The 2nd edition of The Africa Smart Cities Investment Summit (ASCIS) was held in Nairobi under the theme “Unleashing the AI City.” The event, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, brought together global experts, policymakers, investors, and innovators to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving sustainable urban development across Africa.
Discussions at the summit delved into crucial topics such as sustainable urbanization and smart living, digital transformation and innovation hubs, resilience and climate adaptation, sustainable infrastructure and investments, sustainable mobility, and water and waste management. These conversations laid the groundwork for transformative initiatives in African urban landscapes.
KARA CEO Henry Ochieng was a panelist in one of the sessions, and shared insights on the pivotal role of Resident Associations in collaborating with city leaders and technology providers on the smart cities agenda. This collaboration is essential to ensure that smart city initiatives align with the genuine needs and priorities of local communities, emphasizing a community-driven approach for sustainable urban development.
The summit provided a platform to explore the diverse roles of stakeholders, identify commercial opportunities, and forge partnerships that will steer the trajectory of urban development in African cities towards a smarter and more inclusive future. The discussions are expected to lay a roadmap for leveraging AI to create inclusive, equitable, and resilient urban environments that meet the needs of Africa’s rapidly growing urban populations.