Makerere University's AirQo Project Seeks Pan-African Partnerships to Combat Air Pollution

Makerere University’s innovative AirQo project is extending an invitation to cities across Africa to join forces in the fight against air pollution. The initiative emphasizes the critical need for expanded air quality monitoring networks and a commitment to using pollution data to shape effective policies and public health interventions.

This push for collaboration comes as cities like Harare, Zimbabwe, are actively exploring the establishment of their own air quality monitoring and control systems. Officials from Harare recently visited Kampala to gain firsthand knowledge of AirQo’s successful approach to creating cost-effective monitoring technology and its experience in supporting urban authorities to tackle air pollution challenges.

Professor Engineer Bainomugisha, Head of the Department of Computer Science at Makerere University, highlighted the fundamental importance of air quality monitoring. “Monitoring air quality was critical for protecting public health,” he stated, emphasizing that individuals are constantly exposed to the surrounding air. He further explained that reliable data empowers city officials to accurately gauge pollution levels, pinpoint sources, and implement evidence-based solutions.

With over a decade of experience, AirQo has developed advanced air quality monitoring technology, deployed extensive sensor networks, and created accessible digital platforms. These platforms provide city leaders, researchers, journalists, and the public with vital pollution data. The project’s scope extends beyond hardware manufacturing to encompass software development, data accessibility, technical support, and crucial engagement with authorities to ensure data translates into actionable insights.

AirQo prioritizes partnerships with city administrations that demonstrate a strong commitment to establishing and maintaining monitoring networks and utilizing the collected information to guide policy and action. The project has already collaborated with bodies such as the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in Uganda, contributing to air quality regulations and standards. Similar support has been extended to cities and partners in Kenya, Cameroon, and South Africa.

Harare’s delegation expressed keen interest in AirQo’s capacity to locally manufacture and assemble affordable air quality monitors, as well as its proven track record of deploying this technology in numerous African cities. They aim to integrate air pollution data with surveillance systems for non-communicable diseases and develop a robust legal framework to regulate emissions. AirQo is ready to extend its technical support and expertise to Harare, contingent on the commitment of city authorities and relevant stakeholders.

AirQo’s monitoring devices are engineered for durability, designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, and built to minimize maintenance costs and equipment failures. They are powered by solar energy with backup batteries and possess local storage capabilities to prevent data loss during connectivity interruptions, transmitting data via Wi-Fi or mobile networks. Rigorous testing and calibration against reference equipment ensure the reliability of the collected data, which is crucial for informing effective environmental policies.