Introduction
By 2100, Africa’s population is projected to rise from 1.2 billion (17% of the global population) to 4.4 billion (40% of the global population), according to a 2017 UN report. This demographic surge, accompanied by rapid and often chaotic urbanization, underscores the urgent need for effective urban planning.
The Smart City Concept
Originally designed to tackle urban and sustainable development issues in Northern cities, Smart cities offer a solution for managing the future urban spaces in Africa. A Smart city is typically characterized by its extensive use of electronic data sensors to generate information, thereby efficiently managing resources and assets. Raymond Aboki, an expert in territorial projects, defines a Smart city as one with intelligent economy, mobility, environment, inhabitants, and lifestyle. These characteristics form the foundation of the African Smart city, which must also cater to the specific needs of its users.
The Traits of the African Smart City
An African Smart city should provide solutions to ease mobility, reduce energy consumption, propose innovative waste management and sanitation solutions, design and construct eco-friendly public buildings, and offer a range of effective materials for energy efficiency. It should also facilitate job creation and digital development. Ousseynou Nakoulima, head of the Renewable Energy Department at the African Development Bank (ADB), emphasizes the importance of adapting external models to local uses and needs. Many African countries have already started implementing this concept in collaboration with energy efficiency companies.
Energy Services Companies and “Super ESCOs”
In Africa, reducing energy consumption in buildings, industries, and businesses is often led by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) known as Energy Services Companies (ESCOs). These companies offer energy efficiency services that can cut consumption by up to 40%. Jalel Chabchoub, Director of Investments at ADB, explains that a young engineer could start an engineering services company, audit energy consumption in a hotel, and suggest improvements like replacing lighting systems and enhancing insulation to significantly reduce energy bills.
Larger companies, known as “super ESCOs,” can also undertake such projects, creating jobs and connecting projects to the real needs of the population. The successful implementation of ecological energy services companies in Africa encourages more businesses to venture into energy efficiency.
African Smart City Projects
Several African countries have embarked on Smart city projects with promising results. Tunisia’s National Energy Efficiency Agency developed the “Green Mosques” program to enhance energy efficiency in around 6,000 mosques using LED lighting and solar panels. In Benin, the digital campus of the University of Abomey-Calavi aims to leverage digital development for broader growth. The Yabacon Valley in Nigeria, Konza City in Kenya, Zenata City in Morocco, and the mega project “The Capital Cairo” in Egypt are other notable initiatives. However, the challenge remains to ensure these cities meet both local needs and the classic criteria of a Smart city.
Conclusion
The development of Smart cities in Africa presents a unique opportunity to address the continent’s rapid urbanization and demographic growth. By integrating local realities and needs, and leveraging partnerships with energy service companies, African Smart cities can become sustainable, efficient, and inclusive urban spaces.
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