The Urban Citizen of 2030: Between Digital Optimism and Concrete Reality
Kampala/Accra.
As cities like Kampala, Accra, and Johannesburg rush to brand themselves “smart”, the question lingers: smart for whom?
Technology promises cleaner streets, cashless transport, and data-driven governance. But without inclusive design, these cities risk creating digital divides — where connectivity serves some and excludes many.
“A true smart city is not built on sensors alone,” writes Namirimu. “It’s built on trust, accessibility, and shared ownership of progress.”
She argues that the urban citizen of 2030 will juggle two worlds:
- Digital optimism — where AI systems schedule buses, drones monitor waste, and citizens pay taxes via mobile apps.
- Concrete reality — where housing, water, and informal livelihoods still define daily life.
Balancing those worlds means policy that prioritises affordable data, local innovation, and participatory governance — not just shiny dashboards.
Why this matters
Reminds policymakers that digital transformation must stay people-centred.
Frames technology as a social contract, not a luxury.
Encourages citizens to demand inclusion in every “smart” rollout.
