With projections that more than half of the African population will be living in cities and Lagos will become one of the world’s most populated urban centres by 2040, stakeholders have been urged to integrate technology in model cities.
President, FIABCI-Nigeria Chapter, Akin Opatola, led the charge at the Africa real estate conference and expo entitled: “Proptech and Digital Transformation: Unlocking Africa’s Potential for Sustainable Growth’’ in Ghana. The forum marks the convergence of real estate and technology, connecting entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers to explore the transformative power of proptech in reshaping Africa’s real estate sector.
Opatola noted that despite the reality that Lagos and Accra show promising progress in smart city adoption and sustainability, there is a need to accelerate integration. According to him, innovation, leadership, and cross-sector collaboration are non-negotiable in this regard.
Speaking on ‘Sustainability and Smart cities-African examples from Lagos, Accra, and Beyond’ he explained that a smart city is not about technology but using technology to improve the quality of life.
He said smart and sustainable cities blend innovation with inclusion. This, he said, must include using technology to enhance governance, transport, energy, and public services, prioritising clean energy, green buildings, and efficient waste systems, planning for all – the rich and poor, young and old.
Opatola said, the concept also involves using data to guide policy, investment, people, and purposeful planning. “A smart city uses digital technology to improve government services and urban life, while a sustainable city focuses on environmental responsibility, inclusiveness, and resilience.
“Africa is urbanising faster than any other region; the future of our cities will determine the future of our continent. This conversation is not about distant possibilities; it’s about strategic choices we must make today to ensure inclusive and liveable cities tomorrow. The 15-minute city is a concept in smart and sustainable urban planning where everything people need for daily life—like work, school, shops, healthcare, parks, and entertainment—is within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their home.”
The key ideas behind the 15-Minute City, Opatola said include decentralisation of services and jobs, mixed-use neighbourhoods, reduced traffic and pollution, better quality of life and support sustainability, smart mobility, and resilient local economies, making cities more livable and future-ready.
Smart cities, he said, will help overcome growth challenges that include housing shortages, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and strained infrastructure.
The global smart cities market is booming with a market size projected at $1.14 trillion in 2024, and expected to grow at between 15 to 24 per cent CAGR through 2034 according to startus-insights.com. Internet of Things (loT) devices, which are major enablers, are projected to hit 1.6 billion this year, and smart homes are valued at $135 billion. The smart city solutions are expected to generate approximately $1 trillion in yearly economic benefits; and reduce energy and water consumption by 20 to 30 per cent.
Opatola, an estate surveyor and valuer, emphasised that when done right, smart cities improve efficiency in service delivery, environmental outcomes, quality of life, economic opportunities and digital inclusion, resilience to climate shocks and social pressures, adding that it is a win for both governments and citizens.
Smart cities, according to him, are without obstacles and these are financing gaps and ageing infrastructure, policy inconsistencies and lack of continuity, limited awareness and public buy-in and technologies that may not fit the African context unless adapted.
Amid challenges, he urged Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to unlock capital and expertise opportunities, harnessing Africa’s high mobile and FINTECH penetration and empowerment of young people in building solutions.
