A critical analysis of ‘smart cities’ as an urban development strategy in Africa

This journal article titled A critical analysis of ‘smart cities’ as an urban development strategy in Africa examines the phenomenon of smart cities as a popular urban development strategy, particularly in addressing complex challenges faced by cities globally, including those in Africa. Utilising the 3RC framework, the paper critically analyses the experiences of smart city initiatives in the following cities: 

• Nairobi (Kenya)
• Johannesburg (South Africa)
• Lagos (Nigeria), Kigali (Rwanda)
• Casablanca (Morocco)

The central question posed is whether smart cities offer a comprehensive solution to Africa's pursuit of sustainable urbanisation. The analysis presented in the paper underscores that carefully planned and implemented smart city interventions have the potential to bring about transformative changes in the planning, management, and governance of African cities. However, it also highlights the context in which these interventions take place, characterised by socio-economic inequalities, chaotic transport systems, and substantial governance failures, among other challenges. The article argues that if not executed effectively, smart urban technologies could exacerbate existing inequalities and intensify spatial exclusion through the privatisation and marketisation of urban space. Consequently, the adoption of smart city concepts in Africa is recommended to be firmly grounded in contextual realities, carefully calibrated, and geared towards creating urban spaces that are not only technologically advanced but also sustainable and inclusive.

Abstract based directly on source.