As African cities undergo rapid expansion, the demand for sustainable urban planning is becoming increasingly critical. The Internet of Things (IoT), a network of interconnected devices collecting and sharing data, is emerging as a transformative force in the quest to build smart, resilient, and liveable cities. From smart waste bins that notify sanitation departments when full to real-time air quality monitors, IoT is revolutionizing how cities operate.
At the forefront of this transformation are telecom operators, who provide the digital infrastructure, connectivity, and technological expertise necessary for smart city innovation. Across Africa, telecom companies are helping municipalities reimagine urban living through connected solutions that address local challenges.
Urbanization in Africa is occurring at one of the fastest rates in the world. The United Nations projects that, by 2030, over 722 million Africans will live in urban areas, up from 548 million in 2022. This boom is straining city infrastructure, from waste issues in Nairobi to power supply shortages in Lagos.
Telecom Operators: The Cornerstone of Smart Infrastructure
For IoT to function efficiently, robust and widespread connectivity is essential. Telecom companies are laying the groundwork for this by investing in 4G and 5G networks, fiber optics, and edge computing infrastructure. These technologies provide the high-speed, low-latency environment that IoT applications require.
In South Africa, MTN has rolled out 5G in key urban areas such as Johannesburg and Durban, supporting remote health monitoring and autonomous transport trials. In Kenya, Safaricom’s Home Fibre initiative has expanded internet access in urban and peri-urban areas, laying the foundation for smart home and city innovations. Meanwhile, Liquid Intelligent Technologies continues to build one of Africa’s largest fiber networks (now totaling 110,000 km), which is essential for connecting everything from smart surveillance cameras to public kiosks.
Related Read: The Impact of Fiber Optic Networks on Africa’s Digital Landscape
IoT Use Cases in African Smart Cities
- Smart Mobility and Intelligent Transport
Traffic congestion remains a daily headache for commuters across cities like Cairo and Lagos. IoT-based intelligent transport systems can optimize traffic flow, reduce travel times, and enhance road safety. Rwanda has introduced smart buses in Kigali, equipped with GPS trackers, Wi-Fi, and contactless fare systems, improving both passenger convenience and operational efficiency.
Additionally, Egypt’s New Administrative Capital (NAC) is being designed with smart mobility in mind, featuring automated traffic control systems and app-based public transport tracking to reduce congestion. IoT-integrated parking sensors in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, are helping drivers locate available parking spots, cutting down on unnecessary driving and emissions.
Related Read: Transforming Senegal’s Urban Transport with Intelligent Transportation Systems
- Smart Utilities: Water and Power Management
IoT helps utilities become more responsive and efficient. Smart meters for electricity and water enable utilities to monitor usage patterns, detect leaks, and prevent outages. In Nigeria, Ikeja Electric has implemented prepaid smart meters that help customers track their energy consumption in real time, reducing billing disputes and improving energy conservation.
In Cape Town, smart water meters have been introduced to detect leaks and promote water conservation during droughts. Meanwhile, in Windhoek, Namibia, the city has deployed smart water meters connected to IoT networks to manage consumption during drought conditions. These meters send alerts to residents when water usage exceeds certain thresholds, encouraging responsible consumption and helping the city manage water stress.
IoT-enhanced security systems are transforming how African cities respond to crime and emergencies. In Ghana, the government partnered with Huawei to install 800 AI-powered CCTV cameras and facial recognition technology in Accra and Kumasi, enhancing situational awareness for law enforcement. Similarly, Addis Ababa has piloted smart traffic lights to reduce congestion and improve road safety.
- Environment and Waste Management
Urban pollution and inefficient waste disposal remain major challenges. IoT technologies can help cities monitor and improve environmental health. In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, smart bins with fill-level sensors notify waste management teams when collection is needed, preventing overflows and reducing unnecessary trips.
Senegal has piloted air quality sensors across Dakar, transmitting real-time data to mobile apps accessible by citizens. This transparency allows individuals and policymakers to take steps to minimize exposure and develop targeted policies to improve air quality.
The Policy and Regulatory Imperative
Smart cities cannot thrive without relevant policy development. African regulators are starting to recognize the importance of harmonized standards for IoT, data privacy, and spectrum allocation.
The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) is leading regional efforts to build consensus on smart city policies. Its engagement at WTSA-24 has focused on promoting African interests in global standard-setting forums.
Related Read: Shaping Africa’s Digital Future: The African Telecommunications Union’s Role in Connectivity and Transformation
Overcoming Roadblocks to IoT Growth in Cities
While momentum is building, several challenges remain in scaling smart city initiatives:
- Limited Infrastructure: Secondary cities and rural regions still lack the broadband coverage needed to support IoT deployment. For example, in Madagascar, internet penetration is estimated to amount to 29.32% in 2025.
- Device and Deployment Costs: Many IoT devices are imported, raising costs. Initiatives like Kenya’s Konza Technopolis aim to spur local innovation and reduce reliance on foreign technology.
- Digital Skills Gap: There’s a shortage of local talent trained to manage, analyze, and secure IoT systems. The Google Africa Developer Scholarship (GADS) program is attempting to bridge this gap.
- Cybersecurity Threats: With increased connectivity comes greater vulnerability. Cities must prioritize security-by-design principles and invest in threat detection and response systems.
- Data Ownership and Sovereignty: Policymakers are increasingly concerned about data being stored overseas. South Africa has implemented the POPI Act, which mandates that sensitive citizen data be stored locally.
Collaborative Models: Public-Private Partnerships Driving Smart Solutions
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are proving effective in advancing Africa’s smart city agenda. In Casablanca, Morocco, joint ventures between local authorities and telecom companies has resulted in a smart city dashboard that aggregates data from transport, utilities, and emergency services.
These types of collaborations reduce the financial burden on public agencies and foster innovation by bringing in private sector expertise.
Related Read: Boosting Cybersecurity in Ghana: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships
Africa’s Vision for 2030: Smart, Inclusive, and Data-Driven Cities
Looking ahead, Africa’s urban future will be shaped by the convergence of 5G, AI, IoT, and cloud computing. The African IoT market is projected to reach USD 18.55 billion in 2025, with telcos playing a pivotal role as both enablers and innovators.
Initiatives such as the Smart Africa Alliance are pushing for regional integration of digital infrastructure and innovation, while local startups are developing IoT solutions for transportation, health, and agriculture.
Digital ID systems, open government data, and citizen engagement apps will be key to making smart cities not just technologically advanced, but also inclusive.
As Africa charts its course toward urban transformation, telecom operators are at the heart of this journey. By deploying infrastructure, enabling IoT ecosystems, and forging multi-stakeholder collaborations, they are helping cities evolve into intelligent, efficient, and sustainable hubs.