Futuristic African cityscape with modern buildings and traditional markets.

Smart Cities vs. Slums: Shaping the Future of Urban Africa

Soraya Malik in Global Affairs June 2025 • 3 min read.

"Can technology and strategic planning bridge the gap between urban aspirations and the realities of rapid urbanization in Africa?"

Africa's cities are experiencing unprecedented growth, placing increasing demands on space, resources, and infrastructure. As urban populations surge, these cities face the critical question: will the future be defined by expanding slums, or can innovative urban planning and technology pave the way for 'smart cities' that improve quality of life for all residents?

The pace of urbanization in Africa is staggering. In 1950, only 14% of the population lived in cities; by 2018, that number had jumped to 40%. Projections estimate that by 2050, Africa's urban population will reach 1.2 billion, a massive increase from the 400 million recorded in 2018. This rapid growth presents both opportunities and significant challenges.

This article delves into the complexities of Africa's urban transformation, exploring the demographic variations across the continent, assessing the potential of smart city technologies, and examining how these innovations can be leveraged to combat the expansion of slums and promote sustainable, inclusive urban development.

Understanding Africa's Diverse Urban Landscape

Futuristic African cityscape with modern buildings and traditional markets.

Urbanization rates vary significantly across Africa. North African countries and those along the Gulf of Guinea tend to have higher percentages of urban populations. In contrast, countries in the interior of the continent and along the eastern coast generally exhibit lower urbanization rates.

Annual urban population growth rates also differ widely. Some countries, primarily in North Africa and the southern part of the continent, experience relatively slow growth (less than 2% annually). Meanwhile, many countries, particularly in the interior and East Africa, are seeing rapid urban expansion, with growth rates exceeding 5% per year.

High Urbanization, Low Growth: Countries with high percentages of urban population often have lower annual growth rates.
Rapid Growth Challenges: Fast-growing urban areas frequently struggle with inadequate infrastructure, housing shortages, and environmental challenges.
East Africa's Unique Position: Notably, East Africa lacks megacities (cities with populations of 10 million or more), characterized by smaller and medium-sized urban centers.

The interplay between urbanization rates and urban population growth highlights critical challenges for sustainable development. Can technology bridge the developmental gaps? Technologies of Information and Communication (TIC) are considered the cornerstone for generating “Smart Cities”, “Sustainable Cities” or “Smart Sustainable Cities (SSC).

Leveraging Smart City Solutions for Inclusive Urban Growth

The analysis reveals an inverse relationship between access to ICTs and the percentage of urban population living in slums. Cities with greater access to technology tend to have fewer slum dwellers and lower rates of traffic-related fatalities, promoting sustainable urbanization.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3917/popav.739.0014, Alternate LINK

Title: L’Urbanisation De L’Afrique : Davantage De Bidonvilles Ou Des Villes Intelligentes ?

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Population & Avenir

Publisher: CAIRN

Authors: Abdourahmane Mbade Sène

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does the rate of urbanization differ across Africa, and what are the implications?

Urbanization rates vary significantly. North African countries and those along the Gulf of Guinea typically have higher urbanization percentages. Countries in the interior and along the eastern coast generally have lower rates. High urbanization often correlates with lower annual growth rates, while rapid growth presents challenges like inadequate infrastructure and housing shortages. East Africa stands out for lacking megacities, consisting of smaller urban centers. These differences highlight the need for tailored urban development strategies across the continent.

What role do Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) play in mitigating the growth of slums in African cities?

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are vital for creating “Smart Cities”, “Sustainable Cities”, or “Smart Sustainable Cities (SSC)”. Access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is inversely related to the percentage of urban populations living in slums. Greater access to technology correlates with fewer slum dwellers and lower rates of traffic-related fatalities, indicating that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can promote sustainable urbanization by improving urban management, resource allocation, and overall quality of life.

What are 'Smart Cities,' and how can they help address the challenges of rapid urbanization in Africa?

'Smart Cities' use technology and strategic planning to improve the quality of life for urban residents. By leveraging Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), these cities aim to address challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, housing shortages, and environmental issues. The goal is to foster sustainable and inclusive urban development that bridges the gap between urban aspirations and the realities of rapid urbanization, ultimately reducing the expansion of slums.

What are the main factors contributing to the rapid urbanization being witnessed in Africa?

Several factors drive rapid urbanization in Africa. There's a natural population increase within existing urban areas, coupled with migration from rural areas to cities in search of economic opportunities, education, and better living conditions. This surge places immense pressure on urban infrastructure, resources, and governance, leading to challenges such as housing shortages, inadequate services, and the proliferation of informal settlements.

Considering the projections for urban growth in Africa, what are the most pressing concerns regarding sustainable urban development, and how can these be addressed effectively?

With projections estimating that Africa's urban population will reach 1.2 billion by 2050, the pressing concerns include managing resource scarcity, providing adequate housing, and ensuring equitable access to services. Sustainable urban development requires integrated planning that incorporates smart city technologies and inclusive governance to address the underlying causes of inequality and promote environmental sustainability. Focusing on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and infrastructure development, while also ensuring equitable access to resources, is essential to prevent the expansion of slums and improve living conditions for all residents.