Advancing the development of an Africa Clean Air Program

As a first step towards an Africa Clean Air Program, this project will assist the development of a continental roadmap and implementation plans at the regional level, supporting the AUC’s efforts to pursue long-term, transformative development and accelerate sustainable low-carbon climate resilient economic growth, while mitigating air pollution and GHG emissions emanating from the transport, residential, energy, agriculture and waste sectors. This proposal will support the development of an Africa Clean Air Program Roadmap, which includes a review of the status of air quality (AQ) standards, a gap analysis, and recommendations for improvements, as well as the strengthening of regional air quality regulatory frameworks. These actions would serve to guide the implementation of recommended measures from the integrated assessment. The project will establish an advisory group of key stakeholders to provide strategic guidance on the approach and outreach opportunities, and ensure linkages to relevant initiatives.

Five key pillars

The key pillars of the Africa Clean Air Program will consist of the following five key pillars:

• Pillar 1: Strengthened Air Quality Data Management System (AQDMS) at the national and regional levels.
• Pillar 2: Research, development and capacity strengthening.
• Pillar 3: Develop and strengthen the air quality policy and legal framework in Africa.
• Pillar 4: Promote and enhance Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) to increase public awareness on air quality and health in Africa.
• Pillar 5: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) framework for ACAP.

Africa Clean Air Plan

The Africa Clean Air Program (ACAP) will be developed jointly with relevant stakeholders, and led by countries for future uptake.

The primary goal of ACAP is to create an enabling environment for investment in clean air across Africa. This will be achieved through:

• Building political momentum and support for clean air initiatives.
• Strengthening the case for action by demonstrating the benefits of improved air quality.
• Establishing harmonized air quality standards across the continent.
• Supporting the development and implementation of clean air legislation at national and regional levels.

The program is coordinated by a Core Coordination Team comprising UNEP ROA, AUC, the CCAC Secretariat, SEI, Policy Advisor, and Regional Nodes. ACAP’s implementation will be carried out through sub-regional pillars that will coordinate efforts at the continental level, ensuring that both financing and political support are secured. This approach is designed to eventually build out the program across all 54 African countries. 

Key institutions guiding ACAP

At the top level of the organigram, ACAP is guided and influenced by several key institutions:

• UNEA (United Nations Environment Assembly): Sets the global environmental agenda and ensures that ACAP aligns with global air quality goals.
• AU Assembly, AU (STC), and AUC (African Union Commission): Provide political leadership and strategic direction for ACAP, ensuring its integration into broader African development initiatives.
• AMCEN (African Ministerial Conference on the Environment): Facilitates the translation of policy discussions into actionable plans and strategies.
• Regional Economic Communities (RECs): Play a crucial role in fostering regional cooperation and integration, which is vital for the success of ACAP.

Implementation at the regional and national levels

At the base of the organigram, the focus is on the implementation of ACAP:

• Regional Nodes serve as central points for coordination at the regional level, ensuring that regionally convened strategies are effectively implemented.
• ACAP Country Focal Points and National and Sub-National Initiatives are responsible for tailoring and applying these strategies and policies at the country and local levels, ensuring that ACAP’s objectives are realized on the ground.

Strategic guidance and advisory support

To enhance the effectiveness of ACAP, the program will establish an International Advisory Group, chaired by AUC and UNEP. This group will provide external advice and ensure that ACAP’s strategies are informed by international best practices and expertise. The advisory group will include representatives from key sectors, international institutions, and academia, ensuring that the program benefits from a wide range of perspectives. Additionally, the group will engage civil society, academia, NGOs, and the private sector as national stakeholders, ensuring that all relevant voices are heard and incorporated into the program’s activities.