The South African Consortium of Air Quality Monitoring (SACAQM) has joined forces with Africa Weather to deploy AI-powered air quality monitoring solutions, marking a major step forward in South Africa’s environmental health efforts.

The collaboration, announced on Wednesday, will integrate advanced AI_r technology into Africa Weather’s environmental intelligence platform.

The partnership aims to deliver real-time air quality insights, combining Internet of Things (IoT) communications, artificial intelligence, and low-power wireless monitoring. These enhancements will provide crucial data to researchers, businesses, and policymakers, supporting efforts to mitigate pollution and achieve carbon neutrality goals.

SACAQM, a consortium that includes government institutions, researchers, and industry stakeholders, has developed an AI-driven air quality analysis system. The technology is designed to provide cost-effective and scalable solutions for air pollution monitoring.

“This partnership combines our expertise in air quality with Africa Weather’s leadership in weather intelligence,” said Professor Bruce Mellado, executive director of SACAQM and Professor at Wits University. “Together, we’re pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve for environmental health.”

Africa Weather, which has been delivering meteorological services for over 17 years, sees the partnership as a strategic move to enhance its data-driven decision-making capabilities.

“Integrating AI_r technology into our offerings enhances our ability to deliver actionable insights,” said Ryan Kobus, CEO of Africa Weather. “This pilot is just the beginning of what’s possible.”

The collaboration will launch a pilot programme focusing on indoor air quality monitoring, an area gaining increasing attention due to its direct impact on health and productivity.

With AI-powered sensors and generative AI for automated reporting, businesses and institutions will be able to identify pollution sources, track trends, and implement targeted solutions to improve air quality.

“It is inspiring to see how innovation and partnerships between academia and the private sector can address critical environmental challenges,” said Andrew Hope-Jones, Acting CEO of Wits Commercial Enterprise, which is facilitating the initiative.

The initiative is backed by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the National Research Foundation, and the Canadian International Development Research Centre.

SACAQM’s AI_r sensors offer an affordable and scalable approach to air quality monitoring. By integrating IoT technology with AI-powered analysis, the partnership aims to provide reliable and accessible air quality data to a broader audience.

With South Africa’s air pollution challenges worsening due to industrial activity and climate change, the need for real-time, data-driven decision-making tools has never been greater.

IOL