Development Bank Joins Funders for African “Smart Cities”

By Global Information Network Reprint | | Print |

NEW YORK, Jan 13 2015 (IPS) - (GIN) – Financing is being arranged for a multi-million dollar ‘smart city’ in Diamniado, Senegal, by the African Development Bank. Similar investments are taking place in the Ivory Coast and other West African states.

The smart city, located on a 25 hectare site, will have broadband infrastructure, smart buildings, data centers and an ICT training facility. The flagship project is designed to make Senegal a tech center for West Africa and to attract investment. Similar hubs are under consideration for Diass, Sebikotane, St. Louis and Ziguinchor.

The Diamniadio Technology Park will be located about 30 kms from the capital Dakar. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2016 and last for five years.

Gabon, an oil-rich Central African nation is planning a Cyber-city in the island of Mandji. And a “digital village” is already under development in the coast city of Grand Bassam in the Ivory Coast. With a pricetag of about $56 million, it should be completed in 30 months’ time, government officials said.

The digital infrastructure will include four fibre optic networks worth over $120 million, adding to an existing network of about 2,000 kms.

Other cyber cities around the continent can be found in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.