Africa’s Smart Cities

by Ike Igimoh

Smart cities are metropolitan regions that use technology and data to improve residents’ quality of life, increase sustainability, and spur economic growth. Some smart cities around the world Include; Singapore, Barcelona in Spain, Tokyo in Japan, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Copenhagen, Denmark; Songdo, South Korea; Helsinki, Finland, and others.

Some major smart cities in Africa include Kigali, Konza Technopolis, Eko Atlantic, Vision City, Cape Town and others. While the concept of smart cities is gaining traction around the world, there are various projects and innovations in Africa targeted at constructing smart cities. Here are some of the cities often recognized for their achievements in the smart city space in Africa.

1. Kigali Innovation City (Rwanda): Kigali

Innovation City is a flagship project in Rwanda aimed at transforming Kigali, the capital city, into a knowledge-based economy. It is committed to supporting innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship, featuring zones for research institutions, technology businesses, and startups.

2. Konza Technopolis (Kenya): Also known as “Silicon Savannah,” Konza Technopolis is an ambitious smart city project in Kenya. It seeks to be a technology, innovation, and business process outsourcing hub, drawing local and international investment in the ICT sector. It is located around 60 kilometres from Nairobi.

3. Eko Atlantic City (Nigeria): Eko Atlantic City is a smart city in Lagos, Nigeria. It is envisioned as a sustainable metropolis built on reclaimed ground with advanced infrastructure, renewable energy systems, and smart technologies included to create a modern urban environment.

4. Vision City (Rwanda): Kigali’s Vision City is a smart and sustainable neighbourhood.

To create an environmentally sustainable and connected community, it integrates green building practises, renewable energy, smart grids, and digital technologies.

5. Cape Town (South Africa): Cape Town has implemented a number of smart city initiatives focused on transit, energy, water management, and digital government. MyCiti bus systems, smart grid deployments, and the utilisation of technology for effective service delivery are among the projects.

6. Cyberjaya (Malaysia- South Africa): Cyberjaya, a Malaysian city, is collaborating with South Africa on a smart city initiative. The alliance intends to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and improve people’s quality of life by leveraging smart technology, digital infrastructure, and innovation.

7. Smart Village (Egypt): Smart Village is a technology and business park near Cairo, Egypt, that aims to attract multinational corporations and establish an atmosphere suitable for entrepreneurship, research, and development. Its primary mission is to provide modern infrastructure, connectivity, and amenities for knowledge-based enterprises. These are only a few of Africa’s smart city initiatives. Each project has its own distinct goals and features, but they all share a vision of using technology and data-driven solutions to address urban challenges, improve sustainability, and promote citizen well-being.