60% of the population of Africa will live in urban areas by 2030, with 13 of the 20 most populous cities in the world located in Africa by the end of the century. Never has creating resilient, sustainable, and intelligent communities for citizens been more critical for local governments in Africa.
The Africa Smart Cities Network Seminar brings together representatives of municipal leadership, the diplomatic corps, research institutions and practitioners, NGOs and industries to discuss the current achievements and challenges in smart cities under the theme, “Strengthening Awareness of the Need for Transformational Leadership, Regional Cooperation, and Digital Skills for Smart and Sustainable Communities in Africa.”
This seminar aims to answer the following questions:
- Why is leadership key for smart cities and digital transformation?
- How can cities work together to create solutions for the African challenges?
- What is the role of digital skills in making smart solutions effective?
Join us to hear from experts about the necessity and enablers of digitization, learn about ongoing success stories in African cities and towns, and contribute to the discussion on the future direction of smart and sustainable cities in Africa.
Event Details
Date: June 29, 2021
Time: 11:00 – 12:30 CAT (UTC+02:00)
Format: Online (Zoom)
INTERPRETATION LANGUAGES
English | French
PROGRAM
Session 1
Opening, MOU Signing, and Congratulatory Remarks
- Opening remarks by WeGO Secretary General, Kyong-yul Lee
- Opening remarks by Smart Africa Alliance Director-General, Lacina Koné
- Congratulatory remarks by Rwandan Ambassador to Korea Yasmin D. Amri Sued
- Congratulatory remarks by Mayor of Gaborone Thata Father Maphongo
Kyong-yul Lee
Secretary General
WeGO
Lacine Koné
Director General
Smart Africa Alliance
Yasmin D. Amri Sued
Ambassador
Embassy of Rwanda in Korea
Thata Father Maphongo
Mayor
Gaborone City Council
Session 2
Presentations – Exploring the Status, Opportunities, and Success Factors for Enabling Smart Cities in Africa
- Introduction of WeGO and the AfSCN – William Scheffers, Program Officer, WeGO
- Unlocking Africa’s potential through smart and sustainable cities – the key role of leadership – Dr. Ralph Oyini, Head of Digital Transformation, Services, and Innovation of Smart Africa Alliance
- The importance of digital skills in addressing urban challenges – Dr. Najat Zarrouk, Director of Development and the African Local Governments Academy (ALGA) of UCLG-Africa
- Regional cooperation and inter-exchange in enabling digitization – Joyce Mavoungou, Cities Project Officer, ASTON
- Achieving citizen-centric innovation and impact in the urban space: African smart solutions – Constant Cap, Senior Product Manager, Code for Africa
Ralph Oyini
Head
Digital Transformation, Services, and Innovation of
Smart Africa Alliance
Najat Zarrouk
Director of Development and the African Local Governments Academy (ALGA) of UCLG-Africa
Joyce Mavoungou
Cities Project Officer
Africa Smart Towns Network Secretariat
Constant Cap
Senior Product Manager
Code for Africa
Session 3
Panel Discussion – Finding Practical Solutions and Steps for Smart Sustainable Communities
Panel discussion with presenters sharing their lessons and recommendations and responding to audience questions:
- Discussants:
Abiodun Essiet (Director of WeGO Africa Regional Office)
Dr. Ralph Oyini
Dr. Najat Zarrouk
Joyce Mavoungou
Constant Cap
Abiodun Essiet
Director
WeGO Africa Regional Office