Appropriate Technologies for African Cities: A Problem-driven Approach

Developing appropriate technological solutions starts from a proper understanding of the underlying context and problems. With urbanisation, industrialisation, and technology all closely knitted together, cities are often the very places where many of such fundamental issues actually take shape, both physically and systemically. To better understand the local needs, with a broader goal to draw out technological implications suited for Africa, this paper thus explores the urban context of 6 African cities - Dar-es-Salaam (Tanzania), Accra (Ghana), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Nairobi (Kenya), Lagos (Nigeria) and Lilongwe (Malawi). The results of the paper, which summarise key areas of focus including both challenges and opportunities in each of the cities studied, present invaluable knowledge and insights for scientists and engineers. The insights can help them to tailor their technologies to grapple with the local contexts and needs. In addition to broadening our local knowledge, the paper also makes practical contributions to making sustainable and inclusive tech policy and developing more impactful science ODA projects/programmes by informing a wide range of practitioners as well as policymakers in the field of appropriate technology and global technology cooperation.