CLEAN-Air Forum Lagos 2024: Global experts discuss collaborations, technology and data-driven pathways to clean air in African cities

This year’s forum themed “Advancing collaborations and multi-regional partnerships for clean air actions in African cities” coincided with the adoption of the UNEA-6/10 resolution on regional cooperation for clean air, and the forum theme directly aligned with the goals and aspirations of the UNEA-6/10 resolution. The forum enabled rich discussions amongst the air quality communities of practice comprising policymakers, researchers, journalists, communities, development partners and funding agencies, on strengthening regional networks and collective action for sustained air quality interventions focused on data, awareness, citizen engagement and policy as outlined below. 

Policy landscape for data uptake
Day 1 of Clean-Air Forum, Lagos, 2024 kicked off with two pivotal sessions: the policy dialogue and the journalist-scientist dialogue, establishing a strong foundation for the week-long forum. 
The policy forum attended by over 80 policymakers from different African cities and countries was configured around 4 key objectives:
1.    Provide a platform to foster collaboration between African countries and cities to share best practices, knowledge, resources, technology, and innovation for tackling air pollution
2.    Identify avenues for enhancing capacity on data collection, and monitoring to better understand pollution sources and trends, for optimizing air quality policy decisions.
3.    Discuss strategies to improve the integration of air quality data into policy-making processes, ensuring that decisions are informed by accurate and up-to-date information.
4.    Co-create strategies for tackling sector-specific sources, and improved public awareness and engagement in air quality issues, fostering a community-driven approach for better health outcomes.

Experts discussed strategies to improve the integration of air quality data into policy-making processes, ensuring decisions are informed by accurate and up-to-date information. The policy dialogue focused on co-creating strategies for addressing sector-specific sources of pollution and improving public awareness and engagement in air quality issues, fostering a community-driven approach for better health outcomes.

While giving his welcome remarks,  Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, the General Manager, of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) noted that the forum was a powerful testament to the collective efforts and collaborations to clean air, and reiterated LASEPA’s commitments to tackling air pollution.

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(L to R) Prof. Abraham Osinubi, Dean PG School, University of Lagos, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, LASEPA General Manager, Selina Amoah, Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (Ghana EPA), Engineer Bainomugisha AirQo Lead, Martha Mugarura, Ministry of Lands, Kampala, Uganda, Abala Wanga City Manager, Kisumu City County, Albert Aheebwa Speaker, Fort Portal, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, General Manager, Ogun State EPA

The journalist-scientist dialogue took place on the sidelines of the policy dialogue. The session aimed to ensure that journalists gained a comprehensive understanding of the nature and extent of air pollution in Africa, enhancing their ability to report on its key sources, impacts, and viable solutions. It also provided an opportunity to discuss a diverse portfolio of story ideas, focusing on sources of air pollution and health impacts.

Communities of practice and participatory air quality management
The CLEAN-Air Forum Lagos was officially opened by  Dr. Tunde Ajayi, General Manager Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) on Day 2.
Different case studies of building local transdisciplinary communities of practice served as the basis for participatory air quality management. The session highlighted the critical role of community-led initiatives in raising awareness about air pollution, presenting case studies from Accra, Pakistan, Cross River State in Nigeria, and Kampala. 

Experts emphasized the necessity of data access to support evidence-based actions and advocated for using community resources, such as toolkits and impact assessments, to ensure consistent and impactful awareness efforts. 
Research from Angola, Kenya, and Cameroon demonstrated the importance of diverse methodologies, including low-cost sensors and emissions inventories, to establish continuous air quality monitoring networks across Africa, highlighting the need to close data gaps on the continent.
 

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Prof. Akin Abayomi, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Health, Lagos State Government (5L) joined the official opening of the forum

Citizen participation
This insightful session featured case studies from Accra, Pakistan, Cross River State Nigeria, and Kampala. The session aimed to underscore the critical role of community-led initiatives in raising awareness about air pollution highlighting the necessity of data access to support evidence-based actions. Panelists advocated using community resources, such as toolkits and impact assessments, to ensure consistent and impactful awareness efforts. By leveraging these resources, communities can play a pivotal role in addressing air quality challenges effectively.

Air Quality and health
This session highlighted the impact of air pollution on respiratory health in African cities, particularly examining the link between ambient air pollution and respiratory health. Panelists presented findings from studies on air quality and public health risks from pollution sources like traffic emissions in addition to current strategies to mitigate effects. 

Air quality monitoring, network design and management
This session featured ongoing research from Angola, Kenya, and Cameroon, deploying different methodologies including low-cost sensors and emissions inventory to establish continuous air quality monitoring networks across Africa. These studies underscore the importance of multiple techniques to enhance air quality monitoring to close the data gaps in the continent.

The scientific programming ended with a stocktake of participatory initiatives in different cities. The session featured Kisumu City, Accra, Yaounde with a case study from Mexico City. The session showcased progress in different cities since the Kampala forum and emphasized the importance of capacity development, and community involvement in policy development and implementation.

Digital platforms and data for action
Discussions on Day 3 showcased the milestones achieved by various countries in enhancing data access. Panelists underscored the importance of sustained monitoring with low-cost technology to overcome barriers to data access, paving the way for more comprehensive and effective air quality management across Africa.
Experts articulated insights on emerging evidence of air pollution's impact on health and economy in different African contexts including Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Yaounde, Kampala, and The Gambia, in addition to case studies outside Africa such as Mexico City and Karachi. There was convergence on the need for increased ground monitoring, particularly leveraging transformative approaches such as low-cost sensors, satellites, machine learning applications and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to close the data gaps in African cities.

The spotlight on technologies such as AirQo’s AI-powered open-source digital platforms, underscored the importance of real-time monitoring, and empowering communities with critical information about the air they breathe. This approach not only fosters transparency but also encourages informed decision-making at both the individual and policy levels.

We are privileged to have been joined by Ibrahim Auma Nyangoya CECM, Green Nairobi, Nairobi City County during the reception to launch the new interface of the AirQo Analytics, a custom digital platform facilitating access to air quality data and uptake for action against air pollution in Africa’s urban spaces.  The analytics platform provides real-time, historical and daily forecast air quality data enabling individuals, policymakers and regulated facilities to tackle air pollution-related challenges.

Sustainable funding for air quality initiatives
The grants workshop brought together 50 African research leaders and global research funding entities such as the US State Department, Health Effects Institute, and Clean Air Fund, with discussions highlighting the opportunities for unlocking barriers to research funding in Africa.
Sustainable funding enables long-term projects, capacity-building efforts, and the integration of new technologies, all of which are vital for driving the air quality agenda in the continent. The discussions highlighted the potential for collaborative efforts to attract more investment, ensuring that air quality initiatives receive the necessary resources to make a significant impact.

Closing reception highlights
Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos gave the opening remarks highlighting the commitment of the University of Lagos to fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration through working with different stakeholders and bringing together these diverse perspectives. Prof. Folasade noted that such collaborations can develop holistic and sustainable solutions to the pressing challenges posed by air pollution.

H.E Will Stevens, Consul General, US Consulate, Lagos highlighted the collaborations with local U.S Missions and commitments to advancing regional local capacity for clean air. He further outlined the benefits of working together to solve African problems and emphasized the potential to position African solutions for tackling global problems. 

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H.E Will Stevens, Consul General, US Consulate (2R), Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha, AirQo Lead (R), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos (2L) and Dr. Tunde Ajayi, General Manager, of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) looking at the status of real-time air quality in Lagos via the AirQo Analytics. 

We were honored to be joined by Jennifer R. Little John, the Ag. Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, US State Department who gave a guest keynote on the regional capacity for clean air in African cities. She highlighted the importance of effective data-driven and collaborative actions noting that addressing air pollution requires understanding the problem first through generating reliable data and making it publicly available. 

“Countries must work cooperatively to address the problem of air pollution, which, as we all know, does not respect borders. This requires building communities of practice that understand and sustain data collection, effectively apply response plans, and educate their local communities.” 

Her call to action comes against the backdrop of the recently adopted UNEA-6/10 resolution on regional cooperation for improved air quality, and the CLEAN-Air Forum advances these aspirations.
 

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Jennifer R. Little John, the Ag. Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs giving her remarks online

Reflections and way forward
The CLEAN-Air Forum Lagos underscored the critical importance of collaboration in managing air quality across African cities. As we move forward, it is essential to build on the insights and momentum generated during these discussions. By continuing to leverage technological advancements, fostering interdisciplinary research, and promoting robust policy frameworks, African cities can develop and implement sustainable solutions for cleaner air.
The next CLEAN-Air Forum should leverage this year’s commitments to further collaborations, focusing on actionable strategies and expanding collective efforts to ensure healthier urban environments across the continent.
 

Acknowledgment 
We deeply appreciate the tremendous support we received during the CLEAN-Air Forum, Lagos, 2024. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all attendees, speakers and partners whose commitment contributed to the success of this event.

On a special note the host partners: The Lagos State Government, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), US Consulate Lagos, University of Lagos, EUEPiN, Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development and UrbanBetter, among other stakeholders.

Access the CLEAN-Air Forum Lagos resources