Ugandan-founded clean-air technology initiative AirQo has been named among the 15 global finalists for the prestigious 2026 Earthshot Prize. The initiative was selected under the 'Clean Our Air' category for its innovative approach to closing Africa's critical air quality data gap using low-cost technology.

Founded at Makerere University in 2015 by Professor Engineer Bainomugisha, AirQo utilizes locally manufactured, low-cost air quality monitors, open-data platforms, and artificial intelligence to track pollution levels in real time. The initiative currently operates over 500 monitors across 16 cities in nine African countries—including Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, Zambia, Mozambique, and South Africa—serving a combined population of over 30 million people.

Expanding reach. As a 2026 finalist, AirQo will collaborate with The Earthshot Prize network to expand its monitoring infrastructure, strengthen investment in clean-air initiatives, and foster partnerships with municipal governments and tech institutions. The organization, which already enjoys support from Google.org, the World Bank, and the Clean Air Fund, aims to extend its footprint to 10 additional African cities in the short term and reach over 50 cities by 2030.

A balanced perspective. Environmental advocates have praised AirQo for democratizing data access in regions where high-grade monitoring equipment was previously cost-prohibitive. However, urban policy experts note that while localized data collection is an essential first step, the real challenge lies in translating this data into actionable civic policy, enforcement of industrial emission limits, and sustainable urban transport solutions across fast-growing African metropolises.

The Earthshot Prize, launched in 2020 by Prince William and The Royal Foundation, seeks to discover and scale solutions to pressing environmental issues worldwide. King Musah Media will continue to follow AirQo's journey toward the final awards and its impact on clean air policy across Uganda and the continent.