Cleaner air for stronger African cities
Most African cities face the twin challenge of rapid urban growth and heavy dependence on fossil fuels for transport, industry, and household energy. This contributes to dangerous levels of air pollution in African cities well above World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. 155 deaths per 100,000 people in Africa are linked to air pollution.
The African Cities for Clean Air (AC4CA) Initiative empowers African mayors to raise awareness about clean air and drive policy changes that protect public health. The initiative is part of C40’s global Air Quality Programme, connecting and supporting cities to meet air quality and climate goals in line with the targets under the C40 Clean Air Accelerator.
Building capacity, driving change
Since 2022, we’ve connected 12 African cities in a regional network for city-to-city peer-to-peer webinars to exchange knowledge on best practices and lessons learnt. We’ve helped build city staff capacity to monitor air quality, identify pollution sources, and develop clean air policies.
How we support cities:
Data collection and analysis
Cities receive affordable, bespoke tools to collect and analyse air quality data, helping them to make informed decisions grounded in evidence.
Policy development
Technical assistance helps cities develop action plans that reduce pollution, improve public health, and simultaneously address the climate crisis.
Knowledge sharing and collaboration
Regional workshops and multilingual webinars connect city staff in African cities to learn from each other and share proven strategies.
Advocacy and awareness
Support for raising awareness and advocating for equitable, data-driven clean air policies at local and national levels.
AC4CA has also provided technical assistance to five cities: Addis Ababa, Dakar, Durban (eThekwini), Johannesburg, and Lagos, helping them reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Proven results across African cities
African cities are already implementing proven clean air solutions that deliver immediate health benefits while supporting climate goals.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Developed the city’s first building energy efficiency regulation. The regulation will save 26,000 kWh per residential building annually and reduce emissions by 78,567 tCO₂e per year, while improving indoor air quality.
Dakar, Senegal
Created its first comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan to reduce 751 annual premature deaths from air pollution. The plan aims to save 600 lives and avoid CFA francs 150.6 billion in health costs by 2035.
Durban (eThekwini), South Africa
Adopted a controlled fuels policy preventing 400 deaths annually, saving USD 378 million in health costs, and reducing PM2.5 by 25% for 3.8 million residents.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Completed Africa’s first low-emission zone feasibility study, guiding the city to prioritise public transport infrastructure and electric bus investments based on evidence.
Lagos, Nigeria
Deployed 18 real-time air sensors and developed an integrated air pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions inventory. This data now guides fuel standards enforcement and targeted health interventions in marginalised communities.
Read the case studies for more information on approaches and outcomes.
Questions about the African Cities for Clean Air Initiative?
For information about AC4CA or future air quality support opportunities, contact C40’s Air Quality team at airquality@c40.org.
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