David Maina Kamore patrols the Konza transformer substation construction site in Machakos County, Kenya, May 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
Technology experts met on Monday in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, to promote the development of smart cities in Africa.
NAIROBI, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) — Technology experts met Monday in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, to promote the development of smart cities in Africa.
The data-driven cities conference brought together more than 100 stakeholders, comprising senior government officials, the private sector and academia from Africa, to foster innovation and collaboration in developing smart cities on the continent that deliver efficient services to the residents.
Edward Kisiang’ani, the principal secretary in Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and Digital Economy, said in his opening speech that Kenya is currently at the forefront of pioneering initiatives with the development of Konza Technopolis, a technology city located about 70 km south of Nairobi that embodies the principles of sustainability, innovation and inclusivity.
“The first phase of Konza City is nearing completion, marking a major step forward in our commitment to building smarter, more resilient cities,” noted Kisiang’ani.
He noted that Africa can develop smart cities through the use of data to inform evidence-based decision-making to deliver urban centers that meet the needs of city dwellers.
This aerial photo, taken on May 5, 2023, shows a view of the Konza transformer substation construction site in Machakos County, Kenya. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
Delyno du Toit, director of data science at the City of Cape Town in South Africa, said smart cities have the potential to improve residents’ quality of life, thereby promoting economic growth and enhancing environmental sustainability.
βFrom leveraging data analytics and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to optimize urban infrastructure and services, to harnessing the power of digital innovation to address pressing urban challenges, the journey towards building smarter cities is promising and imperative,” he said.
He added that smart cities in Africa will ensure that the continent combats climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.
Judith Quarshie, head of library and documentation at Ghana’s Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, said African cities can leverage digital tools to become climate resilient.
He noted that African urban centers need to invest in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, robotics as well as smart public transport systems. β