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The Africa Smart Cities Congress (ASCC) slated for the 17th to the 19th of October 2024 at the Conference Hall of Bingu International Conference Center (BICC), Lilongwe, Malawi transcends the realm of a mere congress since it stands as a transformative juggernaut, steering the trajectory of urban development in Africa.
In an interview with Spiked Online Media, in Lilongwe yesterday, Christine Mhone, Malawi’s Ambassador of the African Smart Cities Innovation Foundation (ASCIF), said there are more benefits to Africa’s sustainable development from the impending congress.
INTRODUCTION
The African Smart Cities Congress (ASCC) stands as a visionary and transformative annual event, orchestrated by the African Smart Cities Innovation Foundation (ASCIF), in strategic collaboration with the host country. Positioned to emerge as a global beacon of innovation and collaboration, this Congress draws in participants from across the world, marking it as a pinnacle in addressing the vital urban challenges of the African continent.
With a commitment to innovation and technology, the ASCC provides a platform particularly focusing on urban planning and revitalizing human settlements in the African region. This annual gathering is poised to evolve into a highly anticipated and prestigious occasion on the continent, symbolizing a steadfast dedication to advancing sustainable urban development.
The Congress serves as a dynamic forum, showcasing the latest accomplishments in sustainable urban planning and development while fostering the exchange of international experiences within this pivotal field. It stands as a testament to the commitment to progress and excellence in addressing the pressing needs of urban environments.
Furthermore, the ASCC is not just a meeting of minds; it is an arena for the celebration of exceptional achievements. The Global Innovation and Smart Cities Excellence Awards (GISCEA) will be a featured component, recognizing outstanding contributors in innovations, technologies, Smart Urban Mobility, Best City Leaders, Best Startup Initiatives, Best Green Building Projects, Best Healthcare Initiatives, and more. This prestigious awards ceremony elevates the Congress, reinforcing its position as a catalyst for positive change and innovation on a global scale.
BACKGROUND
The African Smart Cities Congress (ASCC) is a multi-stakeholder platform for policy dialogue to support sustainable urban development decision-making and review processes at all levels, including through advocacy, knowledge sharing, capacity development, partnership, and networking at the global level.
Smart Cities Conferences have already been established with excellent results in several years in countries creating an enabling environment to promote dialogue and consensus among stakeholders, including national government, local authorities, grassroots organizations, the private sector, and academia among others. This is however a first-of-its-kind gathering as it is the first conference to be held on the African continent, with a key focus on African Smart Cities.
WHY AN AFRICAN SMART CITIES CONGRESS?
Africa is currently undergoing an unprecedented surge in urban growth, undergoing a notable transition from being one of the least urbanized continents in 2014 to projecting a staggering population of 2.4 billion in urban areas by 2030. This rapid urbanization not only brings forth opportunities but also poses significant challenges. Recognizing the transformative potential of this urbanization process on the global economy, the African Smart Cities Innovation Foundation is acutely aware of the imperative to address structural challenges accompanying this unprecedented growth.
Central to these challenges are ensuring seamless mobility and access to urban services, guaranteeing access to clean water and sanitation, prioritizing public health, bolstering safety measures, and establishing effective policy frameworks. In response to these imperatives, the ASCC positions itself as a leading platform in navigating the intricacies of urbanization, serving as a podium for deliberation and action.
Smart cities emerge as a beacon of promise in tackling these challenges head-on. By promising efficient space utilization, reduced traffic congestion, cleaner air, and enhanced civic services, smart cities present a strategic solution. For Africa, the advent of smart cities represents a unique opportunity to harness the power of technology and modernized infrastructure for sustainable urban development.
The ASCC therefore aspires to spearhead this transformative journey, assuming the role of a catalyst for fostering inclusive, secure, and sustainable cities across the continent. By actively engaging with the dynamic landscape of smart urban solutions, the ASCC aims to be at the forefront of driving positive change, ensuring that the benefits of urbanization are maximized while mitigating the inherent challenges.
OBJECTIVES AND FOCUS AREAS
The African Smart Cities Congress (ASCC) will be dedicated to addressing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the unprecedented urban growth in Africa. The congress aims to explore, discuss, and implement strategies that contribute to sustainable and inclusive urban development.
Consequently, a series of strategic objectives and focus areas have been meticulously curated to guide the congress in its mission to foster sustainable, inclusive, and innovative urban development.
These are:
Smart City Standards for Africa:
• Develop and advocate for smart city standards tailored to the African context, considering the continent’s diverse challenges and opportunities.
• Encourage the adoption of standardized practices that promote interoperability and scalability of smart urban solutions across different regions.
Policy Dialogue and Framework Development:
• Collaborate with policymakers to develop and refine policy frameworks that support the integration and scaling of smart city initiatives.
• Address regulatory challenges and work towards creating an enabling environment for the effective implementation of smart urban solutions
Innovation and Technology Integration:
• Promote and showcase cutting-edge innovations and technologies in sustain- able urban planning and development.
• Encourage the integration of smart technologies to address specific urban challenges unique to Africa, fostering a culture of continuous innovation.
Inclusive Urban Development:
• Emphasize inclusivity in urban development, ensuring that smart city initiatives benefit all segments of society, including marginalized communities.
• Promote the incorporation of diverse perspectives in decision-making processes, striving for equitable access to opportunities and resources.
Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Development:
• Propel dialogue, consensus, and collaboration among stakeholders, including national governments, local authorities, grassroots organizations, the private sector, and academia.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions and capacity development initiatives, ensuring a robust foundation for smart city initiatives.
Agricultural Innovation and Food Security
• Discuss the implementation of precision agriculture techniques, integrating technology and data analytics to optimize farming operations.
• Implement digital platforms and mobile applications to provide farmers with real-time information on weather conditions, market prices, and best agricultural practices.
• Promote the adoption of climate-resilient crops, sustainable farming practices as well as smart technologies, such as climate modeling and early warning systems.
• Collaborate with policymakers to integrate smart agricultural practices into broader food security policies.
Economic Empowerment and Trade Facilitation:
• Foster seamless integration of smart technologies to enhance trade ecosystems. This involves leveraging digital platforms and other innovations to streamline supply chains, facilitate international trade, and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
• Designate and develop smart industrial zones within cities, optimizing the use of technology for industrial processes.
• Encourage the evolution of digital commerce by promoting innovative technologies such as e-commerce platforms, digital marketplaces, and fintech solutions.
Disaster Resilience and Safety:
• Focus on enhancing the resilience of smart cities to natural disasters and other emergencies.
• Develop strategies and technologies that ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the face of unforeseen challenges, contributing to the overall resilience of urban environments.
Public Awareness and Engagement:
• Enhance public awareness and understanding of smart city concepts, benefits, and implications.
• Facilitate community engagement initiatives to gather insights and feedback, fostering a sense of ownership and participation in the smart city development process.
Global Networking and Partnerships
• Establish and strengthen international partnerships and collaborations to leverage global expertise and resources for the advancement of smart urban solutions in Africa.
• Provide a platform for cross-border knowledge exchange, encouraging the formation of networks that transcend geographical boundaries.
Recognition and Celebration of Excellence
• Host the Global Innovation and Smart Cities Excellence Awards (GISCEA) to celebrate and acknowledge outstanding contributions in various categories such as innovations, technologies, Smart Urban Mobility, Best City Leaders, Best Startup Initiatives, Best Green Building Projects, Best Healthcare Initiatives, etc.
• Highlight success stories and best practices, inspiring further innovation and excellence in smart city development across the continent.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CONGRESS
While the main focus will be on the main discussion areas outlined above, the Congress will also aim to showcase the latest achievements in sustainable urban planning and development on the African Continent. Further, the congress will also seek to highlight the issue of cultural integration into the concept of a Smart City.
Additionally, the Congress will also provide a platform for the groundbreaking of the Mvera Smart City project that is being spearheaded by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA), a key strategic partner of the Congress.
Finally, the Congress will provide a platform for recognizing great achievers in innovations, technologies, Smart Urban Mobility, Best City Leaders, Best Startup Initiatives, Best Green Building Project, Best Healthcare Initiatives, etc. through the Global Innovation and Smart Cities Excellence Awards (GISCEA).
The following are some of the notable highlights of the Congress:
Smart City Standards for Africa
• Interoperability: One key aspect of these standards revolves around ensuring interoperability among various smart city systems. This means that different technologies, from traffic management to waste disposal, can seamlessly communicate and collaborate.
• Sustainability: Incorporating sustainable practices will also be crucial. Smart cities should leverage technology to minimize environmental impact, promote energy efficiency, and implement eco-friendly urban solutions.
• Inclusivity: The standards will aim to emphasize inclusivity, ensuring that the benefits of smart city initiatives reach all segments of society. This involves addressing issues of accessibility and affordability to bridge the digital divide.
Mvera Smart City Project
The Mvera Smart City Project represents a groundbreaking initiative in Lilongwe, Malawi, spearheaded by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA). This visionary project aims to transform urban living by integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable urban planning principles.
Key features and objectives of the Mvera Smart City Project
• Sustainable Urban Planning: The project places a strong emphasis on sustainable urban planning, incorporating green spaces, eco-friendly architecture, and waste management systems that minimize environmental impact.
• Community Engagement: Mvera Smart City goes beyond technology; it
prioritizes community engagement. Residents will actively participate in the city’s development, ensuring that it meets their needs and aligns with cultural values.
• Economic Impact: By fostering innovation and attracting businesses, Mvera Smart City aims to stimulate economic growth. The project envisions a city that not only meets the needs of its residents but also serves as an economic driver for the region.
By combining these elements, the Mvera Smart City Project seeks to set a precedent for smart urban development in Malawi, creating a blueprint for future initiatives.
Cultural Integration
Africa is known for its diverse cultures, traditions, and languages and brings a unique dimension to the concept of Smart Cities. The integration of technology in urban development must be harmonized with the rich tapestry of African cultures, ensuring that smart solutions resonate with and enhance the daily lives of the people.
By embracing cultural integration in Smart Cities, Africa can redefine urban development, creating cities that are not only technologically advanced but deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of their societies. This approach ensures that Smart Cities become catalysts for inclusive and sustainable growth, reflecting the values and aspirations of the diverse communities they serve. Some of the key discussions around this will center on:
Preservation of Cultural Identity: Ensuring that Smart Cities in Africa should not be perceived as erasing cultural identities but rather as platforms that celebrate and preserve them. Technologies deployed should reflect and respect the cultural nuances of different communities.
Inclusive Urban Planning: Cultural integration extends to the physical layout of smart cities. Urban planning should incorporate spaces that encourage communal activities, cultural events, heritage sites, and the expression of diverse traditions. Parks, cultural centers, and public spaces can serve as focal points for community gatherings.
Digital Inclusion with Cultural Sensitivity: As smart technologies become prevalent, ensuring digital inclusion is crucial. Training programs and digital initiatives should be designed with cultural sensitivity, considering linguistic diversity and varying levels of technological literacy.
Smart Solutions Aligned with Cultural Needs: Smart solutions should address specific cultural needs and challenges. For example, transportation systems should accommodate diverse commuting habits, and healthcare technologies should be attuned to cultural beliefs about health and wellness.
Cultural Heritage Tourism: Smart Cities can leverage technology to promote cultural heritage tourism. Digital platforms can showcase historical sites, traditional arts, and cultural events, attracting both local and international visitors. This not only preserves heritage but also stimulates economic growth.
CASE STUDIES AND BEST PRACTICES
Several African cities have been actively implementing smart city initiatives to address urban challenges, enhance efficiency, and improve the quality of life for their residents. Some of the discussions will also focus on these case studies to highlight the diverse range of smart city initiatives across Africa, demonstrating how cities are leveraging technology to address specific challenges and improve overall urban living conditions. The following are examples of such:
Cape Town, South Africa:
• Smart Water Management: Cape Town has implemented a smart water management system to address water scarcity issues. The system includes sensors and data analytics to monitor water usage, detect leaks, and optimize water distribution.
Lagos, Nigeria:
• Traffic Management: Lagos is employing smart traffic management solutions to address its notorious traffic congestion. Intelligent traffic lights, real-time monitoring, and data analytics are utilized to optimize traffic flow and reduce
Kigali, Rwanda:
• Waste Management: Kigali has implemented a smart waste management system, integrating technology to monitor waste levels in bins. This system enables efficient waste collection routes, reducing costs and promoting sustainability.
Nairobi, Kenya:
• Public Transportation: Nairobi has embraced smart public transportation solutions. The implementation of mobile-based payment systems, real-time tracking of buses, and the integration of transportation data aim to improve the efficiency of the city’s public transit system.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania:
• Digital Payment Systems: Dar es Salaam has embraced digital payment systems for various services, including public transportation and municipal services. This not only enhances convenience for residents but also contributes to a more efficient and transparent financial ecosystem.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Smart Education Initiatives: Addis Ababa is exploring smart education initiatives, incorporating technology into schools to enhance learning experiences. This includes the use of digital platforms, e-learning tools, and connectivity solutions.
GLOBAL SMART CITIES AWARDS GALA DINNER
On the final night, the Congress will culminate in a grand Gala Dinner featuring the Global Innovation & Smart Cities Excellence Awards, to be graced by the presence of the State President of Malawi, adding prestige and gravitas to the event.
The Global Innovation & Smart Cities Excellence Awards (GISCEA), the first to be held on African soil, are dedicated to acknowledging outstanding achievements in various domains. This prestigious awards ceremony is designed to celebrate and honor visionaries who have demonstrated excellence in innovations, cutting-edge technologies, and impactful initiatives that contribute significantly to the advancement of smart urban living.
The GISCEA will recognize excellence in key categories, including Smart Urban Mobility, applauding initiatives that redefine transportation in urban landscapes. The Best City Leaders category will honor individuals whose visionary leadership has positively shaped the trajectory of urban development. The Best Startup Initiatives award seeks to highlight innovative and promising ventures that hold the potential to transform the urban landscape.
The GISCEA will also distinguish the Best Green Building Project, acknowledging initiatives that showcase a commitment to environmentally conscious and resource-efficient urban development while the Best Healthcare Initiatives category will spotlight initiatives that harness technology and innovation to enhance healthcare delivery and well-being within urban communities. By bestowing these awards, the ASCC aims to inspire further advancements in smart city solutions, foster a spirit of innovation, and recognize the individuals and projects that are driving positive change in urban environments. The GISCEA therefore catalyzes celebrating excellence and encouraging a collective commitment to building smarter, more sustainable cities for the future.
“The African Smart Cities Congress (ASCC) is not just a gathering; it’s a convergence of minds, ideas, and innovation aimed at shaping the urban landscape of the future. The richness of the congress lies in the diverse tapestry of participants who contribute unique perspectives, expertise, and experiences.
“As we envision the cities of tomorrow, our call for participation echoes across various sectors, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue. In essence, the African Smart Cities Congress transcends borders and boundaries, welcoming a mosaic of perspectives, cultures, and expertise. It’s an invitation to be a part of a collective journey toward smarter, more sustainable cities. By fostering diverse participation, we ensure that our vision of smart cities is holistic, inclusive, and reflective of the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. Together, we will chart the course for urban evolution and build cities that stand as testaments to collaboration, innovation, and progress,” Mhone added.
Therefore, the Congress will anticipate and encourage participation from:
. Government Representatives;
• Regional Leaders: Esteemed representatives from regional governments will bring a macroscopic view, sharing insights on collaborative initiatives and regional frameworks for smart city development.
• National Delegations: Governments at the national level will play a pivotal role in charting policies, regulations, and investment strategies essential for the realization of smart city objectives.
Private Sector
• Industry Leaders: Key players from the private sector, including technology firms, urban developers, and infrastructure companies, will showcase innovative solutions, products, and services driving the smart city revolution.
• Financial Institutions: Finance is the key to making all of this achievable. Financial Institutions will therefore have the chance to understand the process of building Smart Cities and how they can position themselves as investors or benefactors of the different projects.
• Startups and Entrepreneurs: Emerging startups will bring a fresh perspective, presenting disruptive ideas that have the potential to reshape the urban landscape.
Academia, Research, and Training Institutes
• Intellectual Exchange: Scholars and researchers will contribute cutting-edge research findings, fostering an intellectual exchange on emerging technologies, urban planning methodologies, and sustainable development practices.
• Capacity Development: Training institutes will highlight educational programs and capacity-building initiatives crucial for preparing the workforce of the future, equipped with skills needed for smart city advancements.
International Collaborators
• Global Exchange: International organizations will foster collaboration on a global scale, promoting the exchange of best practices, knowledge, and resources for collective urban advancement.
• Donors and Funding Entities: Financial institutions and donors will explore opportunities to invest in sustainable urban projects, aligning their resources with transformative initiatives.
Civil Society and Grassroots Organizations:
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Advocacy groups, NGOs, and community-based organizations will provide a grassroots perspective, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and community-driven smart city solutions.
• Local Initiatives: Representatives involved in local smart city initiatives will share ground-level insights, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by communities.
“Through the fostering of dialogue, collaboration, and the celebration of excellence, the ASCC positions itself as a pivotal player in shaping the smart cities of tomorrow. The three-fold approach ensures a holistic exploration of smart city dynamics, from the establishment of standards to real-world applications, culminating in a night of recognition and celebration at the Gala Dinner. As we embark on this transformative journey, we extend a heartfelt invitation to stakeholders, innovators, and visionaries to join hands in building a smarter, more sustainable future for Africa,” Mhone added.
