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Designing the Road to Clean Air: Highlights from the Africa Clean Air Programme Workshop in Accra

by Climate and Clean Air Secretariat (CCAC) - 12 June, 2025

The Africa Clean Air Programme (ACAP) held a landmark Roadmap Design Workshop in Accra, Ghana on 27–28 May 2025. The two-day event marked a significant milestone in the continent’s efforts to address air pollution and climate change in a unified, science-driven, and action-oriented way.

Hosted with support from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), UNEP, SEI, and the African Union Commission, the workshop brought together government representatives from across Africa, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and technical partners to co-develop a practical roadmap that builds on the Integrated Assessment on Air Pollution and Climate Change.

In her opening remarks, Martina Otto, Head of the CCAC Secretariat, stressed the urgency of regional collaboration:

“Air pollution doesn’t stop at borders—regional collaboration is essential. With ACAP, we are finally closing the gap.”

Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, H.E. Ibrahim Murtala, emphasized the role of national leadership and peer learning:

“Ghana is proud to serve as one of the Champion Countries. This role is about leading by example, piloting solutions, and catalyzing action—not about hierarchy, but about momentum.”

Dr. Jihane El Gaouzi of the African Union Commission called for decisive action to protect public health and align efforts with Africa’s development vision:

“Our goal is clear: to improve air quality, foster healthier and more liveable cities, and support the achievement of Agenda 2063.”

Over the course of the workshop, stakeholders identified cross-cutting actions across five key sectors: transport, residential energy, waste, agriculture, and energy. Among the recommendations were:

  • Harmonizing clean fuels and vehicle standards
  • Scaling up clean cooking and electrification
  • Eliminating open waste burning by 2040
  • Promoting regenerative agriculture and solar-powered value chains
  • Mobilizing finance for clean energy access and innovation

The next phase of ACAP will focus on finalizing the roadmap, clarifying stakeholder roles, launching a communications strategy, and supporting Champion Countries and regional centers of excellence to drive implementation.  

Maintaining strong institutional anchoring is essential. That’s why upcoming platforms like AMCEN, the AUC STC, and other African Union gatherings with Member States will be critical moments to showcase progress since ACAP was first suggested in 2022.

A new benchmarking system will also be introduced to track air quality management progress and support policy integration at all levels.

As Dr. El Gaouzi noted, this is not just a workshop but a springboard for action. With shared vision and sustained collaboration, ACAP is charting a path toward cleaner air, healthier communities, and climate-resilient growth for Africa.

📸 Explore photos and videos from the event: 

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