Uganda and South Africa invest in AI air quality monitors

Ai_r employs artificial intelligence to predict air pollution hotspots, with 20 devices already operational in Johannesburg. Conversely, the air quality technology implemented in Uganda for the first time this month features an AI Air Quality Index that uses colour-coding to easily identify the most polluted areas.

Both Kampala and Johannesburg rank among the most polluted cities in the world, according to the Air Quality Index.

According to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Uganda's monitoring system has already instigated several interventions, including traffic management policies and public health initiatives. One such intervention involves the government mandating the use of a train on the eastern route of Kampala to reduce car emissions in an area that experiences high pollution during morning and evening commutes.

The South African air quality device is housed in a box and features a small laser that emits light onto the air. By analysing how this light scatters and reflects, researchers can measure the concentration of particulates. These devices can be easily mounted on window sills or other surfaces, where they continuously sample the air and transmit data to a cloud-based system in real-time. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and artificial intelligence facilitates automated data collection and analysis, eliminating the need for manual sampling.

Both the Ugandan and South African systems focus on measuring particulate matter 2.5, exceedingly small particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, potentially causing serious health issues. By identifying areas with high concentrations of these particles, authorities can target their efforts to improve air quality where it is most needed. In South Africa, institutions hosting the devices across Johannesburg include the University of the Witwatersrand, iThemba LABS, schools in the Soweto area, and hospitals within the private Netcare group.

South Africa ranks as one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters globally, with the majority of emissions originating from the electricity sector, metals industry, and transport. The electricity sector's reliance on fossil fuels significantly contributes to high levels of nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide (SO2), making South Africa the top emitter of harmful SO2 gas linked to asthma and chronic bronchitis in Africa. Johannesburg, the country's largest city and economic hub, is a hotspot for pollution and is projected to reach megacity status, with a population of 10 million by 2030.

On 6th September, Johannesburg became the third African city, after Accra and Nairobi, to join Breathe Cities, a global initiative aimed at reducing air pollution and carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 to enhance public health. This initiative integrates air quality data, community engagement, and leadership from city officials to achieve the targeted reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions across participating cities by 2030. This effort is anticipated to prevent 39,000 premature deaths and avoid 284 megatons of greenhouse emissions.

The development of Ai_r in South Africa and AI air quality sensors in Uganda highlights an increasing demand for affordable, AI-powered environmental monitoring solutions. Startups and tech companies have the opportunity to create and distribute AI-based air quality monitoring systems throughout Africa.

As air pollution remains a significant public health concern, tech companies could explore further innovations such as wearable air quality monitors, mobile apps for pollution tracking, and data-driven public health campaigns aimed at raising awareness and protecting vulnerable populations from the health effects of air pollution.

Businesses involved in urban planning and infrastructure can also play a role. They can collaborate with governments on smart city initiatives that integrate AI and data analytics for sustainable urban development. With the growing need to monitor air quality in Africa, businesses must step up to address these challenges.