Air Quality Spotlight: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia most polluted major city

Is the air quality good in Addis Ababa?

As of August 6, 2025, the air quality in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 147 and a PM2.5 concentration of 54.2 µg/m³.

This level exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value of 15 µg/m³ for 24-hour exposure, indicating a health concern for sensitive populations, such as those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Major cities ranking list showing Addis Ababa, Ethiopia as the most polluted major city. Source: IQAir.

Addis Ababa is among the most polluted major city in the world, ranking in the top four globally on August 6, 2025. The air quality poses risks particularly during peak pollution hours, often observed in the evening due to specific local activities.

For a more detailed look, see Addis Ababa’s air quality map.

What is causing poor air quality in Addis Ababa?

Several factors contribute to the poor air quality in Addis Ababa, primarily driven by urban activities and seasonal conditions. The main sources of PM2.5 pollution include:

Vehicle exhaust: Contributes up to 29% of PM2.5, with diesel-powered vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks and buses, being significant emitters due to high diesel consumption and older vehicle fleets.
Biomass burning: Residential and commercial cooking, along with heating using wood, crop residue, and charcoal, accounts for a substantial portion of PM2.5, especially during colder months like June to September when heating demand peaks.
Dust resuspension: Activities such as construction, quarry operations, and vehicle movement on unpaved roads generate significant dust, contributing to both PM2.5 and PM10 levels.
Open waste burning: Practices like the traditional Hidar Sitaten event, where refuse is burned, significantly elevate PM2.5 levels, with concentrations reaching up to 8.6 times the WHO guideline during peak hours.
Industrial emissions: Factories, including cement plants and small industrial units, add to the pollution load, particularly in areas like Akaki Kality.

Air quality map of Addis Ababa as of August 6, 6:00 AM. Source: IQAir.

These sources are exacerbated by meteorological conditions, such as low mixing heights during colder months, which trap pollutants closer to the ground, and the city's high altitude, which can influence pollutant dispersion.

Are there any air quality alerts in place?

As of August 6, 2025, no specific air quality alerts have been reported for Addis Ababa. However, the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority has launched initiatives to address air pollution, including the second round of a nationwide pollution reduction campaign that began on June 5, 2025.

This campaign focuses on raising public awareness and enforcing environmental regulations to mitigate pollution sources like open waste burning and vehicle emissions.

Given the current AQI levels, sensitive groups are advised to limit outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, particularly in the evening, to reduce exposure to harmful PM2.5 levels.