Urbanization and increasing motorization in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have resulted in a high level of degradation of the air quality particularly in the large cities. Such degradation is the cause of significant health problems and economic losses. The objective of the Clean Air Initiative in Sub-Saharan African Cities (CAI-SSA), launched in 1998, is to improve air quality through the reduction of air pollution originating, particularly, from motorized transport but also from industries and households. This initiative is part of a global effort to protect the urban environment, the worldwide Clean Air Initiative, sponsored by the World Bank, in collaboration with a number of partners. In Sub-Saharan Africa, these partners include in particular the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the European Union (EU), the Belgium Cooperation, the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA), and national environmental protection agencies, in particular the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Within the World Bank, CAI-SSA works in cooperation with the transport, urban and environment sectors, as this issue solving clearly requires a multi-sector approach. Studies to be financed by CAI-SSA are door openers for operations by the World Bank and other donors in those sectors.

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