By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Ethiopia, 18 August 2026 — Addis Ababa recorded higher levels of black carbon pollution than Milan and Barcelona, according to a new three-year study that ranked Ethiopia’s capital 5th out of 34 cities worldwide.
Researchers measured air quality at 10 sites across Addis Ababa from April 2022 to March 2025. They found 94% of black carbon, a pollutant produced mainly by burning diesel and other fuels in vehicles and generators, came from fossil fuel combustion. Six percent came from wood and other biomass burning.
The study also measured PM2.5, tiny particles that penetrate deep into the lungs. The average concentration across all sites was about 30 micrograms per cubic meter.
Daily PM2.5 levels exceeded the World Health Organization guideline of 15 micrograms per cubic meter on nearly 99% of monitored days. Annual averages at every site were at least four times higher than the WHO recommended level.
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Black Lion Hospital recorded the highest average PM2.5 concentration at 37.27 micrograms per cubic meter, followed by Skylight Hotel and Reppie waste site. Addis Ababa Science and Technology University recorded the lowest, at 21.60 micrograms per cubic meter.
Among the 34 cities compared, only Dhaka, New Delhi, Lagos and Karachi had higher average black carbon levels than Addis Ababa. Milan and Barcelona had lower levels.
With an estimated population of 5.96 million, Addis Ababa is among Africa’s fastest-growing cities. Researchers said traffic, fuel combustion and weather conditions drive pollution, with levels peaking during morning and evening rush hours.