Danger in the air: Africa’s 10 most polluted cities revealed

The world struggles with environmental issues, and air pollution remains a critical concern, impacting the health of urban populations. In Africa, numerous cities experience heightened pollution levels, attributed to industrial emissions and vehicular exhaust, leading to a decline in air quality.

The Pollution Index is a metric that gauges the general pollution levels in cities, taking into account factors such as air and water pollution, waste management, cleanliness, noise, light pollution, green spaces, and comfort about pollution.

The Pollution Exp Scale employs an exponential function, representing very polluted cities with high numbers and depicting unpolluted cities with low numbers.

According to Numbeo, here are the 10 most polluted cities in Africa

Cairo, Egypt

Topping the list is Cairo, Egypt, with a pollution index of 90.9 and an Exp pollution index of 164. This bustling metropolis, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, struggles with high levels of air pollution attributed to vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and the burning of fossil fuels.

Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria, holds the second position with a pollution index of 89.0 and Exp pollution index of 159. Rapid urbanization and industrialization contribute to the air quality challenges faced by this vibrant and densely populated city on the West African coast.

Marrakech, Morocco

In the North African region, Marrakech, Morocco, occupies the third position with a pollution index of 83.5 and an Exp pollution index of 149.3. Despite being a major tourist destination, Marrakech faces pollution issues arising from traffic congestion and industrial activities.

Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca, another major Moroccan city, follows closely with a pollution index of 82.2 and an Exp pollution index of 146.6. This economic hub faces challenges associated with industrial emissions, vehicular traffic, and urbanization.

Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, claims the fifth spot with a pollution index of 79.8 and an Exp pollution index of 142.3. As East Africa’s largest city, Nairobi grapples with pollution primarily stemming from vehicular exhaust and industrial activities.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, ranks sixth with a pollution index of 76.1 and an Exp pollution index of 133.6. Rapid urbanization and industrial growth contribute to air quality concerns in this African metropolis.

Alexandria, Egypt

Alexandria, Egypt, holds the seventh position with a pollution index of 74.3 and an average annual pollution index of 130.6. The city faces challenges associated with industrial emissions, shipping activities, and dense urbanization along the Mediterranean coast.

Tunis, Tunisia

Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, is eighth on the list with a pollution index of 72.5 and an Exp pollution index of 127. As an economic and cultural hub, Tunis still struggles with pollution issues linked to urban development and industrial growth.

Johannesburg, South Africa

While improvements have been made in recent years, Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s major cities, still faces challenges associated with industrial emissions and traffic pollution. It occupies the ninth position with a pollution index of 61.1 and an Exp pollution index of 106.3.

Pretoria, South Africa

Closing the list is Pretoria, South Africa, with a pollution index of 55.1 and an Exp pollution index of 94.8. Despite its status as the administrative capital, Pretoria contends with pollution concerns related to transportation and industrial activities.