By Adeola Ogunlade
More than 300 experts, policymakers, and advocates from across Africa and the globe converged in Nairobi this week for the third edition of the CLEAN-Air Forum, a premier continental gathering aimed at forging strategic partnerships to combat the escalating air pollution crisis on the continent.
In her address, Wanjira Mathai, Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute (WRI) said “The CLEAN-Air Forum has become Africa’s leading platform for driving evidence, innovation, and equity in air quality. The theme is a timely reminder: no one city, country, or community can solve this crisis alone. We have to work together.”
The urgency of the clean air movement was underscored by findings from a recent report by the Health Effects Institute (HEI) titled “Health Effects of Air Pollution in East Africa.” The review estimated that air pollution caused over 294,000 deaths in the region in 2021—making it the second-highest contributor to mortality after malnutrition.
The report identifies biomass fuel and vehicular emissions as the primary culprits, worsened by poor air quality monitoring infrastructure across many African cities. Despite Nairobi’s reputation as a green capital and environmental hub, the city still has fewer than 100 publicly accessible air monitors—most of which were established through partnerships involving AirQo, Breathe Cities, UNEP, the GEOHealth Hub, and the Nairobi City County Government.
Governor Johnson Sakaja of Nairobi City County said “Air pollution remains one of the greatest environmental and health threats of our time. We must ensure that the data we collect drives inclusive and informed policies. This Forum is a powerful opportunity to unite leaders, scientists, and citizens around bold action for a cleaner future.”
Key voices from city governments across Africa called for deeper regional cooperation. Speaking at the Forum, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), highlighted the importance of a unified approach:
Ajayi said “When African cities collaborate, we not only share technical knowledge—we also amplify our influence and set shared standards. The CLEAN-Air Forum is helping to build a continental language and vision around air quality.”
Echoing the call for collective effort, Dr. Mathew Ochieng Owili, Deputy Governor of Kisumu County, Kenya, pointed out how inter-city cooperation can unlock financing and drive innovation:
“Through harmonised data and policy frameworks, African cities can attract greater investment and scale clean air initiatives faster. I hope this Forum strengthens our resolve and catalyses a united front for action.”
A major highlight of this year’s event was the revitalisation of the Africa Clean Air Network—a pan-African community of practice connecting scientists, policymakers, community leaders, and grassroots activists. Launched at the inaugural Forum in Kampala (2023), the network is fast emerging as a vital platform linking research to real-world solutions.
“Three years in, we are seeing the power of African-led partnerships,” organisers said. “The Africa Clean Air Network is now a dynamic force—bridging science and policy, raising public awareness, and shaping new legislation.”
The 2025 CLEAN-Air Forum was jointly organised by AirQo, the Health Effects Institute (HEI), and WRI Africa, in collaboration with the Nairobi City County Government. Participants included representatives from: National and local governments, universities and research institutions, health and environmental NGOs, Youth and women-led organisations, Tech startups and clean energy companies and development agencies and funding bodies
With air pollution posing a growing threat to health, climate resilience, and sustainable development across the continent, the CLEAN-Air Forum provided a vital opportunity to coordinate policies, forge new alliances, and chart a healthier, more equitable path forward for Africa.
