More … Matters Arising: African cities can leverage the ‘Smart City’ concept
Dr. Lanre Towry-Coker, FRIBA, FNIA, MA Law (UL), Ph.D, a former commissioner for housing in Lagos State, with a doctorate from Lagos State University, is founder of Towry-Coker Associates since 1976, and a professional architect with a postgraduate qualification in Architecture from the University of North East London. He had his professional training at the world famous Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in the United Kingdom (ACI.Arb.); a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA), he was elected Fellow of The Royal Institute of British Architects, (founded 1834), in November 2016, and is one of only forty architects worldwide to be so honoured. He is also the author of the book, “Housing Policy And The Dynamics Of Housing Delivery In Nigeria: Lagos State As Case Study” published by Makeway Publishers, and available on Amazon and also at The Royal Institute of British Architects, Portland Place. London.
Leveraging the ‘Smart City’ concept in African cities involves several key considerations:
Digital Infrastructure: Invest in robust digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet access and data connectivity, to support smart technologies.
Data Collection: Implement sensors and IoT devices to collect data on various city aspects, such as traffic, energy consumption, and waste management.
Data Analytics: Develop capabilities for analysing the collected data to gain insights, optimise city services, and make data-driven decisions.
Urban Planning: Use data insights to inform urban planning decisions, including transportation routes, housing developments, and green spaces.
Public Transportation: Improve public transportation systems with real-time tracking, smart ticketing, and integrated mobility solutions to reduce congestion and pollution.
Energy Efficiency: Promote energy-efficient solutions, like smart grids and LED lighting, to reduce energy consumption and lower costs.
Waste Management: Optimise waste collection and disposal through sensors and predictive maintenance, reducing environmental impact.
E-Government Services: Offer online government services to streamline processes and improve citizen engagement.
Cybersecurity: Invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect data and systems from cyber threats.
Education and Training: Train a skilled workforce to manage and maintain smart city technologies.
Sustainability: Implement green initiatives such as renewable energy sources, green building standards, and tree planting to enhance sustainability.
Public Engagement: Involve citizens in decision-making processes and seek their input on smart city initiatives to ensure inclusivity.
Funding and Partnerships: Explore public-private partnerships and secure funding sources for long-term sustainability.
Local Innovation: Encourage local innovation and startups to create tailored solutions for African cities.
Scalability: Develop a roadmap for scaling up smart city projects as the city grows and evolves.
By addressing these factors, African cities can harness the ‘Smart City’ concept to enhance livability, sustainability, and economic growth.
In conclusion, without a commensurate investment in STEM education, it’ll be difficult for African countries to make up for the demands such projects require.
It’ll not be adequate nor sustainable to continue to rely on the importation of massive numbers of foreign workers, when Africa’s young people are leaving the continent in droves in search of greener pastures.
It’s also imperative that such projects will be implemented with a minimum percentage of local workers being employed, as a means of improving rapid technology transfer.
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