Are Efforts by Urban Local Authorities in Embracing Smart Technologies for Urban Development and Governance in Africa Yielding Results? Case Studies of Cape Town, Cairo, Lagos and Harare

Abstract

There is evidence and consensus that African urban local authorities have to capitalise on the dawn of smart technologies to match cities and towns of the developed world. The adoption of technological advances in finance and administration has improved local authorities’ revenue collection. This article assesses the success of efforts by urban local authorities in embracing smart technologies in urban development and governance in selected African cities. African cities are faced with service delivery and urban development challenges owing largely to the lack of smart technologies in urban infrastructure planning and maintenance. The article examines the struggles of cities, municipalities and towns in embracing smart technologies in dealing with urban development and administration in Africa. The adoption of e-administration, geographical information systems and other technologies for the surveillance of urban infrastructure enhance transparency and efficiency in service delivery in urban areas. It highlights how ICTs have continued to influence urban development in the rapidly urbanising cities of Cape Town (South Africa), Cairo (Egypt), Lagos (Nigeria) and Harare (Zimbabwe).