ITU Regional Standardization Forum For Africa
Dakar, Senegal, 24-25 March 2015
Smart Sustainable Cities Concept in
Developing Nations
Nakiguli Helen Cynthia,
Environment Management Specialist, Uganda
Communications Commission (UCC),
hnakiguli@ucc.co.ug
1
• Will the existing infrastructure of the cities of
developing countries support the increasing
urban population?
• Which cities of developing countries will grow
smarter and sustainable?
• Is Urbanisation in developing countries =
Smart Sustainable Cities?
2
Definition - ITU
• “A smart sustainable city is an innovative city
that uses information and communication
technologies (ICTs) and other means to
improve quality of life, efficiency of urban
operation and services, and competitiveness,
while ensuring that it meets the needs of
present and future generations with respect to
economic, social and environmental aspects”.
3
Perception of smart cities
• In the developed World
•
•
•
•
•
High tech- digital infrastructure
Perfect transport system- electric car model,
Robotic assistance, man-robot discussions
Systems working with systems
Machines talking to machines
This makes sense to the developed countries but not yet quite realistic in
developing countries
• In developing countries, perceptions are still forming...
– Cities are still grappling to achieve
• access to basic needs- water, shelter, food (rural)
• Improved living conditions – education, health (urban)
• Economic growth
This makes the smart cities concept challenging
4
Can the developing advance to this
perception? What is needed?
• Building on existing infrastructure,
• Increasing the enabling effect of ICT in other
sectors,
• Building on mistakes of the developedAdvantage of late starters; 98% of people in
Atlanta own cars- poor transport systems,
emissions
5
Utilise or build on existing
infrastructure
Will the city infrastructure support the increasing urban
population?
– Urban population expected to double in 2050
– 90% increase will be in developing countries
– Urbanisation helps people out of poverty and advances
towards economic development
– Urban areas provide agglomeration for industrial and
service sectors
– If not well managed, may lead to growth of slums,
pollution, crime, unemployment etc;
6
In developing
countries, high
rates of urban
poor who are
less privileged to
services and
infrastructure
Slums- 61%-Asia; 5.5% -Africa; 13.4- Latin America
7
• Infrastructure- the building blocks are already
available- technological, physical, social
• Technological
• Tele density
• Mobile/fixed subscription
– Products and services
» Mobile Financial services
» M-health
» M-agric
» M-banking
8
• Physical
– Building the whole city and not just the top tiers of society
• Energy
• Water
• Transport
• Building
• Aging infrastructure- city can be built from scratch and made better
• Social
–
–
–
–
–
Health
Safety
Happiness- job employment, security, connectivity
Education
Good leadership
9
Increase the enabling effects of ICTs
• Efficiency
• Substitution (dematerialisation)
• Support systemic effects- green consumerism
……..Policies/strategies in place to anticipate
uncertainties- new threats (crime, theft),
vulnerabilities, rebound effect, impact of
relationships (human, social)
10
Communi
cation
Transport,
ICTs
Water
Energy
11
Which cities of developing countries
will grow smarter and sustainable?
Those with developing communities and not just the infrastructure
Indicators
• Sustainable development
• Environment conservation
• Social inclusivity
• Poverty mitigation etc
Inputs: Policies, awareness, infrastructure, the will
12
Is Urbanisation = Smart Sustainable
Cities
Urbanisation in developing countries is
a necessity for economic development.
However, if not well managed and
prepared for, can lead to low standards
of living. Urbanisation will only equal to
Smart Sustainable Cities; if there is convergence between digital
technology and the energy world. This will pave way for a new
ecosystem of services which will enable both a better quality of
life and reduced energy consumption.
13
Key aspects of building smart sustainable
cities in developing nations
• Political will
– Policies, framework and strategies
– Affordable access and availability of Broadband to all
– Even better infrastructure development- renewable energy sources
(Africa is gifted), addressing the basic need
– Enhance intergovernmental/inter-sectoral collaborations
– Subsidies for adoption to “Greener ICT” solutions
• Investing in tech infrastructure- developing incubators and
innovation centres/hubs
• Tech and entrepreneurship skills
• Local content- accurate, appropriate, local relevance
• Create more cities- spread the population
14
Thank you
¿
15