Browsing: smart cities

• The AIM Congress 2025 brought together global leaders to advance smart cities, digital economies, and sustainable innovation, with mayors sharing tech-driven urban solutions and entrepreneurs highlighting inclusive growth.
• Key discussions focused on ethical AI, grassroots entrepreneurship, and cross-border collaboration to tackle climate and emerging economic challenges.
• The summit culminated in actionable partnerships, proving that technology’s true potential lies in its ability to uplift communities worldwide.

The air in Abu Dhabi buzzed with possibility as global leaders gathered for AIM Congress 2025 – not merely to discuss the future, but to architect it. Against the gleaming backdrop of the UAE’s capital, mayors shared urban transformation blueprints, tech pioneers debated AI ethics, and green entrepreneurs proved sustainability and profitability could coexist. This wasn’t another staid conference; it was a three-day masterclass in turning bold visions into actionable realities.

The “City Mayors’ Roundtable: Global Digital Cooperation” set the tone with tangible success stories. …

• The number of Africans living in urban areas is expected to increase to around 50 per cent by 2030.
• In the dynamic journey towards progress, the concept of “Smart Cities” emerges as a beacon of hope, transforming urban spaces into intelligent, efficient, and sustainable hubs.
• technology can help improve transportation systems. Mobile apps can inform people about real-time traffic updates, schedule public transportation, and facilitate carpooling or ride-sharing services.

Urbanisation in Africa is a force that has become irresistible, the number of Africans living in urban areas is expected to increase to around 50 per cent by 2030. The continent’s urbanisation rate, rated the highest in the world, can result in economic growth, transformation, and poverty reduction. Similarly, it can lead to increased inequality, urban poverty, and the growth of slums. Therefore, the laws, policies, and actions needed to reap positive results from Africa’s urbanisation are critical in the …

China has a well-established presence on the African continent. On the positive side, a lot of infrastructure development taking place is a direct result of Chinese funding. In addition, several big Chinese companies have taken root in Africa becoming significant contributors to employment and GDP. Examples include Citic Constructions, Sunshine group, and FAW. Mckinsey and Company research group estimates that in 2012 there were over 10000 Chinese-owned companies operating in Africa, the number has since increased. 

However, there has long been suspicion around Chinese funding, especially through debt as most deals are shrouded in mystery and hidden behind closed doors. One example is Zambia’s current debt conundrum, in which reports indicate the country owes China large sums of money but circumstances around the debt are unclear in terms of the duration and the cost. 

Additionally, indications are that some of the debt facilities come with collateralized arrangements in which Africa …