Ms B. Swarts: Keynote Address at the Africa Clean Air Forum

14 July 2026

Programme Director; 
Ministers and Deputy Ministers; 
Representatives of African Governments; 
Representatives of the African Union and Regional Economic Communities; 
Representatives of Development Partners; 
Leaders of Civil Society Organisations; 
Representatives from Academia and Research Institutions; 
Captains of Industry; 
Distinguished Delegates; 
Ladies and Gentlemen; 
Good morning. 

It is a great honour to join you today at the Africa Clean Air Forum, a platform that brings together Africa's leading voices in air quality management, environmental governance, public health, science and policy. I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the organisers, partners and participants whose commitment continues to strengthen Africa's collective response to one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges of our time.

Air pollution is no longer simply an environmental issue. It is a public health emergency, a development challenge, a climate issue and a matter of environmental justice. Poor air quality threatens investment, tourism, food security and sustainable development for developing economies,

For Africa, clean air is not simply an environmental issue. It is a development imperative. It is about protecting human health, improving educational outcomes, strengthening economic productivity and ensuring environmental justice for present and future generations. 
Millions of Africans continue to breathe air that does not meet internationally recognised health standards. The consequences are visible in rising respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, lost productivity, increased healthcare costs and the disproportionate impact on women, children, the elderly and vulnerable communities.  

The 2026 Africa Clean Air Forum comes at a defining moment for our continent. Across Africa, rapid urbanisation, industrialisation, expanding transport systems, increasing energy demand, agricultural burning, mining activities and waste burning are placing unprecedented pressure on air quality.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 
Africa's air pollution challenges do not respect national borders.  Transboundary pollution, dust transport, wildfires and regional economic activities require coordinated continental responses.  This is why platforms such as the Africa Clean Air Forum are essential.

They allow us to exchange scientific knowledge.
They strengthen regional cooperation.
They promote policy learning.
They encourage innovation.

Most importantly, they remind us that no African country should face these challenges alone. 
As governments, we must work together to harmonise policy approaches where appropriate, strengthen monitoring networks, improve emissions inventories, mobilise resources and share technical expertise. Regional cooperation can significantly improve our collective ability to understand pollution sources, forecast air quality and implement effective interventions.

(Building the G20 Legacy) 
As South Africa continues to provide leadership on the global stage through the G20 process, we are determined that the outcomes achieved during our Presidency should leave a lasting legacy for Africa.  
South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 has  created an opportunity to elevate air quality as a strategic development priority within national and regional policy agendas throughout Africa, where rapid urbanisation, industrialisation, energy poverty, open waste burning, transport emissions, mining activities and household use of solid fuels continue to contribute to deteriorating air quality. 
The adoption of the G20 Cape Town Declaration on Air Quality represents a significant milestone for advancing air quality management across the African continent through recognising that clean air as a prerequisite for public health, sustainable development, climate resilience and economic prosperity. The Declaration provides renewed political momentum for African countries to strengthen air quality governance, accelerate the implementation of effective air pollution control measures. 
The declaration   further encourages greater investment in air quality monitoring networks, emissions inventories, scientific research, regulatory enforcement, capacity building and public awareness programmes. Importantly, the Declaration reinforces the need for enhanced regional cooperation through mechanisms such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union and the Africa Clean Air Network to address transboundary air pollution, share technical expertise and harmonise policy approaches. 
Our vision is therefore to use the momentum created through the G20 to strengthen African cooperation, mobilise investment, accelerate knowledge sharing and build long-term institutional partnerships that support cleaner air across the continent.

(South Africa's Leadership in Air Quality Governance) 
South Africa has made significant progress in establishing one of the continent's most comprehensive legislative and institutional frameworks for air quality management. 
Our country has made significant progress in establishing a comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework through the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act. Over the years we have strengthened:

National ambient air quality standards;
Industrial emission standards;
Atmospheric emission licensing systems;
National air quality monitoring networks;
Priority Area management programmes;
Air quality information systems; and
Air quality implementation partnerships across all spheres of government.

While we acknowledge that many challenges remain; and remain committed to continuously strengthening implementation through evidence-based policy, partnerships and accountability.

In South Africa, we have increasingly recognised that governance is not merely about regulation.  Good governance creates platforms where governments, communities, industry, researchers and civil society work together to solve complex environmental challenges. 
This approach has informed several initiatives that are strengthening national dialogue and implementation. 
(Air Quality Governance Lekgotla) 
One such initiative is South Africa's Annual Air Quality Governance Lekgotla. 
The Lekgotla has become an important national platform that brings together government institutions, municipalities, provincial departments, industry, researchers, civil society organisations and development partners to reflect on implementation challenges, exchange best practices and develop practical solutions. 
The focus has shifted beyond compliance towards collaborative governance, institutional strengthening, innovation and accountability. 
Importantly, the Lekgotla also serves as a platform for strengthening municipal implementation, enhancing capacity and ensuring that air quality management contributes directly to improved community well-being. 
As we look ahead, we see significant opportunities for expanding this platform to strengthen regional cooperation across Southern Africa. 
(International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies) 
South Africa also places great importance on public awareness and citizen participation.   Each year, we commemorate the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies through programmes that bring air quality closer to communities. 

This year, our activities include a national Schools Expo that empowers young people to become ambassadors for clean air through science, innovation and environmental education. 
We are also hosting community air quality dialogues that create opportunities for citizens, local government, researchers and community organisations to discuss local air quality challenges and jointly identify practical solutions. 

These initiatives recognise that lasting environmental change begins with informed and empowered citizens, including the youth, who are not only  the leaders of tomorrow; they are active partners in shaping healthier communities today. 
(Strengthening Regional Collaboration) 
Distinguished Delegates, 
Partnerships remain the foundation of successful clean air action.

Governments cannot succeed without business.
Scientists cannot succeed without policymakers.
Communities cannot succeed without access to information.

Development partners cannot achieve impact without local ownership.
Our collective strength lies in collaboration.
Our economies are interconnected.
Our ecosystems are shared.
Our health challenges are common.

This reality demands stronger regional cooperation. 
At a regional level, the Southern African Development Community, has an opportunity to build stronger regional systems for air quality governance through harmonised policies, joint monitoring initiatives, shared technical expertise, capacity building and coordinated responses to transboundary air pollution. 
Resource mobilisation is a critical enabler for advancing collaborative air quality programmes across Africa, where many countries face common transboundary air pollution challenges but have varying levels of technical, institutional, and financial capacity. 
Regional platforms, including the African Clean Air Network and the Southern African Development Community, can play an important convening role by coordinating funding proposals and initiatives that align air quality with broader continental priorities such as the African Union Agenda 2063, climate change adaptation and mitigation, public health, and the Sustainable Development Goals. With  this approach, African countries can unlock greater investment while demonstrating the cross-sectoral benefits of clean air interventions and strengthening regional solidarity.

We therefore welcome the growing partnerships between African governments, international organisations, research institutions, civil society organisations and development partners. These partnerships are helping African countries improve monitoring systems, strengthen policy implementation, build technical capacity and support innovation.   We encourage even greater investment in African-led research and technology development that provides locally appropriate solutions. 
Ladies and Gentlemen, 
Innovation must also become a defining feature of Africa's clean air future. 
Innovation in air quality information management is becoming a critical enabler for improving environmental governance, public health protection, and evidence-based decision-making across Africa. As countries strengthen their air quality monitoring networks, there is an increasing need for integrated digital platforms that can collect, analyse, visualise, and disseminate air quality data in a timely and accessible manner. 
The development of continental and regional Air Quality Information Systems presents a significant opportunity to transform how air quality information is managed. I invite this forum to a challenge of  the possibility of an African Air Quality Information System, that  would promote capacity building, foster collaboration between national environmental authorities, and provide citizens with accessible air quality information.. 
Reliable data empowers better policy decisions.

It enables accountability.

It builds public trust.

And it supports evidence-based investment.

As governments, we have a responsibility to ensure that environmental information is transparent, accessible and useful to all citizens. We must continue investing in scientific excellence while ensuring that technological innovation remains accessible to developing countries and local communities. 
Ladies and Gentlemen, 
The success of Africa's clean air agenda will ultimately depend on our willingness to move beyond commitments towards implementation.  Implementation requires:

Strong political leadership;

Sustainable financing;

Effective institutions;

Scientific collaboration;

Regional cooperation;

Community participation; and

Shared accountability.

These are the foundations upon which healthier, more resilient African societies will be built.    
South Africa remains committed to working with our African partners to strengthen regional cooperation on air quality governance, build institutional capacity, promote scientific collaboration and support practical solutions that improve the lives of our people. 
Together,  we can create

cities where children breathe clean air.

Communities where economic development does not come at the expense of public health.

Industries that embrace cleaner technologies.

Governments that work collaboratively across borders; and
an Africa where environmental sustainability becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

As I conclude, let this Forum not simply be remembered for the quality of its discussions.  Let it be remembered for:

The partnerships we strengthen.
For the commitments we honour.
For the innovations we champion.
And for the measurable improvements we achieve in the lives of millions of Africans.

The air we breathe unites us all, its protection is our shared responsibility. 
South Africa stands ready to continue working with all African countries, the Southern African Development Community, the Africa Clean Air Network, international partners and every stakeholder committed to advancing clean air across our continent. 
I wish you productive deliberations and every success during this important Forum. 
I thank you