IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

At first glance, the streets of the Xiong'an New Area in North China's Hebei Province look clean and new, yet not particularly remarkable. It is only when driving through them that one senses the pulse of what has been widely referred to in China as "the city of the future." Here, drivers no longer "obey" green lights; the lights "obey" the traffic.

This is no illusion. Behind the so-called "green-wave traffic system" lie more than 20,000 roadside sensors that monitor traffic flow, queue lengths and vehicle types in real time. The data feed into an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered "city brain" that recalibrates signals in milliseconds. As a result, the average number of stops per vehicle has fallen by half, according to official figures.

Malabon City administrator Dr. Alexander T. Rosete presented the city’s digital governance milestones at the 17th International Conference on E-Education, E-Business, E-Management and E-Learning, held last 1 to 4 April.

In a presentation titled “Digitalizing Governance: Implementing a SMART City Framework for Enhanced Public Services and Citizen Engagement in Malabon,” Rosete detailed how technology has been integrated into the delivery of essential services in Malabon.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has successfully digitized nearly 90% of its services, while offering more than 200 integrated legal services accessible through its website and mobile applications.

This comprehensive digital overhaul goes beyond technology, it reflects a strong commitment to easing the everyday burdens of citizens, residents, and businesses by saving time, effort, and unnecessary visits.

The "Smart City" Development and Innovation Competition was held in Nanning in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on March 30, with 37 teams winning in the finals of the competition and five representative projects completing on-site signing.

A total of 1,382 works participated in this competition, among which 252 works won awards.

On March 29, the 60 teams that advanced to the finals were divided into groups according to the competition topics. The professional track targeted four competition directions, namely urban safety and public services, intelligent construction and green buildings, urban construction and urban governance, and smart residential areas and smart communities. The university track was set up with three directions, including urban construction and urban governance, intelligent construction and green buildings, and smart residential areas and smart communities.

The expansion of smart cities and industrial deployments means infrastructure must be built to withstand harsh, evolving environments while maintaining reliable connectivity and power.

The expansion of smart cities and industrial deployments means infrastructure must be built to withstand harsh, evolving environments while maintaining reliable connectivity and power.

Ruggedized Power of Ethernet (PoE) is emerging as a key enabler, designed to support scalable, resilient edge networks across outdoor and distributed systems.

Eight Saudi cities made a notable showing in the IMD Smart City Index 2026, published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), the Saudi Press Agency said on Friday.

The result reflects faster development and improving quality of life across the Kingdom’s cities, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Press Agency said on Friday.

At a glance

• Who: IMD World Competitiveness Centre (WCC).
• What: WCC has published the IMD Smart City Index 2026, which sees Zurich retain the top spot.
• Why: To assess the progress of smart cities around the world. IMD WCC defines a smart city as one that strikes a good balance between its economic prowess, applied technology, environmental concerns, and inclusiveness to facilitate a high quality of life for its citizens.
• Where: WCC surveyed residents in 148 global cities.

Transparency, infrastructure and public trust are key to urban success, according to the annual ranking, published by the IMD World Competitiveness Centre.

Governance quality, infrastructure, and public trust are more important than technology alone in determining whether a city is truly “smart”, according to the IMD Smart City Index 2026 released by the IMD World Competitiveness Center.

The report, titled “The Quest for Trust and Transparency”, evaluates 148 cities worldwide and added five new cities this year: Tianjin and Zhuhai in China, Hafar Al Batin and Hail in Saudi Arabia, and San Salvador in El Salvador.

The Connecticut city’s chief innovation officer discusses governance and embracing responsible innovation across city government.

Charisse Snipes was born and raised in Hartford, Conn., making her role as the city’s chief innovation officer deeply personal. A graduate of Hartford Public Schools, she now leads technology strategy for the same community that shaped her, an opportunity she describes as both surreal and profoundly meaningful.

With almost 25 years of IT experience, Snipes has built a career rooted in a long-standing passion for innovation and public service. She leads a team of nearly 40 IT professionals in a shared-services department that supports both the city of Hartford and Hartford Public Schools. Although the city and school district operate under separate budgets, the technology team functions as a single organization serving both entities

In Phuket, a new generation of local families is reimagining the island’s future through ambitious smart-city developments that aim to balance innovation, sustainability, and community.

When we think of the term “smart city”, places like Singapore, Amsterdam, or Zürich often come to mind – urban centres where thoughtful planning, technology, and sustainability converge to create environments that genuinely enhance everyday life. Yet far from these established examples, a quieter transformation is beginning to unfold in Southern Thailand. On the island of Phuket, long known primarily as a tourism powerhouse, a new generation of developers and local families is exploring how the concept of a smart city might reshape the island’s future.

The Gujarat government has completed 357 urban projects under the central Smart City Mission across six cities, delivering infrastructure and services. The six cities undertook 359 projects worth Rs 115.07 billion (bn) in total, of which projects valued at Rs 112.77 billion (bn) have been completed and two projects worth Rs 2,290 million (mn) are nearing completion. The terms billion (bn) and million (mn) are defined on first mention.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Gujarat on 31 March to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for urban projects, according to the Chief Minister's Office. The state declared 2025 the Urban Development Year and extended a two-decade programme that started in 2005 to expand urban infrastructure and connectivity. Major works include new expressways, highways and a signature bridge connecting Dwarka with Beyt Dwarka, with approach roads and parking completed.

Annual report says top-performing cities tend to be those where governance, technology, and public expectations align. Residents in high-performing urban centers tend to perceive more transparency in their cities and be actively engaged in the processes that shape their quality of life, the IMD Smart City Index 2026 finds.

The report, entitled "The Quest for Trust and Transparency" and published by the IMD World Competitiveness Center (WCC), found that smartness is not only about the latest technology. Higher overall performance tends to coincide with stronger citizen perceptions of good governance, transparency, and effective digital services.

Senegal is marking a decisive step in its national transformation with the launch of the key projects of the New Deal for Technology. According to Papa Déthié Diouf, a member of the Digital Economy Commission of MONCAP, this initiative represents a major turning point in the country's development trajectory.

"Digital technology is no longer an option; it has become a central pillar of our economic, social and territorial development," said Mr. Diouf.

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has formally received the Nigeria Government Enterprise Architecture (NGEA) Portal, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation efforts.

Speaking at the handover ceremony held in Abuja, Abdullahi—represented by the Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Dimie Warowei—described the event as the culmination of a strategic partnership between Nigeria and the Republic of Korea, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The Enugu State Government has urged investors and institutions to invest and be part of the development of the New Enugu Smart City.

The Chief Executive Officer of the New Enugu Smart City Authority, Nkiruka Arum, made the appeal on Friday at a Special Day for the authority at the ongoing 37th Enugu International Trade Fair.

Ho Chi Minh City targets becoming one of three national-level smart urban operation centres by 2035, serving as a hub for data coordination, technology and innovation nationwide.

Ho Chi Minh City aims to rank among the world’s top 50 smart cities by 2030 under a draft smart urban development plan for 2026–2030, with a vision to 2035.

Surat’s urban landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with infrastructure projects worth over ₹11,000 crore completed under the national smart city programme. The scale of development reflects a coordinated push to modernise urban systems, improve service delivery, and enhance the quality of life across the city. The progress in Surat smart city projects spans a wide range of interventions, including integrated command and control centres, improved public transport systems, upgraded water and sewer networks, and enhanced public spaces. Officials involved in implementation indicate that the focus has been on creating efficient, technology-enabled urban environments.

In cities across Africa, surveillance is becoming part of the urban fabric. Cameras mounted on streetlights, AI systems tracking movement, and centralized command centers monitoring activity in real time are no longer futuristic concepts. They are operational realities.

Framed as part of the continent’s smart city evolution, these technologies promise safer streets, smarter traffic systems, and more responsive governance. But as adoption accelerates, a deeper question is emerging: what kind of digital future is Africa building, and who controls it?

With an extensive network of roads and railways, along with the development of international airports and ports, Gujarat today has a well-developed transport network that provides excellent connectivity to its citizens. To manage the increasing traffic in urban areas efficiently, overbridges and underbridges are being constructed across the state. In particular, in the four major cities, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara, and Surat, a strong road network is being developed through such infrastructure, making transportation easier for citizens.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit Gujarat on March 31. During this visit, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for various urban development projects.

With governments worldwide turning to AI-driven digital transformation, Huawei took centre stage to explore how integrated platforms, data intelligence and “chat‑to‑process” innovations are reshaping service delivery, boosting efficiency and raising satisfaction across the public sector.

Governments across the world are under growing pressure to deliver faster, more accessible and more transparent services for citizens. Driven by ageing populations, rising citizen expectations and budget constraints, administrations are having to rethink how public services are designed and delivered – and AI-enabled digital solutions are helping their cause.

Digital transformation is about how organisations work and people collaborate, explains Fernando de Pablo, director of the Digital Office of the City of Madrid

As cities across Europe accelerate digital transformation, questions of governance, interoperability and public trust are coming to the fore. Despite heavy investment in digital tools, the real challenge lies in how institutions adapt, collaborate and deliver tangible improvements for citizens.

Madrid has emerged as a leading example of this shift, as cities take a more central role in shaping digital public services. The Spanish capital will host the GovTech 4 Impact World Congress (G4I), bringing together policymakers, practitioners and industry leaders to exchange lessons on digital government.

A smart city is not defined solely by the use of technology or the presence of sensors, but by its ability to interpret the information it collects from the urban environment and use it to make decisions. Artificial Intelligence is the central axis that allows a city to function in a coordinated, efficient and sustainable manner. In this sense, AI acts as the ‘brain’ that allows large volumes of data to be transformed into concrete actions that improve the functioning of the city. Thanks to this capacity, cities can predict needs, anticipate incidents and adapt their services in real time.

Without AI, the smart city would not be able to learn, evolve or respond to changes in the environment automatically. It is this technology that converts data into useful knowledge to optimise resources.

The development and completion of national databases is a cornerstone in the digital transformation process. When data is standardised, interconnected, and effectively utilised, it becomes a critical foundation for modern governance, digital economic growth, and enhanced national competitiveness.

The Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation identifies data as a key production resource and a central driver for rapid and sustainable development. In parallel, the National Assembly’s issuance of the Law on Data, along with related legislation such as the Law on Digital Technology Industry, the Law on Personal Data Protection, and the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as guiding decrees from the Government, has helped establish a comprehensive legal framework for data governance, utilisation, and protection.

A report that compiles research findings on the implementation of AI-powered surveillance systems in 11 African countries has warned that nations deploying such systems risk collapsing into digital authoritarianism if certain safeguards are not quickly put in place.

The report by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), published this month, examines the deployment of surveillance systems aided by Chinese technology in Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The focus was on surveillance systems that monitor public spaces through facial or vehicle number plate recognition.

IoT Society of India has appointed a Chennai-based technology specialist to head its national division focused on Internet of Things (IoT) applications, a move that reflects the growing importance of connected systems in shaping India’s urban infrastructure and service delivery frameworks.

The leadership change comes at a time when Indian cities are accelerating the adoption of IoT-driven solutions across mobility, utilities and public services. From intelligent traffic systems to smart water management, IoT applications are increasingly embedded in how cities operate. Industry observers say the new appointment signals a stronger push towards scaling these technologies beyond pilot projects into city-wide deployments.

A new study claims that a largely overlooked solution, tube-based freight transport systems, could redefine how goods move within cities. These systems are a potential next-generation logistics layer that operates beneath or alongside traditional road networks, offering faster, cleaner, and more efficient delivery pathways in increasingly dense urban environments.

The study, titled "Smart Urban Logistics and Tube-Based Freight Systems: A Review of Technological Integration and Implementation Barriers", published in Smart Cities, reviews tube-based freight technologies and their role in transforming urban logistics. It evaluates existing models, emerging innovations, and real-world pilot projects while identifying the structural, economic, and governance barriers that continue to limit widespread adoption.

Sovereign AI matters for cities because it helps strengthen and extend smart city efforts -enabling cities to achieve outcomes such as less congestion, faster response times, improved safety, and tangible savings in energy and operations. AI can deliver these results in measurable ways when it is deployed on an architecture designed for low latency, high availability, and clear governance, while keeping sensitive data and operational control under trusted local management. This city-level shift also reflects a broader national trend, as more countries are investing in Sovereign AI to keep critical data, infrastructure, and model governance under local control.

The Smart Zambia Institute has begun the process of engaging an international partner to support the development of Zambia’s national digital identification system.

The project has entered a key implementation phase, with completion targeted for 2026.

The move to bring in an international partner is intended to strengthen local capacity as the country works towards delivering a fully functional and inclusive digital ID system.

Urban technology has advanced rapidly over the past decade, with cities investing heavily in sensors, connectivity, and digital platforms to improve services. These initiatives have delivered meaningful progress, but they have also revealed structural limits: as cities become more complex, they are increasingly focused on transforming existing data into coordinated, real-time action.

Smart cities taught us how to connect urban systems and make city operations more visible through sensors and integrated data. Cities are now looking for ways to strengthen these foundations with more intelligent tools that enhance decision-making and service delivery. Rather than adding more devices, the focus is shifting toward building the capability to act at speed, and toward open, cross-domain platforms that support co-creation across industry, government, and academia. In this context, AI becomes a natural extension of the Smart City framework — enriching and empowering existing strategies rather than replacing them.

Tainan — Taiwan’s oldest city and cultural capital — has quietly transformed into one of the region’s most forward-thinking AI Cities. Building on its early smart‑city programs, Tainan now operates as an open, scalable testbed for next-gen urban innovation, attracting technology providers, research institutions, and international partners.

Sustainable, data-driven urban development

Tainan’s Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City showcases how AI can enhance sustainability at scale. From integrated energy management to intelligent transport systems, the district serves as a proving ground for low-carbon mobility, clean-energy adoption, and autonomous‑vehicle testing. These deployments demonstrate how AI can help cities optimize energy use, reduce emissions, and accelerate green transformation.

Smart city development refers to the integration of advanced technologies and innovative urban planning to enhance the quality of life, sustainability, and operational efficiency in cities. By leveraging data, connectivity, and intelligent infrastructure, smart cities optimize transportation, energy management, public services, and environmental systems. Beyond creating more livable urban environments, these initiatives are significantly influencing real estate, shaping property values, buyer preferences, and investment opportunities.

Cities spent the last decade building digital foundations to transform themselves into Smart Cities—deploying sensors, expanding connectivity, and integrating data to modernize services. These investments created valuable visibility into how cities operate. But visibility alone is no longer enough. As urban systems become more interconnected and complex, the imperative shifts from data gathering to coordinating real-time actions across mobility, energy, safety, and public services.

AI City is that next step: integrating AI into the operating fabric of smart cities so systems can understand context, predict change, and orchestrate responses — reliably, at scale, and under clear governance.

Cities are constantly engaged in data collection, from monitoring traffic and energy usage to demand for public services. Their goal is to detect anomalies like water leaks or traffic congestion before they escalate, and respond faster by dispatching crews, adjusting signal timing, or prioritizing resources. But how does a city do this at scale? That’s the idea behind an AI City: using artificial intelligence to help urban systems understand what’s happening and decide what to do next.

An AI City integrates AI into public services and infrastructure to analyze data, predict needs, and improve how the city operates across areas like mobility, utilities, safety, and citizen services.

Urban planning shapes the spaces where we live, work, and interact with communities.

From housing developments and transport systems to recreational parks and commercial hubs, the decisions made today will define the quality of life of the community for generations to come.

But too often, these decisions are made behind closed doors, with limited input from the communities that will be affected.

Himachal Pradesh is pioneering AI-enabled smart city development while preserving its unique mountain ecosystem. The state leverages platforms like the Him Seva Portal and the Him Data Portal to deliver citizen-centric services and improve governance. Technology initiatives have increased efficiency and yielded significant cost savings.

Himachal Pradesh is setting an example with its AI-enabled smart city initiatives that integrate seamlessly with the state's mountain ecosystem, according to Chief Minister's Principal Advisor for Information Technology and Innovation, Gokul Butail. At the Urban Innovation Summit in Chandigarh, Butail emphasized that innovation is vital for sustainable urban growth.

The Ministry of Labour (MoL) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital transformation and simplifying administrative procedures through its Integrated Digital Gateway, which now provides more than 325 digital services to employers and workers across the country.

According to the ministry, the platform has witnessed significant usage, with over 250,000 transactions completed during the past month alone. The high volume of activity reflects the growing reliance on digital government services and the increasing adoption of online solutions that allow users to complete procedures quickly and efficiently.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially launched the Electronic Physical Planning Permit Processing System (EPPPS). This digital platform simplifies how residents obtain building permits. On Thursday, Mr. Kehinde Osinaike, General Manager of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), announced the rollout. The initiative modernizes urban planning and accelerates approval timelines for construction projects.

What does it mean to be a "modern" city in the year 2026? It's not only about the height of our skyline or how fast the LRT might go anymore for Mississauga. It's about a quiet, digital infrastructure that has become a part of our everyday lives. From the way we access local arts to how we unwind after a long commute on the 403, technology is acting as the new bridge between community and convenience. This digital renaissance is transforming Canada’s seventh-largest city into a model of 21st-century living, where high-tech meets high-touch.

At a glance

• Who: Nexus, University of Leeds; Terminus Technologies.
• What: Nexus, the collaboration and innovation hub of the University of Leeds, has signed a smart city partnership with Terminus Technologies to deploy urban data mining technology at the university. Multi-spectral cameras will help build a comprehensive dataset to help cities understand and respond to urban environments.
• Why: To provide local authorities with the tools to make more informed, data-driven decisions about urban planning and resource allocation. The partnership aims to envision urban life in 20 years and build the data infrastructure to support smarter, more responsive cities.
• Where: The two sides hope the project will benefit communities across the UK and beyond.

Nexus, University of Leeds, and Terminus Technologies will build a comprehensive dataset to help cities understand and respond to urban environments.

The smartest cities are those that grow without erasing their ecology

When the waters rose in 2014, Srinagar did not merely witness a natural disaster; it experienced the consequences of ecological neglect. Entire neighbourhoods were submerged, roads turned into rivers, and a painful truth surfaced: a city built against its ecology cannot remain secure within it.

In recent years, Srinagar has been positioned within the policy discourse of the “Smart City,” a development paradigm that prioritises digital infrastructure, surveillance systems, technocratic governance, and aesthetic urban renewal. While such interventions promise administrative efficiency and infrastructural modernisation, they invite a critical question in the context of a fragile Himalayan urban ecosystem: can technological modernisation substitute for ecological resilience?

The digital transformation of government is no longer a distant goal but a present-day reality that is rapidly changing the way public services are delivered. From online portals for tax filing and license renewals to AI-powered chatbots assisting citizens 24/7, information technology is revolutionizing the public sector. This transformation is being driven by a combination of citizen expectations, economic pressures, technological advancements, and the urgent need to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.

Governments across the globe are embracing digital transformation to enhance service delivery, reduce operational costs, and foster greater civic engagement. In this article, we will explore the many facets of how IT solutions are reshaping public services, the challenges governments face in adopting these technologies, and the long-term impact on citizens and institutions alike.

Smart city initiatives are generating vast amounts of data from sensors, cameras, mobile devices, and digital service platforms, offering new opportunities to understand how cities function in real time. Researchers are increasingly exploring whether artificial intelligence (AI) systems can integrate these diverse data sources to improve urban planning, infrastructure management, and traffic prediction.

The study Multi-Modal Artificial Intelligence for Smart Cities: Experimental Integration of Textual and Sensor Data, published in the journal Future Internet, analyses how multi-modal AI models can combine traffic sensor data and citizen-reported text information to enhance predictions of traffic congestion severity.

Belagavi has completed the vast majority of projects sanctioned under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), with 98% of the works already finished and the remaining few under implementation, according to information presented in the Rajya Sabha.

In response to an unstarred question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Iranna Kadadi, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs provided details on the progress of Smart City projects in Belagavi.

Inside the real-time technology turning streets and neighbourhoods into spaces that adapt to how people live

Imagine stepping out of your front door on a Tuesday morning, and the city already knows you are running five minutes late. The traffic lights on your usual route have adjusted.

The bus is holding just a moment longer. The pavement beneath your feet, embedded with quiet sensors, has already logged your footsteps as part of a living, breathing data stream that helps the city breathe better too.

1. What are the benefits of smart cities for the UK’s governments, economy, and populace?

   Smart cities aim to leverage technology to enhance quality of life, improve city management, and boost overall efficiency.

   Smart cities help governments promote efficiency and sustainability, addressing challenges like waste, transportation, and energy consumption. Real-time data enables better decision-making, helping governments pinpoint issues and deploy solutions swiftly.

Summary

• Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja informed the National Assembly on Thursday that the government is moving forward with a comprehensive agenda to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen cybersecurity, and safeguard the digital rights of citizens across Pakistan.
• According to Shaza Fatima, the Pakistan Digital Authority will be responsible for drafting a comprehensive national digital master plan.
• On cybersecurity preparedness, Shaza Fatima informed the house that Pakistan already has a national cybersecurity framework in place to protect government networks and public-sector digital infrastructure.

While rivals chase global scale with standardised models, Daniil Shuleyko, CEO of Yango Group, takes a different approach, building city by city based on what people actually need

For the past decade, “smart city” has been one of the most overhyped phrases in technology, and one of the most disappointing. From Toronto to Singapore, top-down projects have crashed against the same wall: cities are not blank slates. They are alive, chaotic, and resistant to master plans.

At a glance

• Who: City of Inglewood; Wow.
• What: The City of Inglewood in Los Angeles County has partnered with out-of-home media company Wow to install a smart city network.
• Why: In preparation for the 2026 Fifa World Cup and to support the five million annual visitors to its Sports and Entertainment District.
• When: Phase one will be installed in April.

Digital infrastructure is being installed ahead of 2026 Fifa World Cup and to support the five million annual visitors to its Sports and Entertainment District.

UK ranks fourth, Chile vaults into top 10 as digitization reshapes global landscape

The OECD has published its 2025 results and key findings from the Digital Government Index (DGI) and Open, Useful and Re-usable Data Index (OURdata).

The DGI “benchmarks the efforts made by governments to establish the foundations necessary to achieve a coherent, human-centred digital transformation of the public sector.” The OURdata Index “measures governments’ efforts to design and implement national open government data policies.”

A glimpse into a future where technology breathes with us, making our urban spaces more sustainable and connected.

As we move deeper into the decade, the concept of a "home" is shifting from a simple physical shelter to an intelligent ecosystem. By 2030, our cities won't just be concrete jungles; they will be living, breathing organisms powered by Artificial Intelligence and renewable energy. This transition is not just about luxury; it’s about survival and sustainability in a rapidly changing world.

In a positive development for the state, 99% of the projects that were scheduled to be taken up under the Smart City scheme were commissioned.

Chasing a deadline of Mar 15, in the latest review carried out by the urban development department, it was found that out of the total 682 projects, that were sanctioned to improve the ease of living for urban residents, 677 were completed. Out of the remaining five projects, three could be inaugurated within a week, while the remaining ones, too, would be made operational by Mar 14, said senior officials.

The Digital Transformation Agency has secured a new five-year Volume Sourcing Agreement on behalf of the Australian Government, reinforcing efforts to modernise digital infrastructure and support long-term technology adoption across government agencies.

The arrangement focuses on ensuring consistent, reliable, secure, and efficient access to essential information and communication technology platforms and online services used throughout the entire Australian public sector.

By the end of this month, citizens will be able to use their ID card and driver's license in electronic form.

The Ministry of Digital Transformation expects final comments from Poland, where the application has been sent for testing, within 3 weeks.

However, whether a digital ID card or driver's license will be accepted for identification will remain at the discretion of the institutions.

The Federal Government, in partnership with MTN Nigeria, has unveiled a nationwide digital city platform, MyCityApp Nigeria, in Abuja, marking a new phase in efforts to deepen digital infrastructure and smart city development across the country.

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, who led the launch in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Thursday, described the platform as a strategic step in Nigeria’s digital transformation drive.

Philippine GMA City Delegation Benchmarking Digital Twin and Spatial Information Systems

Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Shin Sangjin) announced on the 27th that a delegation from General Mariano Alvarez (GMA) City in the Philippines visited Seongnam to benchmark its spatial-information-based scientific administrative decision-making model.

Dubai is a city where “impossible” is just a starting point. Whether it’s the goal of making 25% of all transportation autonomous by 2030 or the push for a completely paperless government, the emirate is the world’s leading laboratory for urban innovation. However, a smart city is more than its skyscrapers and high-speed rail; it is defined by how effortlessly its people move.

As we look at the logistics of the UAE’s “Smart City” pillars, one technology has emerged as a surprisingly critical bridge: the Uber clone. While the term “clone” often suggests a simple copy, in the context of Uber clone app development, it represents a highly sophisticated, localized digital infrastructure that is helping the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) turn vision into reality.

Ho Chi Minh City is building a governance model where real-time data, AI and digital twins guide decisions and reshape daily urban life.

In 2026, Ho Chi Minh City will focus on cleansing, standardizing and effectively leveraging data to operate a truly smart city. Public services will shift from “processing applications” to “serving needs.”

James Gee, Head of Digital and IT Framework Agreements at NHS Shared Business Services, provides insights on public sector transformation, including the Digital Workplace Solutions 2 framework agreement

Ageing networks, siloed systems and outdated processes block ambitions across the NHS and wider public sector to harness artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), automation and emerging technologies. Modernisation begins with rebuilding and securing IT infrastructure – the bedrock for transforming service delivery. NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has designed a £2.5 billion Digital Workplace Solutions contract that offers a streamlined route to accelerate transformation and future innovation.

This initiative, funded by FAO, is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to reduce the digital divide and ensure inclusive access to public digital services for all citizens.

The Ministry of Digital Transformation, Innovation, and Administration Modernization (MTNIMA) has taken a significant step toward accelerating digital transformation in Bassiknou with the official inauguration of a new digital service desk. The opening ceremony was led by Mr. Yacoub Mohamed Boïlil, Technical Advisor in charge of Development and Interoperability at the Minister’s Office, in the presence of the Deputy Prefect of Bassiknou, Acting Prefect Mr. Mouttaly Abdellahi, and Mr. Khaled Sid’Elemin, representing the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Latest Vietnam news reveals a major push in infrastructure development led by the Ministry of Construction, aiming to accelerate digital transformation across the country. In 2026, these initiatives are shaping the construction sector into a more efficient, technology-driven, and sustainable ecosystem. The government is focusing on modernising public services, integrating smart technology, and supporting environmentally friendly urban growth, reflecting a long-term vision for a data-driven, transparent administration.

Pakistan is pursuing a massive digital transformation, led by the new Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), to create a citizen-centric, digitally empowered nation. Key initiatives are already boosting efficiency, expanding digital inclusion and strengthening the digital economy. The PDA’s success will be measured by its ability to build public trust, ensure inclusivity and maintain ethical safeguards.

Pakistan is charting an ambitious course toward a citizen-centric, digitally empowered nation under the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025 and the National Digital Commission. At the heart of this transformation lies the newly established Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), mandated to design, implement and oversee a coherent digital governance framework across the public sector.

How Modern Municipal Parking Software Can Solve Urban Complexities

Across the US, municipal leaders are facing a breaking point. The mandate is no longer just to “enforce parking”, it is to manage the curb, reduce congestion, and meet climate goals. Yet, many departments are hindered by rigid, siloed systems that treat residential permits, construction zones, and parking citations as three unrelated events.

While many domestic legacy providers offer “standard” platforms, they often trap cities in a cycle of expensive change orders and disconnected data. The solution to this gridlock lies with a modern municipal parking software, technology designed specifically to handle the density and regulatory complexity of modern cities. To see this software in action, we look at some of the forward-thinking cities Unity5 currently work with in the UK, where high-density councils have already successfully deployed these advanced strategies.

Hey guys! Let’s dive into the buzzing world of IoT Tijuana, specifically focusing on the latest news surrounding SCPolíticas (Smart City Policies) and the developments in SC (Smart City) initiatives. This article is your go-to guide for understanding how technology is transforming Tijuana, Mexico, and the political landscape shaping its future. We’ll explore the exciting possibilities of the Internet of Things (IoT), how it’s being implemented, the challenges faced, and the policies driving these changes. Get ready for a deep dive into the heart of Tijuana’s technological evolution!

Mozambique will digitize all government services, modeling its approach on Kenya and Rwanda in a bid to consolidate revenue collection and improve the country’s competitiveness, President Daniel Chapo announced Tuesday.

Speaking at the opening of Mozambique’s first national conference on digital transformation in Maputo, Chapo framed the initiative as a governance overhaul rather than a technological upgrade. “Countries are not transformed only through physical infrastructure,” he said. “They are also transformed through digital infrastructure that connects citizens to the state and to opportunity.”

The construction work of the state-of-the-art Common Service Centre (CSC) being built at Mithapur in Patna is on the verge of completion. Being built at a cost of Rs 30 crore, the project is estimated to be completed by the end of February. Spread over 26,000 square feet, the CSC will provide a one-stop solution for students as well as city residents, offering facilities ranging from banking services to beauty parlours and salons. The innovative design will create a vibrant community space for young minds to connect and flourish. The project is being executed under the Patna Smart City Limited (PSCL).

Designed for 5 years, mission was extended till March 2025

Nearly 60 per cent of the 112 developmental projects under the Haryana Start City Mission experienced delays ranging from a few days to more than four years.

The several delays have been attributed to issues like lack of encumbrance-free sites, site clearance, and drawing revisions, according to a CAG report tabled in the Haryana Assembly Friday.

With more than half of the world’s population living in cities, and urban areas responsible for over 60% of greenhouse gas emissions, it’s clear we need to be smarter about urban planning and development.

The term ‘smart city’ seems ubiquitous when it comes to urban sustainability discourse and practice, but what does it actually mean?

To find out, The Future Of podcast team spoke with Dr Courtney Babb, a senior lecturer in the School of Design and the Built Environment. They explore what makes a city ‘smart’ as well as the possibilities and potential risks of using ‘intelligence’ to improve the quality of life for urban citizens.

Read a snippet below or listen the full episode.

Ho Chi Minh City is entering a new era of governance, where public services and sweeping digital transformation are reshaping how citizens and businesses interact with the State, laying the foundation for a smarter and more livable metropolis. Ho Chi Minh City is undergoing a sweeping transformation, driven by a government that emphasizes proactivity and service, with digital innovation now woven into the daily lives of both citizens and businesses.

Dubai-based technology innovator Faraz Ahmed explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and data-centric platforms could reshape urban energy management, supporting smarter grids, improved reliability, and more sustainable city infrastructure.

The global energy sector is rapidly evolving as cities move toward digital transformation, sustainability, and smart infrastructure. With increasing electricity demand, renewable energy integration, and urban population growth, intelligent energy management has become a critical priority for modern cities.

HCM City is quickly becoming the heart of Vietnam’s digital transformation, setting the pace for how technology can reshape government, business, and daily life. Experts say this shift isn’t just about digitizing services—it’s about building a foundation for the country’s long-term growth and modernization. As Vietnam targets high middle-income status by 2030, HCM City’s efforts in digital tools and infrastructure are crucial for sustaining economic momentum and enhancing governance.

Cyprus has outlined a broader push to digitalise public administration in 2026 after expanding online services last year, aiming to simplify procedures for citizens and businesses and move state operations onto upgraded technological infrastructure.

Deputy Minister of Research Nicodemos Damianou presented this week, the 2025 review and the planning for the coming year, saying the previous year marked a milestone for the digital transition, while the next phase concerns deeper integration and interconnection of systems across the public sector.

Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) issued 8,385 no-objection certificates (NOCs) for roadworks, excavation and construction projects across various areas of Sharjah city in 2025.

The certificates covered both new and existing projects requiring the connection, modification, or upgrading of electricity, water, gas, and fibre-optic networks.

The government has intensified efforts to transform urban spaces by launching new initiatives under the Smart City Mission. These initiatives aim to create future-ready infrastructure that can support rapid urbanization, enhance quality of life, and ensure sustainable development. By integrating technology, data, and citizen-centric services, the mission envisions cities that are not only modern but also resilient and efficient.

Key Objectives of the New Initiatives

The latest projects under the Smart City Mission are guided by several objectives:

• Sustainable Urban Development – Promoting eco-friendly infrastructure and energy-efficient systems.
• Digital Connectivity – Expanding high-speed internet, IoT networks, and smart monitoring systems.
• Improved Public Services – Enhancing healthcare, transportation, and waste management through technology.
• Resilience and Disaster Management – Ensuring infrastructure is prepared for climate change and natural calamities.

Officials say the system has significantly improved response time, accountability and data-driven decision-making in the NDMC region.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has strengthened real-time governance and civic monitoring through its Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), set up in 2020 under the Smart City project at a cost of Rs 65 crore. The high-tech facility currently keeps watch over nearly 17 essential public services, ranging from sanitation and traffic flow to environmental conditions.

The commissioner of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has directed civic officials to assume full administrative and operational control of all ongoing and completed projects implemented under the Smart Cities Mission by March 31.

The directive signals a crucial transition phase as the special purpose vehicle (SPV) model created for Smart City execution approaches closure. The Smart Cities framework, introduced by the Union government to promote technology-driven urban transformation, operated through SPVs that independently executed projects ranging from smart roads and adaptive traffic systems to command-and-control centres and upgraded public amenities. With the mission timeline nearing its end, municipal bodies are now required to integrate these assets into their regular governance and maintenance systems. Officials have been instructed to fast-track documentation, financial audits, vendor clearances, and asset inventories to avoid administrative bottlenecks.