The Vision of Smart Cities in Africa

I have always been fascinated with the idea of a smart city. You know – having a city that uses and integrates technology and data to improve the quality of life for its residents, and enhance sustainability. The picture of a more efficient and connected city is very appealing, especially where it supports a more sustainable and resilient environment.

First is high-speed connectivity and better infrastructure. Smart cities use IoT (Internet of Things) sensors and devices to monitor and manage infrastructure, such as traffic lights, waste management systems, and energy grids. It also has High-speed internet and robust connectivity, which are necessarily the foundation for real-time data exchange and the operation of smart technologies.

Smart cities also use real-time data to optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve public transportation. If you have lived or worked in a busy commercial location like Lagos state, then this feature may justifiably hold more appeal to you. There is also the integration of Electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs) to reduce emissions and enhance transportation efficiency. This, of course, means that smart cities align with environmental sustainability goals.

Energy management is a core feature of smart cities, too, with the use of advanced energy grids, sensors, and data analytics to optimize energy distribution and integrate renewable energy sources. It will, of course, consist of smart homes and buildings that utilize these energy-efficient technologies and smart meters to reduce consumption and manage energy use effectively. When it comes to waste management, smart cities employ the use of sensors in waste bins to monitor fill levels and optimize collection routes. There are also technologies to promote recycling and waste reduction.

Typically, the ‘smartness’ of the city touches all areas of living. Even in terms of security and public safety, there are cameras and sensors to enhance security and emergency response through real-time data and analytics and even help predict and manage natural disasters, as well as other urban challenges. Access to healthcare is also covered with the provision of remote medical services and consultation, and the use of wearable sensors to track health metrics.

Now, with all of the features detailed, here comes the second part of the conversation. Should we or can we have smart cities in Africa? What I have found out is that the concept is feasible for several reasons.

If we look at the technology leapfrogging that would be required for Africa to adopt this concept, it is not entirely new. In many African countries, mobile technology leapfrogged landline infrastructure, so we can also expect that smart technologies would successfully bypass traditional systems, especially in sectors like financial services and telecommunications. It is possible. Also, many African cities have experienced rapid urbanization already, and many of them are implementing smart city solutions that can help manage growth, improve infrastructure, and provide better services in these rapidly expanding urban areas.

Some African countries are already taking steps in this direction. There is the Nairobi Smart City Project in Kenya, which aims to integrate smart technology to improve urban management, including traffic and waste management. Even the Eko Atlantic project in Lagos state, Nigeria, will be incorporating smart city elements to improve transportation systems, waste management, and energy efficiency.

Having smart cities in Africa will come with unique challenges and opportunities that are worth looking at. For instance, smart cities in Africa will necessarily have to be adapted to suit the local needs and peculiarities of the environment because off-the-shelf solutions will not cut it. Here are some other concerns.

Infrastructure and connectivity

Smart city solutions require robust foundational infrastructure to function effectively, and you will find that there are quite many areas still lacking basic infrastructure such as reliable electricity and internet connectivity. And we also understand that a smart city cannot work properly without widespread and reliable internet access. The internet access needs to be reliable, and there lies the challenge. Even in streaming movies online, or just accessing social media, there are those days of internet downtime or complete outage where no one seems to be able to get anything done online. For a smart city, that won’t do at all.

Funding and Investment

Implementing smart city technologies can be expensive. Funding and investment challenges must be addressed, possibly through public-private partnerships and international aid. While governments may be interested in smart cities, many countries in Africa have pressing needs, and trying to fit the cost of smart city projects into the budget may not exactly be the most important for them.

Capacity building

Another key concern would be the presence of the required skills and expertise to manage smart cities. Building them is just one part, the other part is having the local expertise to manage and maintain the technologies. I think Africa needs to fill the skill gap in this regard, and also strengthen institutional capacity to effectively implement and manage smart city projects.

Inclusivity and Equity

If we do have smart cities in Africa, who would afford to live in them? This is another critical question we must answer to ensure that they do not widen existing socio-economic inequalities. Can the solutions be inclusive and accessible to all residents, including marginalized communities? Or is it going to be for a select few who can afford to pay a certain price?

Data Privacy and Security

Now and then, we still hear of hacks into some corporations or financial institutions. If we want to have smart cities, ensuring data privacy and security is crucial. Developing robust data protection frameworks and infrastructure is necessary to build trust and protect residents.

If these concerns (because I don’t think of them as challenges) are decisively addressed, I don’t see why we can’t have several smart cities in Africa like I think we should have. The benefits of a smart city are tempting enough for us to take more than a cursory look at it.