New Push for Clean Air Financing as Pollution Levels Remain High Africa

 Air quality experts from more than 40 countries have gathered in Pretoria, South Africa, from 13th to 16th July for the Africa Clean Air Forum 2026 to discuss opportunities to increase investment in clean air solutions that can improve public health across Africa.

“It is an honour to welcome the global air quality community to the Africa Clean Air Forum here in South Africa. This year’s forum builds on the momentum of South Africa’s G20 presidency, which delivered the historic, first-ever Ministerial Declaration on air quality.

We are confident the 2026 forum will consolidate progress, showcase innovative practices and reinforce Africa’s leadership in addressing air pollution. Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Republic of South Africa

Held under the theme “Investment Case for Clean Air and Healthy Cities,” the four-day convening is expected to draw delegates from government, development partners, the private sector, media, academia, and civil society. It comes at a critical time when African countries are facing a growing air pollution burden, while funding for clean air action remains far below the scale of the challenge.

“Clean air is not only a public health imperative, but it is also an investment in sustainable development, resilient cities, and economic opportunity.

In other words, the investment in clean air in Africa is strong. The Climate and Clean Air Coalition, together with the African Union Commission, is supporting an Africa Clean Air Programme, turning evidence into action, mobilising investment, and accelerating African-led solutions that improve air quality, strengthening climate resilience, and delivering healthier lives for millions.

We are proud to partner with the Africa Clean Air Forum to provide a platform for governments, civil society, funders and researchers come together to accelerate action on clean air and super pollutants.” – Martina Otto, Head of Climate and Clean Air Coalition Secretariat, UN Environment Programme.

The health burden is also high: in 2023, the State of Global Air reported 1.2 million premature deaths, including significant impacts in newborns and children under 5 years. New analysis from the Africa Clean Air Network, completed in partnership with the Copernicus

Atmosphere Monitoring Service and State of Global Air finds that 30 countries across Africa met the least stringent WHO target for PM_2.5 in 2025. In the last decade, some countries have seen improvements in air quality, while others have seen an increase in pollution. The data offer an opportunity to establish health-protective air quality standards and undertake targeted actions to address air pollution.

This year’s Forum will focus on how governments, funders, cities, researchers and private sector actors can close this investment gap by strengthening evidence-driven clean air action, scaling practical air quality solutions, and building sustainable financing models for African cities.

 

“We are pleased to welcome everyone to Gauteng for a vibrant conversation on air quality across Africa. The Forum offers an opportunity for the exchange of ideas, learning from peers, and identifying opportunities for collaborative action.” Ewan Botha, Member of the Executive Council, Gauteng Provincial Government.

This year, African Clean Air Forum is organised by the Africa Clean Air Network in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (South Africa), Gauteng Provincial Government, the City of Tshwane, University of Pretoria, Clean Air Fund, Climate and Clean Air Coalition, Health Effects Institute, AirQo, and C40 Cities.