAI’s work aligns strongly with the goals of leading African climate networks and continental strategies. These goals emphasise building resilience to climate impacts, harmonising climate strategies, achieving clean air, promoting effective institutional capacities, and fostering inclusive participation in climate governance.

ANOCAEAI is looking out for partners, collaborators and funding organisations to carry out innovative and pertinent research on air quality in Nigeria.

The Air Quality Monitoring Research Group (AQMRG) was established in 2016 in the University of Lagos, Nigeria, under the leadership of Dr. Rose Alani, an Associate Professor of Environmental/Analytical Chemistry, to bridge air quality data gaps in Nigeria through multidisciplinary research and innovation.

Our vision is to become the leading hub of air quality data and source apportionment in Nigeria. Our mission is to generate actionable air quality data through collaboration, technology, and Science-based evidence.

Seven million people die every year due to air pollution. Monitoring air quality enables people worldwide to better protect themselves.

AirGradient is on a mission to bring accurate and affordable air quality monitoring to every corner of the planet, and is supported by a community of more than 30,000 engaged citizens who have already deployed an AirGradient monitor.

To maximise impact, we have completely open-sourced and shared our monitor design so that others can build upon it.

Visit https://www.airgradient.com/ for more information.

AirQo is an air quality research initiative based in the College of Computing and Information Sciences, Makerere University. The objective of the AirQo project is to contribute to the improvement of urban air quality by developing low-cost technologies as new approaches for air quality monitoring in African cities while applying artificial intelligence (AI) to derive insights and to engage decision makers and communities to inform mitigation actions.

AirQo has championed new Africa-led approaches to air quality management for African cities and resource-strained environments through:

1. Custom design, development and deployment of an extensive network of low-cost monitoring devices in African cities.
2. Data management, calibration, analysis, forecasting and modelling using Internet of Things and machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies.
3. Education, awareness, and policy engagements through partnerships with government agencies, city authorities and communities.

Dennis Osadebay University (DOU) aims to empower future generations through excellence in teaching, research, and innovation, with a strong focus on environmental management and sustainability. The university emphasises strengthening research capabilities, developing high-level manpower, and fostering community engagement through outreach and impact-driven environmental studies.

It prioritises modern infrastructure and technology to enhance teaching and research, particularly in environmental sciences, policy, and toxicology. The atmospheric and Environmental Sciences and related disciplines focus on research, including air quality and environmental health.

The Africa Clean Air Network’s goals to enhance air quality monitoring, regional capacity building, data sharing, and the development of clean air solutions closely align with DOU’s mission. Both prioritise research, capacity building, and community impact to address environmental challenges.

DOU’s emphasis on sustainability and community involvement complements the network’s collaborative approach across African cities to combat air pollution. This alignment lays a strong foundation for potential collaboration to advance air quality research and environmental health solutions in Nigeria and beyond, consistent with both DOU’s and the Africa Clean Air Network’s goals.

Boletshe Services Pty Ltd is an African-based environmental and occupational hygiene consultancy specialising in air quality monitoring, exposure assessment, and evidence-based health risk management across the mining, industrial, and community environments. In partnership with Clarity Movement Co, we are advancing access to reliable, locally relevant air quality data across Southern Africa.

Alignment with Africa Clean Air Network Goals:

1. Connecting People and Ideas:
Boletshe collaborates with mines, regulators, community forums, and technology partners to co-develop scalable clean air solutions. Through our partnership with Clarity, we integrate global sensor innovation with local expertise, enabling cross-border knowledge exchange and open, data-driven approaches.

2. Growing Data Capacity:
We deploy and maintain low-cost, real-time monitoring networks (PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, NO₂, SO₂ and meteorological parameters), supporting calibration, data validation, modelling, and interpretation. Our work strengthens institutional capacity to manage air quality data systems and aligns with national reporting platforms such as SAAQIS.

3. Raising Awareness:
Boletshe supports community engagement platforms, environmental forums, and industry stakeholders with transparent reporting dashboards, technical workshops, and public-facing summaries that translate complex air quality data into understandable insights.

4. Turning Data into Policy Change:
We provide evidence-based technical reports that inform air quality management plans, dust mitigation strategies, and compliance frameworks, enabling measurable improvements in environmental and occupational health outcomes.
Through technology integration and capacity building, Boletshe contributes to sustainable, African-led clean air solutions.

For more information, visit: https://boletsheservices.com

The Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS) established the Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Program (NCD-PCP) in 2016 to address the growing burden of NCDs in Cameroon. Guided by its vision of “Communities Free from Preventable NCDs,” the program focuses on innovative prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation interventions to promote healthy lifestyles and well-being.

Through its two main service units, the Know Your Numbers (KYN) and Diabetes, Hypertension and Obesity (D, H&O) service, the NCD-PCP has strengthened 17 major sites and expanded to 46 primary health facilities nationwide, reaching over 271269 people through awareness and screening campaigns.

The program’s five strategic pillars: Population-Based Interventions, Clinical Management, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), Research, and Advocacy drive community engagement, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration with public health stakeholders.

In alignment with the Africa Clean Air Network’s goals, the NCD-PCP connects people and ideas by partnering with government bodies, communities, and faith-based organisations to co-create scalable prevention solutions, grow data capacity and raise awareness on NCD risk factors linked to air pollution through community education, media campaigns, and commemoration of international NCD events.

These, in turn translates data into policy change used as a standardised national. With a proven record in prevention and integrated care, NCD-PCP stands as a strong partner committed to advancing cleaner air, healthier communities, and sustainable public health outcomes across Cameroon.
Visit for more information: https://cbchealthservices.org/, https://ncd.cbchealthservices.orf/

The Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development at the University of Lagos (UNILAG-CHSD) was established to provide learning and research support for evidence-based policy and practice for the housing and urban development sector in Africa. The Centre is the African Research Universities Alliance Centre of Excellence for Urbanization and Habitable cities.

Key activities include housing and urban development research, capacity building programmes, policy engagement and expert group meetings, urban regeneration and advocacy.

Under the dynamic leadership of its Director, Professor Timothy Nubi and Co-Director, Professor Taibat Lawanson, the Centre works to establish high visibility for Africa’s peculiar urbanisation issues and offer profound, workable solutions for ensuring that Africa’s urbanisation leads to generative, habitable cities rather than dysfunctional cities. As the clusters focus on specific research activities, they serve as platforms for partnering with universities and other members of the development community.

Clarity Movement is transforming how. governments, communities, industries, and businesses understand and respond to air pollution. Clarity provides the most complete, scalable air monitoring solution, with unmatched hardware, software, and expert services.

Used in more than 85 countries, Clarity’s affordable air quality measurement equipment provides continuous monitoring and accurate, calibrated data in a fully supported, worry-free environment. Our MCERTS-certified Node-S particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) monitor is solar-powered, FCC/CE certified, UV-resistant, and weatherproof, offering >99% uptime with solar power even in low light conditions. Add-On Modules available for Dust (PM10), Multi-Gas, Black Carbon, Ozone, Wind, and more.

Clarity provides sensors to various organisations and currently has sensors deployed in Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, The Gambia, and we are about to have a network of sensors deployed across Freetown in Sierra Leone. Clarity is proud to be the sensor supplier for The Breathe Accra project, where we have supplied high-quality sensors for a number of years. As well as being the sensor supplier for Breathe London and Breathe Manila.

Learn more: www.clarity.io

Clean Air Africa is a global health research partnership and unit funded by the UK’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) that researches household air pollution (HAP) and develops evidence-based policies to promote clean cooking energy in sub-Saharan Africa.

By collaborating with academic, clinical, and governmental institutions, the partnership aims to inform policy for the equitable adoption of clean cooking fuels to combat respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and climate change.

Key Aspects of Clean Air Africa
• Focus on Household Air Pollution: The initiative primarily addresses the health crisis of household air pollution caused by the burning of solid fuels like wood and kerosene, a major source of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• Policy-Informed Research: Clean Air Africa conducts high-quality research to provide data and evidence that informs policies aimed at scaling up access to clean cooking energy across the continent.
• Partnership and Collaboration: It is a partnership of experts from academic, research, and clinical institutions in the UK and various African countries, including Cameroon, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
• Air Pollution Centre of Excellence: The unit manages an Air Pollution Centre of Excellence at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in Nairobi, which houses advanced laboratory equipment for monitoring air quality.
• Broader Impacts: The initiative also addresses the social impacts of energy poverty and works to strengthen community and clinical health systems for the prevention of household air pollution.

As the world’s largest philanthropically funded organisation dedicated to tackling air pollution, we drive ambitious change from the grassroots to governments. We accelerate the clean air movement by:

• Funding and partnering with organisations across the globe that promote data, build public demand for clean air and drive action. 
• Engaging and supporting decision makers to act on clean air, and bringing together funders, researchers, policy makers, businesses and campaigners to strengthen the air quality cause. 

We work with communities disproportionately affected by air pollution. We also work where the need and potential for impact is greatest, including the EU, Ghana, India, South Africa and the UK.

We also run global programmes to raise air pollution up the international climate and health agendas. Our global themes include data, health, campaigns and private sector action.

Clean Air Initiative Cameroon (CAIC) is dedicated to building a future where every Cameroonian breathes clean air and thrives in sustainable, vibrant communities. Launched in 2022, CAIC was born out of the urgent need to tackle one of the most pressing environmental threats of our time—air pollution.

Air pollution, according to the World Health Organization, is responsible for over eight million premature deaths annually and significantly harms both the environment and human health. In cities worldwide, transport is a leading contributor to this crisis. For Cameroon, addressing air pollution means addressing climate change and ensuring a better quality of life for all citizens.

We are a small group using citizen and team science to revolutionize air quality monitoring and meaningful data communication in Africa. Our work includes the use of country/ area specific evidence to generate actionable steps for clean air solutions.

The County Government of Mombasa is on a mission to Build Resilient Adaptive City Environment (BRACE) by means of transformative adaptive initiatives that meet the needs of the current generation, while conserving the resources available for the future generation.

We are a subnational local authority that spearheads the development of policies, legislation and action plans on climate change resilience, energy and natural resources, among other sectors. We promote sustainable development through elaborate plans of infrastructure development, water supply and sanitation systems, as well as creating county natural resources infrastructure through management of county parks, forestry, artisanal mining and recreational facilities.

The city is exploring viable investment options to build climate resilience through mitigation and adaptation interventions, such as developing Greenhouse gas inventories, climate risk assessments, developing resilient infrastructure, as well as enhancing access to clean modern energy. We also aim at establishing strategic partnerships and collaboration with the national government, other county governments and development partners who play a pivotal role in initiating sustainable developments in urban centres.

Visit the official website for more information.

Taita Taveta County is located approximately 360 km southeast of Nairobi and 200 km northwest of Mombasa, and is a port and major gateway to the United Republic of Tanzania through Taveta town. The county, whose headquarters are situated in Mwatate sub-county, is one of the six counties in the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani(JKP) regional economic bloc. The major towns in the County include Voi, Taveta, Mwatate and Wundanyi.

Management of air quality and air pollution is a devolved function, and the County is tasked with ensuring good air quality and controlling pollution within its jurisdiction.

Crafted Climate is a Ghana-based climate technology startup leveraging Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, and AI to advance environmental monitoring, climate resilience, and sustainable urban living across Africa. Our work focuses on democratizing access to real-time air quality, soil, and environmental data through affordable, locally assembled sensor systems such as CrowdSense Env and CrowdSense Terra.

These devices monitor parameters like PM2.5, PM10, CO₂, humidity, and temperature, empowering communities, schools, and policymakers with actionable insights to address pollution and improve public health outcomes.

By integrating low-cost IoT sensors with cloud dashboards and mobile tools, Crafted Climate helps local governments and research institutions build data-driven strategies for air quality management and urban planning. Our approach directly supports the Africa Clean Air Network’s mission to strengthen collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advocacy for cleaner, healthier air across the continent.

Beyond technology, we engage youth through STEM education programs, community hackathons, and the Tech on Wheels outreach initiative, nurturing the next generation of African climate innovators. Through partnerships with universities, civic organisations, and global accelerators, including the UNICEF StartUp Lab and Microsoft Founders Hub, we are scaling impact toward sustainable and equitable environmental stewardship.

Website: https://craftedclimate.org

The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) is responsible for protecting the nation’s territorial integrity across land, air, and sea. The Defence Medical Services (DMS), through 34 Military Hospital, plays a vital role in national public health, working closely with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and supporting national health studies such as the Sierra Leone Demographic Health Survey and Medical Indicator Cluster Survey.

DMS provides military and civilian healthcare, and also contributes significantly to the country’s health infrastructure by offering technical support and collaborations with the Sierra Leone National Public Health Agency (NPHA). Similarly, we maintain strong partnerships with the University of Sierra Leone through our accredited Armed Forces Training College.

DMS has a strong presence, with a 600-bed referral hospital and establishments in all 16 districts across Sierra Leone and plays a key role in improving air quality and public health through:
1. Growing Data Capacity: We provide secure, nationwide sites for air quality monitoring, filling critical data gaps and validating satellite models.
2. Turning Data into Policy: Our integration with MoH and the NPHA enables us to convert air quality and health data into national policy and intervention programs.
3. Raising Awareness: Our outreach programs and district presence foster nationwide public engagement on air quality.
4. Connecting People and Ideas: We bring together military, civilian sectors, and international partners to develop scalable, context-specific solutions.

Partnering with DMS will institutionalise air quality monitoring in Sierra Leone, creating a sustainable, government-integrated hub for data, research, and policy advocacy across West Africa.

The University of Lagos (www.unilag.edu.ng) was established over six decades ago (1962). The University of Lagos (Unilag) has been a beacon of qualitative and research-oriented education for thousands of knowledge seekers who come to its domain from Nigeria and abroad.

The University is a research-intensive one with a passion for knowledge creation. Unilag has over 65,000 Undergraduate and Postgraduate students across Faculties and Programmes. UNILAG’s vibrant community sprouts from a fountain of distinction, which produces top-tier graduates and academia whose impactful contributions continue to shape Nigeria’s growth and development.

Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), formerly University of Malawi, The Polytechnic, is a public institution located in Blantyre City, Malawi. The University has 5 schools, of which one is the School of Science and Technology. Under the school of Science and Technology is the Department of Physics and Biochemical Sciences (PBS). PBS has championed the monitoring of air quality in Malawi.

At the moment, with funding from the University of Chicago’s Epic Air Quality Fund, members of the PBS Department are monitoring air quality across 5 districts in Malawi. Led by Dr Chikumbusko Kaonga as the Team Leader on this project (whose members are known as ‘MUBAS Air Quality Group’), the members have also collaborated with the Government of Malawi through the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) to allow them to use data generated in the Epic Fund Project for their weekly Air Quality Bulletins. The MUBAS Air Quality Group has also won an internal grant to monitor air quality in industrial areas of Malawi. The members have also published air quality-related manuscripts in internationally recognised journals.

Diamond Media is a journalism and media organisation committed to raising awareness and driving action on environmental and public health issues across Africa. With a strong focus on air quality, climate change, and sustainable development, Diamond Media leverages investigative reporting, multimedia storytelling, and community engagement to bridge the gap between science, policy, and public understanding.

The Earth Observation Research and Innovation Centre (EORIC) at the University of Energy and Natural Resources is a regional hub that turns satellite, airborne and in situ data into actionable climate and air quality intelligence to protect communities and ecosystems. Working with global partners such as UCAR, Atlas and GEONETCast alongside government and civil society organisations, EORIC co-designs research, shares data and scales solutions across West Africa.

EORIC deployed the PurpleAir low-cost sensor (currently out of service) in Sunyani to provide community-level air quality information. The centre is expanding this approach into a more resilient low-cost sensor network to improve spatial coverage and public access to near real-time data through an online portal of interactive maps, historical records and technical reports that support forecasting, planning and research. EORIC translates data into public value through early warning and outreach systems such as the Advanced Fire Information System (AFIS), which was developed to issue SMS fire alerts to farmers and communities to facilitate the reduction of smoke exposure and limit fire spread. Capacity development is central to EORIC’s mission.

The centre runs SATCOM and remote sensing training, short courses and internships to build local expertise in monitoring, modelling and data interpretation. Complementary projects such as carbon flux monitoring in forest reserves and targeted environmental assessments such as the atmospheric mercury sampling within some mining communities generate evidence that informs policy recommendations and regulatory action. By linking robust data streams, community engagement and policy outreach, EORIC delivers measurable climate and air quality outcomes, while a continued investment will enable the centre to scale monitoring networks, refine forecasts and accelerate evidence-based policies that improve health, livelihoods and resilience across the region.

Learn more: https://eoric.uenr.edu.gh/

EarthSense is a UK-based environmental technology company that develops advanced air-quality monitoring solutions to help cities, governments, and organisations better understand and manage air pollution. Our mission is to enable evidence-based decisions that improve public health, support climate action, and accelerate the transition to cleaner air.

EarthSense designs and deploys high-precision, compact monitoring systems capable of measuring multiple pollutants in real time. Our technologies combine sensor innovation, atmospheric modelling, and data analytics to deliver accurate, actionable insights for urban environments, infrastructure projects, and policy development.

Our flagship product, Zephyr®, is widely used for urban air-quality networks, research projects, and targeted pollution monitoring. EarthSense also provides data platforms and modelling tools that translate complex environmental data into clear intelligence for decision-makers.

Through partnerships with governments, NGOs, and research institutions, EarthSense supports projects focused on improving air-quality management, assessing pollution exposure, and informing sustainable urban development. EarthSense is keen to expand collaborations across Africa to support capacity building, data-driven policy development, and the deployment of scalable air-quality monitoring solutions in rapidly growing urban areas.

The Eastern Africa GEOHealth Hub is a research and training centre dedicated to environmental and occupational health in Eastern Africa. The Hub started in its Cycle I funding with a focus on Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. In the current Cycle II, the primary focus is on Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, along with expanded training partnerships in Rwanda, Ghana, and Cameroon.

Through collaborative partnership, the Hub is keen on strengthening the local capacity to conduct environmental and occupational health research.

Led by Prof Nicholas Oguge, assisted by Prof Stephen Anyango as the CO-I and Prof Augustine Afullo as the consultant and a team of dedicated field researchers, the GEOHealth Hub-UoN is focusing on household and outdoor air quality and health, as well as the Cognitive Performance Assessments Study. 

Link: https://geohealth-hub.org/about/

Our organisation has the mandate to research, develop and disseminate clean energy technologies. The Energy and Air Quality Research Group ( EAR-G) is dedicated to measuring and assessing the emission of pollutants from energy systems, monitoring air quality, and generating air quality data to help inform policy direction for improving air quality by adopting clean energy systems. Air quality data is also necessary for environmental impact assessment of energy systems. We monitor air quality data to understand the contributions of energy systems to poor health and climate change.

Currently, we have installed one air quality station at our institute. We intend to install a network of air quality stations (low-cost sensors) to monitor ambient air quality across urban areas in Southeast to understand how mobility impacts air quality in the region. This will bridge the air quality data gap in at least the Southeast and support policy direction for reducing air pollution in the region.

We are also interested in indoor air quality. We have monitored air quality in classrooms, kitchens, and hospitals in Nsukka, Nigeria. Our results are frightening, and we need to obtain more data for a more robust interpretation of the situation.

The Environmental Health Research Unit is a branch of the Viral Hepatitis and Health Communication Research Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Yaoundé I. The activities of this research unit include organising scientific days on environmental health within the Faculty, sponsoring the Faculty’s Eco Health club, supervising students on topics related to environmental health, and conducting research projects.

Two sessions of scientific days on environmental health were organised in 2023 and 2024. There are also activities aimed at preserving the environment, such as planting trees, participating in challenges on air pollution in schools, organising scientific forums and walks to raise awareness about air pollution.

EPA’s mandate includes carrying out environmental quality monitoring to develop a database for policy formulation and implementation; prescription of environmental quality standards and guidelines relating to pollution to environmental media, including air. Others include promoting research, carrying out surveys, studies, analysis and disseminating information for the improvement of the environment and also creating awareness on environmental issues.

As part of the measures, an environmental quality department has been established to conduct environmental quality monitoring. A number of air quality monitoring networks have also been established to generate air quality data, which is stored in a database. The networks are to be extended to towns and cities in the country.

Air quality data generated in the past was used to develop air quality guidelines, which were later converted to standards. Subsequent data generated will be useful in the periodic revision of the standard.

Approaches to address pollution issues include the application of the environmental impact assessment tool and the issuance of environmental permits to various undertakings to ensure emissions and discharges are controlled/mitigated, the development of air quality standards and regulations, and guidelines for specific activities. An Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) has been developed to collaborate with various stakeholders to address air pollution in the Greater Accra Region. An air quality dashboard has been created to give access to air quality data to drive action towards clean air. The Authority collaborates with both local and international partners on air quality management.

Awareness creation sessions are organised for targeted groups such as schools, religious organisations and the general public using various media channels.

The Evidence Use in Environmental Policymaking in Nigeria (EUEPiN) provides a platform for capacity building and engagement for evidence-informed decision making (EIDM) and its implementation. 

The EUEPiN since its inception in 2020 has achieved its objectives and set up institutionalised initiatives such as the EESKT-TCEBCEM Research Cluster at the University of Lagos, Knowledge Translation Units at the three environmental regulatory institutions (FMENV, LSMOEWR and FMSTI), Community of Practice (EIDM Champions), Secondment Programme (6 Awardees funded so far), Technical Working Groups (6 established so far), Capacity Building Workshops, Online Presence (X, LinkedIn, YouTube, Website), among other achievements.

The Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology (FCFMT), located in Lagos, Nigeria, is a federal institution committed to advancing education and research in environmental, oceanography, and marine sciences and technology. Within the department, our academic and research efforts focus, among others, on atmospheric physics, space weather, air quality, aerosol science, and land–atmosphere interactions, critical to addressing air pollution and climate challenges in heavily polluted cities like Lagos and the wider West Africa.

Our work aligns with the Africa Clean Air Network by actively connecting people and ideas through interdisciplinary collaborations and student-led research. We hope to contribute to growing data capacity by integrating low-cost sensors, GPS-based remote sensing, and AI-driven tools for monitoring particulate matter and atmospheric changes.

Through teaching, public outreach, and scientific communication, we are committed to raising awareness on clean air and environmental sustainability. Additionally, we support the use of data in informing policy through publications, student projects, and partnerships with local stakeholders.

Our goal is to foster a new generation of scientists and technicians equipped to co-create scalable, data-driven solutions for clean air in Africa.

For more information, visit this website.

Fort Portal City Council (FPCC) is a dynamic local government institution committed to sustainable urban development, environmental health, and inclusive public service delivery in western Uganda. As Uganda’s designated Tourism City, FPCC recognises that air quality directly affects public health, ecological resilience, and the city’s economic potential, particularly in tourism, agriculture, and education.

Our work aligns strongly with the Africa Clean Air Network’s mission to bridge science, policy, and community action. Through smart city initiatives, FPCC is rolling out geospatial data mapping, waste-to-energy pilot projects, vehicle emissions tracking, and stakeholder education on air pollution. In collaboration with institutions like Makerere AirQo, we are exploring low-cost sensor deployment and data visualisation tools to monitor and inform citywide clean air strategies.

FPCC’s participation in this network reflects our belief that inter-city cooperation and data-driven policymaking are key to achieving the SDGs and Uganda’s Vision 2040.

Gulu City owes its origin to the effects of the colonial era, the East African railway line, and the presence of missionaries. Gulu City was declared a township in 1906 and assumed the role of facilitating communication between settlers, as well as the exchange and transhipment of agricultural produce from the northern Uganda region. Gulu became a Town Council in 1974 under the Urban Authorities Act of 1964, which was subsequently repealed. It then became a Municipality in 1977, covering an area of 56 km². It was among the very first municipalities in this Country.

Gulu City was established through an Act of Parliament and became operational on 1 July 2020, covering an area of 256 km². The administrative organisation of Gulu City is based on the already well-established Local Council (LC) Government model.

The city is urbanising rapidly and is emerging as the economic hub for Northern Uganda, poised to become the regional centre for economic growth and socio-economic transformation in the sub-region. These prospects make Gulu City an attractive destination for investment, innovation, and thereby job creation.

The realisation of this potential, however, will largely depend on the city’s commitment to adopting pragmatic approaches and strategies for addressing its multifaceted development challenges, including deteriorating air quality. The successful formulation of the Development Plan is not only a good sign of things to come, but also a significant step in our quest to develop our city to address not only the basic needs of residents (i.e., clean water, electricity, solid waste disposal, drainage, basic infrastructure & housing, roads etc.), but also the aspirations of new Cities in the 21st Century.

The Health Effects Institute (HEI) is a nonprofit corporation chartered in 1980 that provides high-quality, impartial, and trusted relevant science on the health effects of air pollution. HEI’s Global Health program provides science to improve understanding of the health effects of air pollution, build local evidence, and strengthen scientific capacity and public awareness.

The program works in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where the public health impacts of air pollution are the most profound and the need for solutions the greatest. The program works both globally and in geographical areas of interest.

Learn more: https://www.stateofglobalair.org; https://www.healtheffects.org

Based at the University of Yaoundé I, the Health of Populations in Transition (HoPiT) Research Group studies the specificities of non-communicable diseases in African populations undergoing rapid urbanisation, where health, environment and societal transitions converge.

The HoPiT research group is a multi-disciplinary team that has been championing diabetes and non-communicable diseases research in Cameroon, as a model for sub-Saharan Africa. The group comprises cardiologists, Endocrinologists, Epidemiologists, Public Health Physicians, Biostatisticians, Medical Anthropologists, and Biomedical Scientists with a track record in research on diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.

The Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, oversees public health, environmental protection and related services in the territory. Its Public Health Department manages disease control, environmental health, community mobilisation, health promotion and surveillance while coordinating multisectoral actions to create a health-enabling environment for FCT residents.

HSES has recently shown commitment to prioritise community engagement, youth mobilisation and policy-level coordination to reduce environmental risks and household health hazards—activities that link health systems, behaviour change and local enforcement of environmental standards.

This work aligns closely with the Africa Clean Air Network (ACAN) goals: ACAN promotes pan-African partnerships, expanded air-quality monitoring, open data, capacity building and scaling of local clean-air solutions—particularly efforts to reduce household and ambient air pollution that harm public health. By strengthening surveillance, community outreach, data-driven interventions and cross-sector coordination, HSES advances the same pillars ACAN advocates (monitoring, policy, capacity and community engagement).

Visit this website for more information: www.fcta.gov.ng

HLC is exploring pathways to increase the presence of landscape architects within the humanitarian and development sector. Our multidisciplinary research network aims to exchange knowledge on nature-based solutions (NbS) to build resilience in the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Jinja City Council’s organisational work likely encompasses various initiatives that impact air quality. Here is the summary of areas in alignment with air quality goals.

• Waste management through effective waste collection and disposal to reduce emissions.
• Effective urban physical planning, i.e. energy efficient buildings, establishment of green belts and sustainable transportation.
• Environment conservation: protecting habitats and tree planting.
• Community engagement: Educating local communities about air quality, promoting health behaviour.
• Policies to decrease emissions from industrial sources and vehicles.
• Improving air quality monitoring through tracking pollution levels to inform decision-making.

Kaikai is an enabler for the digital transformation of key impact sectors in West and Francophone Africa. Based in Dakar in Sénégal, we provide technical and strategic consulting services to businesses, NGOs and government agencies. We believe in human-centred, sustainable projects and technology. Please visit www.kaikai.dev for more information.

In Senegal, we are currently installing 60+ low-cost connected air quality monitors from Air Gradient. We are combining the installation process with a capacity development program through a hackathon and sensitisation activities. We are willing to share our learnings and exchange with other organisations working in the area of air quality and the environment in general.

The KCCA is a body corporate mandated to run the capital city on behalf of the central government. It is in charge of service delivery in the system, including making the city vibrant, attractive and sustainable as per the mission and vision.

Through regulating development, managing transportation and traffic flow, road infrastructure, awareness raising and community engagements, policy formulation and enforcement for air quality in the city, we ensure that air pollution is controlled and air quality improves.

Kisumu City has taken proactive steps to align with the global effort in raising awareness about air quality by integrating education, evidence-informed advocacy, and community engagement through partnerships with local universities, NGOs, and international organisations. Kisumu promotes environmental education in schools and communities, empowering citizens—especially youths and women —with knowledge about the health impacts of air pollution. The city has also invested in data-driven approaches using low-cost air quality monitoring sensors to collect real-time data.

This evidence is shared publicly to inform policy and drive advocacy, ensuring that decisions are based on reliable scientific information. Community engagement plays a central role with forums, clean-up drives, tree planting, and awareness campaigns, encouraging residents to take ownership of their environment. Kisumu’s efforts in environmental health. By embedding air quality into public discourse and policy through education and engagement, Kisumu is setting a model for other mid-sized African cities to follow in addressing the urgent challenges of air pollution

LAMATA addresses Lagos’ air pollution by developing and deploying a network of 40 low-cost air quality monitoring units, strategically placed across key urban locations and public transportation corridors within LAMATA’s 632KM declared road network (DRN). The units focus on high-traffic areas identified by the Lagos State Transport Policy.

The initiative supports Lagos’ goal of becoming a zero-carbon city by 2050, as outlined in the Lagos Climate Action Plan, and aligns with the Lagos Resilience Strategy’s objectives to enhance urban resilience through improved environmental monitoring and sustainable transport systems.

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) was established on November 1, 1996, under the LASEPA Edict No. 9 of 1996 (now Environment Management Protection Law 2017 Part VI).

The main thrust of the Agency is to protect and improve the environment, assist public and private organisations, industries, businesses, and non-governmental organisations in achieving compliance, and provide environmentally friendly solutions to varied environmental challenges in the State.

The Agency is a parastatal of the State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MOE & WR) and carries out its statutory functions through various Departments/ Units of the Agency.

The functions of LASEPA impact the activities of industries, commercial services, public and private sectors, communities, and the environment at large.

“Aerosols and Pollution” research team within the LASMES is led by Professor YOBOUE Veronique. The research team aims to understand and model the dynamic, physical, and chemical processes of the atmosphere that impact population well-being, climate, human and ecosystem health, based on observation data.

To achieve this objective, the research team is organised around four main areas of expertise, namely:

• Area 1: Observation of air pollution phenomena, more specifically aerosols (atmospheric dust) PM1, PM2.5 and PM10; gaseous pollutants (O3, NO2, HNO3, NH3, SO2, VOCs ); rainwater chemistry (pH, conductivity, Cl–, NO3–, SO42-, HCO3–, CO32-, Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, HCOO–, CH3COO–, C2H5CO–).
• Area 2: Development of emission inventories at local, regional and global scales; City-wide emission inventories; Development of Emission Factors.
• Area 3: Modelling chemical composition of the atmosphere and deposition of nitrogen and acid compounds; Air quality forecast.
• Area 4: Assessment of air pollution impacts and mitigation development of reference and mitigation scenarios for climate, ecosystems and human health.

In terms of human resources, this research team currently accounts for about twenty (20) researchers, including PhD students. Various specialists with expertise in skills and activities are structured into the above four main areas.

Makerere University Lung Institute (MLI) is a centre of excellence in lung health research, training and care in Uganda and the African region. Established in 2015, MLI aims to address the growing burden of lung diseases through high-quality lung health research that integrates disease prevention, clinical care and training in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our research products are key to informing policies and practices.

MLI also provides comprehensive lung health care services, including acute and long-term management of a wide variety of respiratory diseases such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Post-TB Lung Disease. The Institute runs specialised lung health clinics, conducts outreach services, and trains health workers to strengthen respiratory care at all levels of the health system for both adults and children.

MLI’s mission directly aligns with the Africa Clean Air Network’s mission of supporting clean air efforts across Africa through research, raising public awareness, and advocacy for cleaner, healthier environments.

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture is a premier institution dedicated to agricultural excellence, environmental sustainability and rural development. Through the College of Natural Resource and Environmental Management(CNREM), the university conducts vital research into ecosystem restoration, environmental toxicology, and pollution control.

MOUAU aligns with the African Clean Air Network(AfriCAN) through its rigorous focus on Atmospheric and Environmental physics. The university contributes to the network goals through: Climate change research-Through its Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, the university studies the intersection of air pollution, public health and agricultural productivity.

Air quality monitoring: MOUAU researchers actively monitor particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions to provide evidence-based data for the Niger Delta and Southeastern region.

Community outreach: Through its extensive agricultural service, MOUAU has the infrastructure to translate AfriCAN’s research into practical intervention for farmers and rural communities, promoting practices that promote both crop yield and air pollution.
Learn more: https://mouau.edu.ng/

The Ministry of Works and Transport, Uganda, is committed to improving air quality and sustainable transport through progressive regulations and policies. Uganda has a Non-Motorised Transport Policy to enhance the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Mandatory motor vehicle inspections, including emissions testing, are being reinstated, and legislation has been enacted to regulate garage operations.

The government is also investing in mass transit infrastructure, including constructing the Standard Gauge Railway and rehabilitating the Meter Gauge Railway for cargo and passenger use. Along with other concerted efforts, continuous sensitisation campaigns, evidence-informed studies and community engagement, these efforts aim to reduce emissions, ease congestion, and promote inclusive, low-carbon urban mobility.

Miri Africa is transforming how the continent responds to climate change by closing Africa’s environmental data gap. Most regions in Africa lack reliable, localised climate data—making it difficult for governments, businesses, and researchers to act decisively. Existing datasets are often outdated, incomplete, or based on limited satellite estimates without ground verification. This gap hampers the development of effective climate policies, forecasting tools, and AI models.

To solve this, Miri Africa deploys a network of low-cost, solar-powered air and weather stations—offering real-time, ground-level insights across the continent. Their devices measure everything from PM2.5 and NO₂ to soil moisture, rainfall, and wind direction. All data is fed into a powerful, cloud-based platform with intuitive analytics, smart alerts, and forecasting capabilities.

With Africa’s largest in-situ sensor network and an API combining 50 years of data, Miri Africa enables AI-powered insights, supports carbon credit validation, and offers SaaS climate solutions tailored to the continent’s unique challenges. It’s not just a tech company—it’s building Africa’s definitive environmental data infrastructure to power resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth in the face of climate volatility.

Visit this website for more information: miri.africa

Mount Elgon Conservation and Heritage Initiative (MECHI) main objective is to conserve the ecosystem of Mount Elgon and combat the effects of climate change. Air pollution is one of the contributors to the effects of climate change, especially as it contributes to health problems in human beings. MECHI is therefore here to combat such challenges through advocacy and awareness, and to ensure the right policy is put in place to control the emissions of air.

For more information: www.mtelgonconservation.org

The National Public Transport Alliance (NAPTA) is a national nonprofit organisation dedicated to transforming Kenya’s public transport sector through research, advocacy, innovation, training, and investment. NAPTA envisions a transport system that is safe, efficient, equitable, and environmentally sustainable. Over the past year, NAPTA has actively engaged in the air quality space through the Breathe Cities Initiative, working with partners to champion behavioural change among transport operators and advocate for cleaner mobility solutions.

NAPTA’s approach combines community-level engagement with policy advocacy. Through targeted community workshops, NAPTA has reached over 100 public transport operators, facilitating discussions on the impacts of vehicular emissions and fostering commitments toward transitioning to cleaner transport options. These efforts support the broader objective of reducing air pollution and improving public health in urban areas.

At the policy level, NAPTA is a member of the Nairobi Air Quality Working Group, a multi-sectoral platform that brings together key actors in Nairobi’s air quality ecosystem. Through this forum, NAPTA contributes to shaping city-wide strategies and regulations aimed at reducing transport-related emissions.

NAPTA’s work directly aligns with network goals of promoting clean air, reducing emissions, and fostering collaborative action among stakeholders. By bridging grassroots mobilisation with high-level advocacy, NAPTA supports evidence-based interventions and policy reforms that advance sustainable mobility and cleaner urban environments.

Website: www.napta.or.ke

Togo Air Quality Project (PQAT) is an initiative of the Ministry of the Environment and Forestry Resources of Togo, through the National Agency for Environment Management, with the technical support of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).

In its first phase, the project targets 11 cities (Lomé, Aného, Tsévié, Tabligbo, Notsé, Kpalimé, Atakpamé, Sokodé, Kara, Mango et Dapaong) in Togo over a period of 5 years (2023-2027). It is fully funded by the Government so far.

The main objective is to contribute to improving air quality in Togo, for environment and human health preservation, through, among other actions, permanent monitoring of air quality, information and education of stakeholders that to promoting preventive actions.

The NEA is an environmental regulatory body. The Agency is using Low Air Quality Sensors to measure key parameters like PM2.5 and PM10. The Agency is partnering with stakeholders in the implementation and analysis of the data generated, and to find solutions to the air quality problems. The project needs to be expanded through capacity building, which is limited at NEA.

The Agency has been raising public awareness the public in different forums of engagement, and educating them on the state of the air quality. With sufficient data, air policy and regulation can be developed; although, the Agency have incorporated parts of the air quality regulation into the newly drafted “Environmental Quality Standard Regulation 2025”.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is Uganda’s principal agency, mandated to coordinate, monitor, regulate, and supervise all environmental activities to ensure sustainable development and protection of natural resources. As a key policy body, NEMA launched Uganda’s first National Air Quality Regulations in 2024 to strengthen compliance and set standards for cleaner air.

Through collaboration with AirQo, NEMA utilizes low-cost air quality monitors deployed nationwide to generate real-time data. The data obtained is utilized to inform the State of the Environment Reports, helps study air quality trends in various locations, guides inspections and monitoring, and is used in decision-making. NEMA aspires to improve evidence-based policy development through strengthening continuous monitoring capacity and public awareness.

By being part of the Africa Clean Air Network, NEMA seeks to share experiences, learn best practices, and contribute to regional knowledge exchange. This engagement will help Uganda tackle cross-border air pollution challenges, enhance its regulatory framework, and build partnerships that advance sustainable, healthy environments for all.

OpenAQ’s mission is to provide universal access to air quality data so that a global community of changemakers has unfettered access to the data they need to solve air inequality. We aggregate and harmonise disparate air quality data from sources around the world (including Africa), hosting the data on a first-of-its-kind free and open-source data platform.

Researchers, community advocates, journalists and many others use this data to analyse and communicate air quality and to develop and advocate for clean air and climate solutions. Our ultimate vision is a world where everyone breathes healthy air, enabled by universal access to data.

In addition, we:
1. Equip changemakers with tools and training to access, understand and use data on the OpenAQ platform. We have held several trainings for organisations in Africa.
2. Run an annual Clean Air Community Ambassador program for young professionals in LMICs. Individuals from Cameroon, Gambia, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda have participated.
3. Advocate for more monitoring and for transparent, publicly accessible air quality data (especially where people are most vulnerable). Our 2024 assessment of government-level monitoring found that the national governments of 54 African countries are not generating air quality data regularly, representing a combined population of 578 million.

The above work aligns with all four of the Africa Clean Air Network’s goals, particularly growing data capacity.

Permian Health Lung Institute in The Gambia is committed to advancing lung health through innovative clinical care, research, education, and advocacy, while actively addressing air pollution in local communities through our Clean Air Initiative.

Population and Development Initiative (PDI) is a Tanzanian civil society organisation working at the intersection of natural resource governance, environmental justice, public health, and sustainable development. PDI’s work on responsible mining is grounded in the principle that mineral extraction must contribute to inclusive development while safeguarding human health, ecosystems, and community livelihoods.

The organisation prioritises mining-affected regions and industrial corridors where environmental pollution—particularly air pollution—poses significant risks to communities.

Promotion of Responsible Mining Practices

• PDI actively advocates for responsible mining practices that align with national legislation, international best practice, and emerging global standards such as the IRMA Standard, GISTM, and OECD Due Diligence Guidance.
• The organisation emphasises transparency, accountability, and community participation across the mining lifecycle, from exploration and operation to closure and post-mining land use.
• PDI supports the integration of environmental and social risk management into mining governance, with particular attention to pollution prevention and control.

Environmental Pollution Awareness and Advocacy
A core pillar of PDI’s work is raising awareness of environmental pollution associated with mining and industrial activities, including air pollution, water contamination, soil degradation, and noise pollution. PDI highlights air pollution risks arising from dust emissions, blasting activities, heavy machinery, mineral processing, smelting, and transportation of ores in mining areas.
The organisation also addresses emissions from factories and processing plants located near residential areas, emphasising cumulative pollution impacts.

Focus on Air Pollution and Public Health
PDI links air pollution from mining and factories to public health outcomes such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and increased vulnerability among children, women, and the elderly.
The organisation conducts community sensitisation on the health implications of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), toxic gases, and prolonged exposure to industrial emissions.
PDI advocates for improved air quality monitoring, public disclosure of emission data, and enforcement of national air quality standards.

Community Engagement and Empowerment
PDI works closely with mining-affected communities to build awareness of environmental rights, pollution risks, and available grievance and remedy mechanisms.
The organisation facilitates community dialogues, public forums, and training sessions to strengthen local capacity to engage mining companies and regulators on pollution-related concerns.
PDI promotes the meaningful participation of women, youth, and marginalised groups in environmental decision-making processes.

Research and Evidence-Based Advocacy
PDI undertakes research and action research on responsible mining, environmental pollution, and community exposure to industrial emissions.
Research outputs are used to document pollution pathways, identify governance gaps, and generate evidence for policy advocacy at local, national, and regional levels.
PDI collaborates with academic institutions, environmental experts, and policy think tanks to strengthen the credibility and impact of its findings.

Policy Engagement and Regulatory Reform
The organisation engages government institutions, including environmental regulators and local authorities, to advocate for stronger enforcement of environmental and air pollution regulations.
PDI contributes to policy dialogues on mining governance, environmental impact assessment (EIA), and pollution control frameworks.
The organisation calls for integration of health and air quality considerations into mining licenses, environmental permits, and compliance monitoring systems.

Corporate Accountability and Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
PDI engages mining companies and industrial operators to promote responsible environmental management and adoption of cleaner technologies.
The organisation encourages companies to implement dust suppression measures, emission controls, occupational health safeguards, and transparent reporting on pollution performance.
PDI participates in multi-stakeholder platforms that bring together government, industry, communities, and civil society to address environmental pollution challenges collaboratively.

Awareness Raising and Public Communication
PDI uses media engagement, policy briefs, community materials, and public campaigns to increase awareness of environmental pollution in mining and factory settings.
The organisation translates technical environmental and air quality information into accessible formats for communities and decision-makers.
Public communication efforts aim to foster informed public debate on the trade-offs between mineral development, industrial growth, and environmental health.

Linkages to Sustainable Development and Climate Goals
PDI situates its work within broader national and global agendas, including Tanzania’s development plans, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and climate commitments.
The organisation emphasises that controlling air pollution and promoting responsible mining contribute directly to SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
PDI advocates for a just transition approach that balances economic benefits from mining with environmental protection and community well-being.

Overall Impact and Value Addition
Through advocacy, research, community engagement, and policy dialogue, PDI has positioned itself as a credible voice on responsible mining and environmental pollution in Tanzania. The organisation’s work strengthens accountability in the mining and industrial sectors while amplifying the voices of pollution-affected communities.

PDI’s integrated approach contributes to improved awareness, better governance, and long-term pathways toward environmentally responsible and socially inclusive mineral development in Tanzania.

Pristine Sustainable Ecosystems was established with a unique focus on nurturing young environmentalists to pursue their passion in contributing to a clean, healthy environment as a foundation of an inclusive quality of life for all.

We connect emerging environmental experts with opportunities for research, education, professional networking and service learning to create awareness on environmental, climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss challenges and related remedial measures. Our inter-phasing of research-policy and practice nexus enables our impact to span the needs of local communities, youth, governments and regional and international actions.

Visit https://pristine.africa for more information.

Project Save the Planet is an organisation based in Nigeria that provides educational information to the public about environmental issues and raises the level of environmental sustainability consciousness among the younger generation.

We proudly shine a spotlight on the incredible work undertaken by Project Save The Planet. Our unwavering commitment to environmental education and sustainability has yielded remarkable results, showcasing what can be achieved through dedication and ingenuity.

Project Save The Planet is on a mission to transform our environmental landscape by raising awareness, particularly among the younger generation, through the persuasive mediums of music, art, and creative sensitisation. Our innovative approach has led to numerous impactful initiatives, and today, we celebrate our accomplishments.

One of our standout achievements is the “PROJECT SAVE THE PLANET SCHOOL TOUR.” This campaign has taken us across major cities in Nigeria, where we have educated and inspired young minds on the importance of environmental conservation. Notably, our collaboration with the Lagos State Primary Education Board led to approval for visits to up to 15 primary schools in the state, commencing in November 2019. Through this tour, Project Save The Planet has effectively demonstrated that every individual and group can contribute to saving our world through simple, everyday actions. This campaign encompasses actions such as conserving energy, tree planting, water conservation, waste reduction, recycling advocacy, and promoting responsible vehicle and machinery use.

Other projects include;
– Lagos State Environmental Bees Club Anthem production.
– Save The Planet theme song production (2017)
– Lagos State Ministry of Environment sensitisation campaign partnership. ( 2019 till date)
– ‘Street in dispair’ movie ; (A film on environmental sustainability). In view.
– Project Save the Planet  & CMA-CGM Tree planting event (2023
– Various clean-up campaigns.
– Webinars on environmental sensitisation campaigns and many more

Qualibreeze is an organisation working for the improvement of air quality in communities in Africa. Our team consists of independent researchers who are involved in identifying the underlying challenges that cause air pollution in our communities and driving initiatives that help to reduce the pollution and improve air quality in communities.

We have recently launched the school air monitor project. This initiative is to promote and encourage children to understand the importance of clean air and to help drive the message to their respective homes. As the project involves installing air monitors in schools to also help individuals and policy makers understand the level of pollution and data to drive decision making. We have embarked on this project as we will be installing our first 3 monitors in various schools in Kasoa, Ghana, in approximately next month.

Also, we have the community awareness campaign, which will involve advocacy among stakeholders in the community. This drive will be carried out in conjunction with religious organisations where we intend to reach people to teach them about the importance of clean air to their health and the consequences of engaging in acts that cause pollution and how to manage their waste appropriately which we are also setting up a business model for plastic for cash initiatives to empower and encourage community to segregate their waste.

We have embarked on this project although it is in its early days, but we are hopeful as we are building both local and international collaboration and engaging relevant stakeholders to drive QualiBreeze’s vision for a clean air, a healthier environment and a sustainable future for all.

And we are happy to join the African Clean Air network as a partner, as we believe that collaboration is a key factor to building long-lasting impacts, and we look forward to becoming a key partner with the African Clean Air network.

KNMI plays a leading role in the interpretation and application of satellite measurements of air pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), using instruments such as TROPOMI. TROPOMI provides daily global coverage and enables continent-wide monitoring of air pollution from space. However, satellite instruments measure NO₂ throughout the entire atmospheric column, rather than at ground level where human exposure occurs. To translate satellite observations into meaningful information for public health and policy, ground-based measurements are essential.

Palmes diffusion tubes offer a low-cost, low-tech solution for measuring NO₂ directly at street level. These simple devices require no electricity or complex infrastructure and collect ambient NO₂ through molecular diffusion over a typical exposure period of about four weeks, after which they are analysed in a laboratory. When combined with satellite data, Palmes tube measurements enable the creation of detailed air quality maps and improve understanding of pollution patterns, including in regions with limited monitoring resources. Despite their effectiveness and affordability, Palmes tubes have been rarely used in Africa, largely because preparation and analysis traditionally required laboratories located outside the continent.

To overcome this barrier, KNMI initiated the establishment of a local Palmes tube laboratory in Kumasi, Ghana, in 2025. This effort brought together scientists from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), KNMI, and Delft University of Technology, resulting in Africa’s first facility capable of locally preparing and analysing diffusion tubes. Since March 2025, monthly measurements have been conducted across a fixed urban network in Kumasi.

The project has been embedded in KNUST’s chemistry curriculum, providing hands-on training for students and building local expertise. Future plans include expanding the monitoring network to schools, scaling activities across Africa, developing educational programs, and enhancing satellite-based tools to support air quality assessment even where ground data are scarce.

See how collaboration is driving impact.

SensusAir delivers cutting-edge ambient air-quality monitoring and analytics solutions tailored for Africa’s unique environments. Our platform integrates sensor networks (including particulate matter, VOCs, CO₂, temperature, humidity and pressure) with real-time data processing and anomaly detection to enable industrial, municipal and mining operations to maintain healthier workspaces, improve safety, reduce downtime and comply with evolving air-quality regulations.

We support clients in the region to shift from intermittent or manual monitoring to continuous insights, optimising performance and sustainability while reducing environmental and health risks.

By establishing dense monitoring, automated alerts and historical baseline analytics, SensusAir helps organisations unlock actionable insights that align with the network’s goals of strengthening monitoring capacity, enabling data-driven policy and empowering stakeholders.

Our work contributes directly to AfriCAN’s vision of building a pan-African community of practice, enhancing monitoring infrastructure (e.g., through sensor-bank-type programmes), and promoting evidence-based interventions across sectors. We are committed to partnering with governments, industry and civil society to support transparent, open data access and to catalyse scalable clean-air solutions throughout the continent.

For more information, visit www.sensusair.com

The Demography Project is an independent youth-led non-profit organisation that leverages civic technology, citizen science, collective action and environmental journalism towards enhancing citizen capacity to engage and participate in advancing freshwater & atmospheric resource responsibility.

Our main initiative is called Infrastracker {/ɪnfrʌstrækɝ/}. It is a portmanteau for infrastructure & tracker; it is an open-source, open-data and public domain citizen science initiative that seeks to monitor the anthropological impact of public infrastructure projects on hyperlocal communities & ecosystems through seismic/geological, atmospheric/air quality and urban habitability assessments.

Through integrating low-cost internet of things (IoT) devices and practical grassroots environmental education, Infrastracker is plugging in prevailing data gaps in the African continent for effective mitigation & remedial rights-based measures in affected urban & rural communities.

The purpose of the Forum for International Cooperation on Air Pollution (FICAP) is to promote international collaboration towards preventing and reducing air pollution to improve air quality globally. 

For more information: Forum for International Cooperation on Air Pollution

• Provide training for executives in all fields
• award degrees
• develop scientific research
• promote the results of research work
• contribute to raising the scientific, technical and cultural level of the population
• contribute to the socio-economic development of Burkina Faso
• contribute to the promotion of skills in all sectors of activity in the country
• contribute to the pedagogical training of higher education teachers
• promote institutional and scientific cooperation in training and research

• Four (4) Training and Research Units (UFR);
• one (1) higher education institution;
• three (3) institutes;
• three (3) doctoral schools;
• two (2) university centres.

Beyond stating that the air is polluted, the ERQA research team at the University of Douala, with the support of the Clean Air Forum, has undertaken a study to determine the concentrations of the main pollutants PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 that AirQo-LCS detects.

The objective of this activity is to provide decision-makers, specifically the mayors of the city of Douala (5), with evidence that air quality is poor and that, together, we must consider possible solutions. Among other things, we are considering ongoing training for city hall staff, joint awareness campaigns, and the creation of a daily air quality newscast similar to the weather forecast.

The University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), located in Sunyani, Ghana, is a public university established in 2011 to advance knowledge and innovation in energy, environmental sustainability, and natural resource management. The university is dedicated to training highly skilled professionals and conducting interdisciplinary research that addresses pressing environmental and climate-related challenges in Africa. Through its academic programmes in environmental science, atmospheric science, renewable energy, and climate change, UENR contributes significantly to evidence-based solutions for sustainable development.

UENR’s research and capacity-building efforts strongly align with the mission of the Africa Clean Air Network (AfriCAN), which seeks to strengthen collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and institutions to improve air quality across the continent. The university actively promotes research on air pollution, climate variability, environmental monitoring, and environmental health—key areas that underpin AfriCAN’s objectives. Through scientific research, stakeholder engagement, and policy-relevant knowledge generation, UENR supports the development of practical strategies for air quality management and climate resilience in Africa.

By building regional expertise, advancing atmospheric and environmental research, and fostering partnerships with national and international institutions, UENR contributes to AfriCAN’s vision of promoting clean air, protecting public health, and supporting sustainable environmental governance across Africa.

Innovation Africa, University of Pretoria is an Africa-led global initiative with a mission to health-proof the future of cities. It was founded by Prof Oni and incubated within the Innovation Africa platform of the University of Pretoria (UP).

The affiliation with Innovation Africa @UP is an opportunity to set a precedent and template for locally embedded transdisciplinary work, and in particular, in this case, for the development of evidence-informed youth-led, pan-African advocacy on clean air and healthy cities.

Most recently, this has been demonstrated through the #Cityzens4CleanAir initiative, mobilising young people across 3 cities in Africa who, as citizen scientists, generate data stories to inform and augment urban design for clean air and healthy public spaces, for which Makerere University, AirQo and the University of Lagos are formal partners.

WASARU is a DR Congo nonprofit organisation working at the intersection of urban resilience, environmental health, and community-driven data systems, with a strong focus on vulnerable urban populations in Kinshasa and other African cities. Through its integrated WASH, climate, and air-quality programming, WASARU aims to generate locally owned evidence that informs policy, strengthens institutions, and improves public health outcomes. Website: https://wasaruwash.org/

A flagship initiative is the Kinshasa Air Quality Project, implemented by WASARU in partnership with Columbia University and funded by the EPIC. The project generates high-resolution air quality data in Kinshasa using locally deployed monitoring approaches and academic collaboration, addressing a major data gap in DRC. Link: https://aqfund.epic.uchicago.edu/entities/kinshasa-air-quality-kinaq/

WASARU’s work closely aligns with the Africa Clean Air Network’s four core goals.
1. Connecting people and ideas: WASARU convenes researchers, local communities, universities, and public institutions to co-create context-specific air quality solutions and share knowledge.
2. Growing data capacity: The organisation strengthens local air quality data ecosystems through monitoring, analysis, and partnerships that leverage global scientific expertise while building local ownership.
3. Raising awareness: WASARU prioritises community engagement, public communication, and evidence-based advocacy to elevate air pollution as a public health and development issue in the DRC.
4. Turning data into policy change: By working with academic partners and public authorities, WASARU supports the translation of air quality data into actionable insights for urban planning, health protection, and climate resilience.