African 'smart cities:' A high-tech solution to overpopulated megacities?

By Chris Giles, CNN

Updated 2:45 PM ET, Mon April 9, 2018

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Satellite cities, often billed as "smart cities" -- connected, tech-driven urban areas -- are being built by a number of African countries. Is this a solution to the continent's rapidly urbanizing population? <br /><br /><strong>Konza Technological City, Kenya - </strong>As part of the Kenyan government's Vision 2030 project, Konza Technological City located 60km outside Nairobi, aims to become a world-class technological and innovation hub. The cost of the so-called "Silicon Savanna" is expected to reach an eye-watering $15.5bn. <br /><br /><strong>See more of Africa's new cities.</strong>
Photos: African countries plan ambitious satellite 'smart cities'
Satellite cities, often billed as "smart cities" -- connected, tech-driven urban areas -- are being built by a number of African countries. Is this a solution to the continent's rapidly urbanizing population?

Konza Technological City, Kenya - As part of the Kenyan government's Vision 2030 project, Konza Technological City located 60km outside Nairobi, aims to become a world-class technological and innovation hub. The cost of the so-called "Silicon Savanna" is expected to reach an eye-watering $15.5bn.

See more of Africa's new cities.
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The government plans to complete the techno city some time after 2030. The Konza Development Authority (KTDA) estimates Konza will bring in $1bn every year and create 100,000 jobs. There are critics, though, who are skeptical that techies will want to relocate away from Nairobi, already a buzzing technological hub.
Photos: African countries plan ambitious satellite 'smart cities'
Konza Technological City, Kenya – The government plans to complete the techno city some time after 2030. The Konza Development Authority (KTDA) estimates Konza will bring in $1bn every year and create 100,000 jobs. There are critics, though, who are skeptical that techies will want to relocate away from Nairobi, already a buzzing technological hub.
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The site, spread across 5,000 acres, will not only be a center of technology and education, but will provide new homes and leisure activities with shopping malls and other amenities. Kenya's ICT sector continues to <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/ke/Documents/tax/Economic%20outlook%20ke%202017%20Final.pdf" target="_blank">grow</a> and is a world leader for mobile tech. The country wants this new "techno polis" to be a catalyst for the economy.
Photos: African countries plan ambitious satellite 'smart cities'
Konza Technological City, Kenya – The site, spread across 5,000 acres, will not only be a center of technology and education, but will provide new homes and leisure activities with shopping malls and other amenities. Kenya's ICT sector continues to grow and is a world leader for mobile tech. The country wants this new "techno polis" to be a catalyst for the economy.
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Is this Nigeria's answer to Dubai? Eko Atlantic is the ambitious multi-billion dollar project that aims to transform Lagos, the country's most populated city. Its creators want it to become the new financial hub for Nigeria -- bringing in 150,000 commuters every day.
Photos: African countries plan ambitious satellite 'smart cities'
Eko Atlantic, Nigeria – Is this Nigeria's answer to Dubai? Eko Atlantic is the ambitious multi-billion dollar project that aims to transform Lagos, the country's most populated city. Its creators want it to become the new financial hub for Nigeria -- bringing in 150,000 commuters every day.
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Eko Atlantic is a privately funded project in partnership with the Lagos State Government. Once finished, it plans to be home to a quarter of a million people. The new city is connected off the Victoria Island, a district in Lagos.
Photos: African countries plan ambitious satellite 'smart cities'
Eko Atlantic, Nigeria – Eko Atlantic is a privately funded project in partnership with the Lagos State Government. Once finished, it plans to be home to a quarter of a million people. The new city is connected off the Victoria Island, a district in Lagos.
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Eko Atlantic is being built along Lagos's upmarket Bar Beach coastline. It will provide classy accommodation and high-tech infrastructure.
Photos: African countries plan ambitious satellite 'smart cities'
Eko Atlantic, Nigeria – Eko Atlantic is being built along Lagos's upmarket Bar Beach coastline. It will provide classy accommodation and high-tech infrastructure.
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It's being constructed on 10 square kilometers of reclaimed land from the Atlantic Ocean, as shown in this satellite image.