Air quality experts meet in South Africa to push investment in clean air as Africa’s pollution crisis deepens

Air quality experts from more than 40 countries have gathered in Pretoria, South Africa, for the Africa Clean Air Forum 2026 as the continent faces a mounting air pollution crisis, with new data revealing that 30 countries met the least stringent WHO air quality targets in 2025."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."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 .