Since 2001, UNEP has played a key role in phasing out leaded gasoline worldwide, one of the specific objectives agreed on at the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Together with Governments, the private sector and civil society organizations, UNEP took the lead in developing an action plan for the phase-out of leaded gasoline in Africa, which has contributed to the introduction of clean fuels in the region. The global Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles for cleaner air in developing countries, launched in September 2002 at the World Summit on Sustainable Development with UNEP as its clearing-house, has prioritized the global phase-out of leaded gasoline, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa.

The Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles (PCFV) assists developing countries to reduce vehicular air pollution through the promotion of lead-free, low sulphur fuels and cleaner vehicle standards and technologies.