The African Society for Air Quality (ASAQ) is a scientific organization dedicated to advancing research, monitoring, and policy responses to indoor and outdoor air pollution across the African continent.

Mission and Objectives

The primary goal of ASAQ is to address the “emerging crisis” of air pollution in Africa, which is often under-monitored compared to other regions. Its core objectives include:

• Scientific Advancement: Promoting research on pollutants, their sources, and their long-term trends in both ambient and indoor environments.
• Capacity Building: Training students and professionals in air quality data analytics, machine learning, and the use of low-cost sensors versus reference monitors.
• Networking: Creating a continental framework for scientists, governments, and NGOs to collaborate on “Clean Air Acts” and regional air quality standards.
• Awareness: Increasing public and governmental understanding of the health and economic impacts of air pollution (such as its contribution to over 1 million premature deaths annually in Africa).

Key Areas of Focus

ASAQ focuses its efforts on several critical thematic areas designed to bridge the data and policy gaps across the continent. Central to its mission is the advancement of instrumentation, specifically leveraging low-cost sensors and satellite remote sensing to provide much-needed data in Sub-Saharan Africa. By utilizing data analytics tools like AI and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the society is able to model and forecast pollution levels more accurately. These technical insights further support their investigation into the health impacts of air pollution, such as its links to asthma and cardiovascular disease, as well as the socio-economic policies required to manage the effects of rapid urbanization and industrialization on legislative frameworks.

Leadership and Management

The society is managed by a group of prominent atmospheric scientists and academics. Key figures associated with the leadership of ASAQ include:

• Dr. Bertrand Tchanche (University of Alioune Diop, Senegal)

Contact and Community

The society targets a broad audience, including university researchers, government employees, and international partners. Feel free to contact us for any inquires.