Relevance of Smart Economy in Smart Cities in Africa

Abstract

This chapter articulates the relevance of smart Economy in Smart Cities in the African context marked by rapid urbanization. A smart city is conceptualized as a sustainable, inclusive, resilient and prosperous city that promotes a people-centric approach based on three core components—Smart City Foundation, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Smart Institutions and Laws. These three core components are the pillars of the seven dimensions of a smart city: Infrastructure Development, Environmental Sustainability, Social Development, Social Inclusion, Disasters Prevention and Resilience, and Peace and Security. Infrastructure Development includes transport, industrial energy, education and health infrastructures, etc. Environment Sustainability is comprised of elements of energy, transport, building and pollution. Social Inclusion includes aspects of participation in decision making as well as according all city residents equal opportunities for growth and prosperity. Social Development encompasses elements of education, health, public space and social capital. Disaster Prevention and Resilience incorporates elements of mitigation and adaptation to various disasters such as flooding, droughts, storms and earthquakes. Peace and security covers all forms of violence and conflicts, including domestic violence, violence in public places, crime, armed conflicts, terrorism, etc. An insecure city limits opportunities for investment and economic growth and cannot be a smart city.