A SMART city is an urban area that integrates digital technologies and data-driven systems to improve the efficiency of services, enhance residents' quality of life, and promote sustainability.
These cities utilise advanced technologies to manage resources more effectively, streamline infrastructure, and address urban challenges such as traffic congestion, waste management, and public safety. While this concept is not a primary focus in Zimbabwe now, it is important to consider future possibilities as the country aims to develop smart cities as part of its Vision 2030.
Key features of a smart city
Integration of technology: Smart cities deploy sensors, cameras, and connected devices through the Internet of Things (IoT) to gather real-time data. This data is analysed and used to improve services such as transportation, energy management, and public safety.
Efficient city services: Real-time data helps optimise services like traffic management, waste collection, and energy usage. For example, smart traffic systems can adjust traffic lights based on real-time conditions to reduce congestion and emissions.
Sustainability: Smart cities aim to reduce their environmental footprint through better resource management, such as energy-efficient buildings, smart grids, and optimised water distribution.
Improved quality of life: By enhancing urban services and infrastructure, smart cities make everyday life more convenient, safer, and healthier for residents.
Citizen engagement: Smart cities use digital platforms to enable better communication between citizens and city administrators. This can include tools for reporting issues, taking part in local governance, and accessing public services.
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Data analysis: AI algorithms process vast amounts of data collected from IoT devices, providing insights that help city planners and administrators make informed decisions. For example, AI can predict traffic patterns, enabling more efficient traffic management.
Automation: AI enables the automation of routine tasks like monitoring infrastructure, managing waste collection schedules, and optimising energy distribution. Autonomous vehicles and drones, powered by AI, are also part of this automated ecosystem.
Public safety: AI is used in surveillance systems to detect unusual activities, identify potential threats, and respond quickly to emergencies. AI-powered facial recognition and predictive policing tools can enhance security, though they raise concerns about privacy and misuse.
Resource management: AI-driven systems optimise energy use in buildings, manage water distribution, and control lighting based on real-time needs, reducing waste and lowering costs.
Smart governance: AI can improve citizen engagement by streamlining communication channels, automating public services, and enhancing the responsiveness of local government. Chatbots and virtual assistants can help residents access services quickly and efficiently.
AI is the backbone of smart cities, turning data into actionable insights, enabling automation, and improving service delivery. Through AI, smart cities can operate more efficiently, offering a higher quality of life while promoting sustainability and innovation.
Opportunities and concerns
A report by Paradigm Initiative titled Smart Cities, Safe Citizens – Zimbabwe discusses the government’s priorities and key initiatives for creating safe cities in the country.
It assesses the potential benefits and challenges of these projects while considering the perspectives of citizens and key stakeholders. The report is based on an online survey that gathered feedback from a diverse group of Zimbabwean stakeholders on smart city initiatives.
The survey highlighted several potential benefits, including crime prevention, improved access to city services, better traffic management, enhanced water management, increased investments, and greater safety through improved street lighting.
However, the survey also revealed concerns among citizens who fear that these initiatives could be misused to target human rights defenders and government critics, while opaque procurement processes might enable corruption.
A smart city aims to use technology to create a more efficient, sustainable, and enjoyable urban living experience.
Efforts and initiatives
Zimbabwe’s smart city strategy is not confined to upgrading existing urban areas. Melfort, Chirundu, and Figtree have been selected as pilot projects for entirely new cities centred around digitalisation and green energy. These locations selected for their potential to become hubs of digital innovation, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030.
Zim cyber city
The SmartCitiesWorld website features Zim Cyber City, a US$500 million development currently under construction by the United Arab Emirates-based conglomerate Mulk International. This project is designed to offer blockchain and digital asset services, office spaces, and luxury living for residents and businesses.
Zim Cyber City is expected to become a landmark project in Zimbabwe, comparable to high-end developments like Downtown Dubai.
Smart cities in Zimbabwe present both opportunities and concerns as the country moves toward integrating technology-driven urban development.
As Zimbabwe envisions transforming cities as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, several initiatives highlight the potential benefits while also raising critical challenges that need to be addressed.
Opportunities
Improved service delivery: Smart city initiatives could enhance access to public services by leveraging technology for better communication and efficiency. Digital platforms could streamline interactions between citizens and local authorities, making it easier to access services such as utilities, healthcare, and public transport.
Enhanced public safety: Smart cities can deploy technologies like surveillance systems, smart street lighting, and AI-powered analytics to improve public safety. These tools help in crime detection, monitoring, and emergency response, potentially making urban spaces safer.
Economic growth and investment: The development of smart cities, such as the planned Zim Cyber City, could attract investments and create economic opportunities. By integrating modern infrastructure and digital services, these projects could stimulate business activity, boost real estate values, and generate jobs.
Sustainable urban development: Smart cities focus on sustainability by promoting efficient resource management, reducing waste, and minimising environmental impact. This can be achieved through smart energy grids, water management systems, and green building practices, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Efficient transportation systems: By using real-time data and smart traffic management systems, cities can reduce congestion and enhance the flow of vehicles. Public transportation can also be optimised through digital scheduling, automated systems, and improved route planning.
Concerns
Surveillance and privacy issues: One of the major concerns is the potential misuse of surveillance technologies. There are fears that smart city systems could be used to monitor and target political activists, human rights defenders, or government critics, leading to abuses of power and violations of privacy.
Digital inequality: Access to digital services in a smart city may widen the gap between different socio-economic groups. Those without access to technology or digital literacy may be left behind, creating inequality in service delivery and participation in governance.
Corruption and transparency: The implementation of smart city projects in Zimbabwe faces risks related to corruption, particularly in procurement processes. Concerns about lack of transparency and potential manipulation for personal gain could undermine public trust and the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Financial and capacity constraints: Zimbabwe’s financial challenges could limit the extent to which smart city projects are realised. Developing the infrastructure and technology for smart cities requires significant investment, which may strain public resources. Moreover, gaps in technological capacity and expertise could hinder effective implementation.
Governance and policy gaps: For smart cities to succeed, clear and robust governance frameworks are necessary. However, policy and regulatory environments in Zimbabwe may struggle to keep pace with rapid technological changes. Ensuring alignment between technological advancements and regulatory oversight is crucial to prevent misuse and inefficiency.
Conclusion
While smart cities in Zimbabwe hold the promise of improved urban living, sustainability, and economic growth, realising these benefits will require addressing significant challenges. The success of these initiatives will depend on transparent governance, inclusive policies, collaboration among stakeholders, and a commitment to balancing innovation with the protection of citizens’ rights.
By carefully navigating these opportunities and concerns, Zimbabwe can lay the foundation for smart cities that drive both development and social well-being.
- Bangure is a filmmaker. He has extensive experience in both print and electronic media production and management. He is a past chairperson of the National Employment Council of the printing, packaging and newspaper industry. He has considerable exposure to IT networks and Cloud technologies and is an enthusiastic scholar of artificial intelligence. — naison.bangure@hub-edutech.com.
