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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.
Photos: African countries plan ambitious satellite 'smart cities'
Eko Atlantic, Nigeria – It's being constructed on 10 square kilometers of reclaimed land from the Atlantic Ocean, as shown in this satellite image.
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Billed as the largest real estate project in Africa, Eko Atlantic is being built on tons of sand dredged from the Atlantic Ocean off the coast. However, construction has slowed as a result of Nigeria's economic stagnation.
Photos: African countries plan ambitious satellite 'smart cities'
Eko Atlantic, Nigeria – Billed as the largest real estate project in Africa, Eko Atlantic is being built on tons of sand dredged from the Atlantic Ocean off the coast. However, construction has slowed as a result of Nigeria's economic stagnation.
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