More than 20 African countries fail WHO air pollution guideline in 2025 – AfriCAN 2026 Report

“As more cities in Africa are setting up air quality monitoring, it is important that we invest in capacity, research and engagement to translate data into policy-relevant evidence, including the economic costs of air pollution and the benefits of clean air action.”That is according to the first-ever continent-wide Africa Air Quality Brief, released by the Africa Clean Air Network (AfriCAN), in partnership with the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) and State of Global Air.

Dr Caradee Wright of the South African Medical Research Council, speaking at the 2026 Africa Clean Air Forum in Pretoria, puts it simply: “Air pollution taxes our economies quietly, continuously, and regressively.