Clean Air & Pollution Control Forums in Africa

Nairobi Hosts Landmark Clean Air Forum to Tackle Africa’s Pollution Crisis

July 15, 2025

Nairobi, Kenya—The third annual CLEAN-Air Forum commenced today in Nairobi, uniting over 350 participants from across Africa and beyond to address the escalating air pollution crisis on the continent. Under the theme “Partnerships for Clean Air Solutions,” the forum aims to foster regional collaboration and accelerate collective action for cleaner air.

Building on the successes of previous forums in Kampala (2023) and Lagos (2024), this year’s event brings together policymakers, researchers, civil society organizations, innovators, and private sector leaders. The forum is organized by AirQo, an air quality research initiative at Makerere University, in partnership with the Nairobi City County Government, World Resources Institute (WRI) Africa, and the Health Effects Institute. (wri.org)

Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at WRI, emphasized the importance of collaboration:

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

Air pollution remains a significant public health threat in East Africa. A recent scoping review by the Health Effects Institute estimated that in 2021 alone, pollution caused approximately 294,000 deaths in the region, making it the second-highest cause of death after malnutrition. Key pollution sources include vehicle emissions and the use of biomass fuels, with limited air quality monitoring coverage exacerbating the issue. (the-star.co.ke)

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja highlighted the city’s efforts in air quality monitoring and the forum’s role in advancing these initiatives:

“Air pollution remains a major public health and environmental threat, both locally and globally. The data we have must drive inclusive and informed action.” (the-star.co.ke)

The forum’s agenda includes policy dialogues on advancing evidence-informed regulations, showcases of emerging technologies such as low-cost air quality sensors and artificial intelligence for pollution forecasting, and discussions on sustainable funding avenues and private sector-led opportunities. (wri.org)

In addition to the CLEAN-Air Forum, other significant events have taken place in Africa this year to address air pollution. In May 2025, Ghana hosted the Africa Clean Air Workshop in Accra, bringing together policymakers, scientists, and civil society organizations to explore collaborative strategies for cleaner environments. The workshop emphasized the importance of coordinated action and science-based solutions to combat air pollution. (mesti.gov.gh)

Furthermore, the National Association for Clean Air (NACA) in South Africa is preparing for its 56th Annual Conference, scheduled for October 1–3, 2025, in East London. NACA continues to promote the cause of clean air in South Africa, acting as a channel for public and industrial opinions concerning air pollution problems to be communicated to regulatory authorities. (naca.org.za)

The CLEAN-Air Forum in Nairobi serves as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and develop actionable strategies to combat air pollution across Africa. The collective efforts and commitments made during this forum are expected to drive significant progress toward cleaner air and healthier communities throughout the continent.