Dr. Hassan Radoine is a leading architectural educator, author, and consultant. He is currently the Director of the School of Architecture, Urban Planning, and Design at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) in Morocco and was previously the Director of the Moroccan National School of Architecture. He has also chaired the Department of Architectural Engineering at the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. His research and practice interests are in sustainable, resilient, and smart architecture and urbanism in the Middle East and Africa.
Africa is developing faster than anywhere else
Africa has the fastest-growing urban population in the world, with projections of an additional 950 million people by 2050. If this rapid urbanization is not carefully managed it could threaten the continent’s communities, biodiversity, and the wider African environment. But if Africa adopts a smart urbanization approach that champions resilient and sustainable development, the future could be bright.
Too often, urbanization efforts fail to prioritize the use of local resources and local know-how, which is crucial for truly smart urban development. Instead, they often focus solely on implementing smart technology, without considering whether it is appropriate for the local context. However, Africa’s fast-growing cities are providing excellent examples of smart design and innovative, resource-efficient urban planning. These cities are demonstrating how urban development when done thoughtfully, can serve as a driver of resilient and sustainable growth. By adopting a context-aware approach that values local resources and knowledge, smart urbanization can truly live up to its promise and help Africa achieve the ambitious goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Technology doesn’t make a city smart
When we think of smart cities, technology often comes to mind but a genuinely smart city extends beyond the latest technology. True smartness lies in optimizing infrastructure to best serve its inhabitants, and this can vary widely from one city to another. For example, the use of solar panels can seem like a perfect fit for cities with abundant sunshine, offering a sustainable solution for energy generation. However, in regions where water is scarce, the production and maintenance of solar panels can exacerbate water shortages, making them a less suitable option despite their apparent benefits.
This discrepancy highlights a broader issue seen in many so-called “smart cities” around the world. Too often, urban development is driven by the allure of advanced technology rather than a genuine commitment to solving local challenges. Many cities adopt high-tech solutions that promise a better quality of life but end up consuming more resources and creating new inequalities.
Ultimately, the key to successful smart urban development lies in prioritizing the optimal use of local resources and knowledge. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all technological solution, cities should adapt innovations to their unique contexts and needs. By doing so, they can achieve truly smart development that enhances quality of life and fosters sustainability, without compromising local ecosystems or creating new disparities.
Why Africa could become a smart city hub
Africa’s long tradition of resource conservation and understanding of sustainable development offers a unique perspective on smart urbanization. By valuing and leveraging local resources—whether material, human, or knowledge-based—Africa has the potential to become a leader in sustainable design. With a young and economically active population, the continent could play a significant role in shaping the future of sustainable development.
Africa’s rapid urbanization, coupled with a youthful and growing population, positions the continent as a potential hub for smart cities in the future. With an estimated population of 1.4 billion in 2023, projected to reach nearly 2.5 billion by 2050, Africa could soon account for over a quarter of the world’s population. The working-age population is expected to grow faster than any other age group, given that the median age in Africa was just 18 years old in 2021. As the population growth is likely to be concentrated in urban areas, Africa’s approach to smart sustainable design could make it a key location for some of the world’s most advanced smart cities.
UM6P’s School of Architecture, Planning and Design (SAP+D)
One of Africa’s leading universities, UM6P, has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable urban planning and green technology. Its School of Architecture, Planning, and Design (SAP+D) is at the cutting edge of research and innovation in sustainable architecture. Through a series of pilot projects and initiatives, SAP+D is not only demonstrating the feasibility of sustainable design but also contributing valuable insights and practical examples of how sustainable planning and design principles can be realized.
SAP+D focuses on sustainability across multiple scales, from materials to entire territories, using digital technologies like building information modeling and digital twins to bridge gaps in the built environment. The organization adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating various fields to enhance planning and design, as seen in the Nouaji-Tanmirt project for green urban innovation. Additionally, SAP+D prioritizes human-centered development, engaging communities and leveraging local knowledge to promote resilience, which proved crucial in the sustainable recovery efforts following the Al Haouz earthquake.
By UM6P
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