This podcast focuses on the concept of “smart cities” – a label which has been critiqued by researchers due to its intrinsic connection to technology, the presence of which does not necessarily guarantee equitable uptake (or uptake at all), especially in the unequal societies of the Global South.

The podcast is an output of the second phase of RIA’s Digital new deal for Africa – Governance in the Age of Digitalisation and Datafication Project  , funded by the International Development Research Centre. The main project objective is to understand the nature and scale of digitalisation and datafication in Africa and the associated impacts. By developing the evidence base, RIA provides technical assistance and support to state and regional institutions, civil society and the private sector who are engaging in public interest international governance. Phase 2 of the project aims to develop governance frameworks to harness the benefits associated with global public good dimensions while mitigating accompanying risks.

The podcast was produced by Heeten Bhagat, with the assistance of Nawal Omar, RIA’s Information Systems and Data Manager.