Smart cities a gateway to an efficient night economy
Greater investment in bolstering inner city economies in a sustainable manner while also inculcating digital growth and seamless utilisation of public spaces is key to restoring modern economies.
To corroborate this, the most recent Africa Development Dynamics report shows digitalisation of economic sectors will kick- start a new growth cycle after COVID- 19, that is focused on infrastructure, green business models, and decentralised growth, as well as human- centric digital transformation.
Furthermore, space utilisation and innovative approach to green spaces continues to play a pivotal role in the resurgence of the downtown nighttime economy, especially after the easing of Covid- 19 restrictions.
Speaking during the PPC MasterClass session held in Gaborone recently under the theme, ‘ Decarbonisation and Building smart cities: A new value frontier for economic diversification.’ Thandeka Palai of Botswana Women in Construction noted that Botswana should join the rest of the world in investing in smart cities and move with the times towards not only creating 24- hour economies but also environmentallyconscious and sustainable socio- economic landscapes that are inclusive and modern.
“Smart cities are a gateway to a safe and efficient night economy and vice versa. The night economy is essential for job creation, revitalisation of public spaces, promote citizen security and sense of belonging and foster tourism,” she said.
According to the International Monetary Fund’s latest report on economic prospects, the economic growth in Sub- Saharan Africa in the third quarter of 2021 outdid the projections from a 3.8 percent economic growth in 2020 to 7.2 percent in 2021 and 2022 was less appalling with most worries emanating from a potential food crisis.
But the report noted that postpandemic, there is growing recognition that the night- time economy is an integral part of modern life.
“There is growing recognition in several prominent global cities that the night- time economy is a source of economic activity, employment and urban renewal. A night- time economy seems to work best in high- density areas, and developers and landlords are starting to jump on the opportunity with enticing benefits and offerings.”
The PPC Botswana Master class brought together industry leaders and policy makers to discuss the role that decarbonisation plays in building and enhancing sustainability and one of the key issues raised was the importance of digitalisation in Africa’s journey towards a digital and green future, particularly as digital and green twin transitions are essential to Africa’s growth and development. Africa’s booming
Smart cities are a gateway to a safe and efficient night economy and vice versa. The night economy is essential for job creation, revitalisation of public spaces, promote citizen security and sense of belonging and foster tourism
digital sector offers an opportunity for governments to help kick- start a new growth cycle in the aftermath of the COVID- 19 crisis, by encouraging the spreading of digital technologies, data and interconnection to all sectors, and accelerate economic transformation and the creation of productive jobs.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Halakangwa Mbulai noted that Government shares the vision to invest in improved digital systems.
“Our vision for a Botswana which leads the continent emanates from the belief that accelerating digital transformation through digitising the industry, integrating ecosystems and sharing the skillset to the region and the rest of the continent, and in turn create regional markets for digitisation,” is the way to go, she said.
Managing Director of 10X Technologies, Mokgethi Monyatseng said that it is important to be innovative and find new ways to do business and lead lives, citing that digitalisation has greatly improved the ease of doing business.
“Covid has shown us that we can survive in a digital environment. We should make sure that we leverage the opportunities presented by Covid and the experience we have gained and continue with the implementation of smart cities,” he said.