IfG.CC -
Institute for eGovernment

Danao City unveiled a transition from an industrial hub to a smart commercial center, anchored by a P160-million waterworks expansion, during the Danao City Investment Forum (DCIF) held Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at the Provincial Capitol.

Mayor Ramon “Nito” D. Durano III, who led the forum, themed “Moving Forward,” announced the approval of a P160-million expansion of the city’s waterworks system to support growing industries.

City Planning and Development Officer Ramon Gorre outlined the city’s vision for 2026, which rests on three development pillars: Resiliency, Digitalization, and Sustainability.

From data foundations and ethical guardrails to workforce skills and citizen trust, the challenge is no longer whether to use AI in cities – but how to embed it in ways that are practical, human-centred, and built to last.

For cities around the world, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant experiment or a speculative future. It is rapidly becoming a defining capability of modern government. Yet while the technology itself moves fast, the work of integrating it into public services is slow, complex, and deeply human. The real challenge is not whether AI can do something, but how cities build the foundations, rules, skills, and trust needed to use it responsibly and at scale.

China launched seven satellites with a single rocket from waters off Yangjiang in South China's Guangdong Province on Thursday. Among them is CUHK No.1, which is the world's first artificial intelligence (AI) large-model satellite designed for urban sustainable development, according to local authorities and the satellite's developer.

The satellite innovatively integrates high-resolution remote sensing with AI, effectively deploying a large model into space and marking a new milestone in China's intelligent remote-sensing satellite technology, industrial analysts said.

This follow-up visit to the one previously conducted by Minister Dalmau had a more operational and technical focus

A Catalan delegation visited Estonia on 9 and 10 February to analyse and explore synergies in the digitalisation processes of public administration in the Baltic country and in Catalonia. The Delegate of the Catalan Governement to the Nordic and Baltic Countries, Montserrat Riba, was part of the delegation, which was led by the Secretary for Telecommunications and Digital Transformation, Albert Tort.

• Algeria launched a national data governance framework to support state modernization and digital transformation.
• The system will establish a legal, institutional, and technical framework for managing public data.
• The initiative aligns with “Digital Algeria 2030” and builds on recent investments in five regional data centers.

Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb officially launched the national data governance framework on Monday, February 9. Authorities presented the initiative as a foundation for state modernization and faster digital transformation.

The Abia State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Aba Commercial Smart City consortium and United Market Leaders/Traders for the development of the proposed Aba Commercial Smart City.

The project, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP)-driven initiative, will sit on a 140-hectare expanse of land located at Osisioma in Osisioma Local Government Area of the state. When completed, it is expected to deliver a mixed-use, commercially driven smart city designed to modernise trade, commerce, manufacturing and logistics in Aba.

Public administration is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in decades as digital technologies and sustainability agendas converge. What began as efforts to automate paperwork and speed up services has evolved into a broader rethinking of how governments create public value. Digital systems are now influencing policy design, accountability structures, and collaboration between public institutions, private actors, and citizens.

A new study Technological Innovation and Sustainability in Public Administration: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda, published in Administrative Sciences, documents this change. Based on a large-scale review of international research, the study shows that digital transformation is increasingly tied to sustainability outcomes. It highlights a move toward governance models where technology supports long-term environmental, social, and institutional goals rather than short-term administrative gains.

The corporation council on Saturday witnessed sharp criticism over the ruling administration's move to fast-track approval of the second phase of the Smart City project. Opposition councillors alleged that the decision was taken in haste ahead of the mayor's scheduled visit to New Delhi to meet the Prime Minister.

Opposition members said the project was placed before the council and approved without adequate discussion. Several councillors claimed they were unaware of the details. They demanded that the views of elected representatives be sought before clearing a project of such scale and financial implications. Members also objected to the agenda being circulated entirely in English, calling it a violation of democratic practice in a state where Malayalam is the official administrative language.

The government has given new energy to the nation’s digital transformation agenda, with significant progress reported in the first 100 days of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s renewed mandate.

The Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology highlighted key achievements in expanding digital connectivity across the country, aiming to ensure more citizens and businesses can access reliable online services.

In addition to improving connectivity, the government has focused on supporting innovation and economic growth by boosting financing for start-ups.

The Lebanese government has secured $150 million from the World Bank to implement the Lebanon Digital Acceleration Project (LDAP), an initiative which aims to strengthen the delivery of digital public services for the country’s citizens.

This is one of two projects for which the country is getting a total of $350 million in financing to implement project activities in the areas of social protection, economic empowerment and digital transformation.

At a glance

• Who: Ubicquia.
• What: Ubicquia has announced the launch of artificial intelligence- (AI-) driven power monitoring services purpose-built for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers.
• Why: To help organisations predict and prevent emergency outages and reduce the operational and financial risks associated with poor power quality.
• Where: The platform is available for US commercial and industrial customers.

The service aims to help organisations predict and prevent emergency outages and reduce the operational and financial risks associated with poor power quality.

Ubicquia has announced the launch of artificial intelligence- (AI-) driven power monitoring services purpose-built for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers.

For residents of European cities – with their snarled traffic, draughty old buildings, creaking public services and grey winters – it’s easy to see the appeal of moving to a brand-new, high-tech metropolis.

Enter Dunia Cyber City, a new special economic zone in Zanzibar aimed at attracting tech workers (real and virtual) and companies with its low taxes. Backed by former Apple executive Florian Fournier and the Zanzibar government, the proposed development is inspired by so-called network states – autonomous, digitally crowdfunded micronations or city states – and is meant to bring together like-minded individuals to focus on technological experimentation and cryptocurrency.

The desert around Tabuk remains silent around morning. But the silence isn’t peaceful—it’s heavy, interrupted only by the distant whirl of machinery. This is where Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious urban experiment, The Line, is happening.

Originally envisioned as a 170-kilometer stretch of high-density futuristic living, The Line was touted as a clean, car-free utopia with a five-minute walk to everything. But lately, that promise has starting to feel like a mirage. Complaints are rising—from workers, residents, and planners. Not all of them loud, but most of them urgent.

Artificial intelligence, if carefully designed, could significantly reduce emergency vehicle delays in congested cities without worsening traffic for other road users, according to a new study published in the journal "Automation".

The research Inclusive and Adaptive Traffic Management for Smart Cities: A Framework Combining Emergency Response and Machine Learning Optimization proposes an AI-driven traffic control system that integrates reinforcement learning with emergency prioritization and governance safeguards,  aiming to reduce emergency vehicle delays without destabilizing overall traffic conditions.

Luxembourg’s government is urging more municipalities to apply for “Smart City” grants, with €4 million in funding still available after the first selection round saw 15 communes submit proposals.

15 municipalities responded to the first national “Smart City” project call launched in June 2025. A second application window remains open until 15 March 2026, with €4 million in funding still available to support Luxembourg’s communes in their green and digital transitions toward more efficient resource management.

One of the world’s most advanced and intelligent smart cities globally

Msheireb Properties, Qatar’s leading sustainable real estate developer, has announced a key collaboration with Ooredoo Qatar and Honeywell to help automate and manage Msheireb Downtown Doha, one of the world’s most advanced and intelligent smart cities globally.

Unveiled at the Web Summit Qatar event, this landmark agreement introduces a pioneering Artificial Intelligence Powered platform designed to help optimise urban operations and enhance the quality of life for all residents and visitors. Ooredoo has been appointed as the prime partner managing Operations, while Honeywell will customise its City Suite platform to serve as the technology backbone, integrating thousands of sensors from across the city into a single point of control.

Lahore’s iconic Liberty Chowk is undergoing a major transformation as authorities move forward with the installation of advanced transparent smart mesh displays.

The project aims to convert the busy roundabout into a modern, visually striking smart square aligned with smart city standards.

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India assessed projects such as the Intelligent Transport System, Intelligent Traffic Management System, Smart Healthcare System, and others implemented in seven cities of Karnataka.

An evaluation by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) of information communication technology (ICT) solutions implemented in Karnataka under the Central Government’s Smart Cities Mission has found that these interventions barely provided any benefits.

Oman is steadily advancing a comprehensive digital transformation of its education sector, embedding e-learning into national development strategies such as Oman Vision 2040.

While earlier efforts introduced technology through limited initiatives and pilot projects, challenges such as uneven infrastructure and varying digital competencies among teachers and students highlighted the need for a more sustainable and system-wide approach. Today, Oman’s digital education drive is built on an integrated framework designed to modernise learning environments and enhance educational outcomes.

Over the past decade, governments around the world have invested heavily in digital transformation, focusing primarily on automating services, moving transactions online, and improving efficiency through technology. While these efforts have undoubtedly enhanced accessibility and reduced bureaucratic friction, they have also revealed the limitations of a purely reactive digital model. Digital services, in their conventional form, still depend largely on citizens initiating requests, submitting applications, or reporting needs. As societies become more complex and data-rich, a more advanced paradigm is emerging: Anticipatory governance, where public institutions act proactively by leveraging integrated data and predictive intelligence to address needs before they fully materialise.

Interactive wayfinding and real-time information displays mark the first step in a broader digital transformation of one of the Middle East’s most visited leisure destinations, aligned with the UAE’s national Digital Strategy.

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s flagship entertainment and tourism hub, has begun deploying interactive smart city infrastructure with the installation of the first two Citix Tom Smartboards at the island’s main entrance points, positioning the destination as a pilot site for a new phase of the emirate’s digital transformation.

Uzbekistan and Pakistan’s Habib Rafiq Ltd. have signed a memorandum of cooperation on smart city development, modern infrastructure projects, and investment attraction, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade.

The agreement was signed during a meeting between Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, and Chief Executive Officer of Habib Rafiq Ltd., Malik Muhammad Aslam.

Thanks to rapid advancements in IoT, edge computing, and artificial intelligence, the global smart city market is entering a transformative era. No longer confined to pilot programs, smart cities are emerging as a large scale reality, reshaping how people live, work, and move through urban environments. Analysts project the market for AI in smart cities to reach approximately USD 50.6 billion by 2025, expanding at a remarkable CAGR of nearly 28 percent to reach USD 460 billion. At the same time, the broader smart cities market, valued at USD 624 billion today, is expected to surge to USD 4.65 trillion by 2032 underscoring both the urgency and magnitude of this global shift.

This accelerated growth is not merely a product of technological enthusiasm but a direct response to mounting urbanization challenges. Traffic congestion, crumbling infrastructure, rising crime, public safety concerns, and escalating environmental pressures are straining existing city frameworks. Against this backdrop, AI powered solutions are stepping in to fill critical gaps, helping cities anticipate problems, respond to crises faster, and create more sustainable ecosystems.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) should no longer be seen as just a mapping tool, but as critical national digital infrastructure.

Esri Malaysia Sdn Bhd CEO Tan Choon Sang said in a world shaped by climate risk, urbanisation, e-commerce and data-driven decision-making, location intelligence is now foundational to how governments and businesses operate.

He explained to The Malaysian Reserve (TMR) that Malaysia’s journey with GIS began in reactive mode.

Imagine a city where your morning commute flows seamlessly, public services respond to your needs in real time, and sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but a living reality. It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Yet this vision is becoming increasingly tangible in cities around the globe. From sensors that optimize energy use to data platforms that predict traffic patterns, urban centers are racing to integrate technology into the fabric of everyday life.

The question is no longer whether cities should become er, but which ones are actually pulling it off. Rankings shift year by year, innovations emerge at breakneck speed, and what worked yesterday might be outdated tomorrow. Let’s explore five cities that have managed to stay ahead of the curve, each bringing something unique to the table.

“Smart local government units (LGUs)” will soon rise in Region 12 or Soccsksargen following the rollout of the SMART Automated Response and Tracking for Emergency Reporting (SMARTER) project, a joint initiative of the Department of Science and Technology-12 (DOST-12) and the University of the Philippines (UP).

Soccsksargen is the first region in Mindanao where the project is being rolled out.

DOST-12 and UP signed the memorandum of agreement for the SMARTER Soccsksargen project here on Monday.

A planned smart city in Stellenbosch is already taking shape, with a major industrial customer opening a new warehouse and offices at the project, while bulk infrastructure work is underway.

Plans for The Bridge at Stellenbosch were first announced in late 2024. It is backed by the Stellenbosch Municipality and the Western Cape’s tourism trade and investment promotion agency, Wesgro.

The UAE continues to consolidate its advanced model for building smart cities, underpinned by wide-ranging strategic investments, most notably in data centres, which form the operational backbone of smart urban systems and the knowledge- and innovation-based digital economy.

With the rapid expansion in the use of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and digital government services, data has become the main driver of urban life, while data centres have evolved into the infrastructure through which smart cities are managed in real time.

As South Africa’s smart city agenda gathers momentum, the focus is shifting from headline-grabbing technology projects to more inclusive, data-driven approaches that improve everyday urban life. Morag Evans, CEO of Databuild, tells us how smart cities should be defined less by gadgets and more by governance, integration and intelligent use of information to deliver sustainable, people-centred outcomes in the built environment.

In recent years, the term ‘smart city’ has become a buzzword attached to various developments across the country. But what does it really mean? Contrary to popular belief, a smart city is not defined by how much technology has been installed. It is defined by how well that city uses information, infrastructure and institutions to improve the lives of people who live and work there.

Smart cities are built on a simple promise: make urban life smoother, safer, and more efficient by using technology where it matters most. And few areas need modernisation as urgently as traffic management. Growing vehicle density, unpredictable congestion, road safety concerns, and rising pollution levels have pushed city administrations to look beyond manual monitoring and traditional CCTV-based systems.

This is where ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) is making a major impact. By automatically reading vehicle number plates through cameras and AI-powered software, ANPR turns everyday traffic into usable, real-time data. For smart cities, that data becomes the foundation for faster enforcement, smarter planning, smoother flow, and better citizen experience.

Europe must take advantage of brownfield development’s potential to address affordable housing needs and reduce carbon emissions, a new report reveals.

At a glance

• Who: C40 Cities, Arup and Urban Partners.
• What: Report reveals brownfield development must play a role in enabling urban growth to meet the needs of Europe’s growing urban population. It sets out to address the traditionally challenging perception of brownfield regeneration by showcasing its potential to enhance housing affordability and curb urban sprawl while delivering attractive returns.
• Why: To manage the pressures of increasing urbanisation, C40 reckons both current and emerging European cities must adopt denser, more connected, and mixed-use models of urban development.
• When: C40 said regenerating brownfield sites within the existing urban fabric could meet most of Europe’s housing needs for the next 15 years.

Kazakhstan is accelerating its shift toward an AI-powered digital economy, with most public services online and a fast-growing startup ecosystem.

In this interview, Zhaslan Madiyev outlines how artificial intelligence, smart cities and digital infrastructure are shaping the country’s next growth phase, while partnerships with the United Arab Emirates strengthen Kazakhstan’s ambition to emerge as a leading Eurasian tech hub.

Our roadmap for modern digital governmentsets out how every corner of the state is using technology to make government work for the citizens it serves. It’s an action plan for the whole of the public sector, bringing together some of the most important products, platforms and transformation initiatives planned between now and 2030.

From building a new careers service to help people into work, to making people’s lives easier by giving them a free, secure way to prove their identity in their day to day lives, this roadmap defines the progress we are making to build a modern British government.

The governments of the UAE and Telangana on Tuesday agreed to explore collaboration for the development of Bharat Future City as a global urban centre. The understanding emerged after UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri met Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026.

The discussions focused on potential cooperation in large infrastructure projects in Telangana, with particular attention on Bharat Future City.

According to the research, AIoT enables continuous environmental monitoring at a scale and speed that was previously unattainable. Sensor networks embedded across cities now collect data on air quality, temperature, humidity, traffic flow, waste generation, and energy consumption. When combined with AI-driven analytics, these data streams can be transformed into predictive insights that support climate mitigation and adaptation simultaneously.

Cities are dealing with rising heat, worsening air pollution, mounting waste, and growing pressure on energy systems. A new study reveals that the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), together called AIoT, may offer cities a powerful new toolkit, but only if deployed with careful attention to governance, equity, and real-world integration.

• Seongnam Achieves Second Consecutive Smart City Certification from Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
• Secures 2025 Recertification by Leading with Drones and Autonomous Vehicles

Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Shin Sangjin) announced on January 20 that it had received the “2025 Smart City Certification” from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for the second consecutive time, following its 2023 certification.

The Smart City Certification is a system that evaluates the smart city policies and project outcomes of local governments using both quantitative and qualitative indicators, and grants certification to cities that meet certain standards. To be certified, a city must score at least 1,400 points out of a possible 2,000, with 1,000 points each for quantitative and qualitative assessments.

PT Samakta Mitra, an information technology (IT) solutions provider and subsidiary of Sinar Mas Land, has partnered with NEC Indonesia to establish a state-of-the-art Smart City Command Center within the Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) at Kota Deltamas.

The duo said in a statement on Monday that the Smart City Command Center at Deltamas Industrial Estate functions as an integrated monitoring and control center, offering real-time visibility and accuracy over field operations.

The Government of India launched ‘Smart Cities Mission’ in 2015 with the aim to develop 100 cities with core infrastructure, a clean & sustainable environment, and a high quality of life using “smart solutions” (ICT) for efficient services, economic growth, and inclusive development, focusing on areas like water, power, transport, health, and education. The focus is on urban renewal, retrofitting, redevelopment, greenfield development, and city-wide smart applications, implemented through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for efficient project execution.

Launched on June 25, 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Smart Cities Mission includes 100 selected cities across India, covering major urban centres like Bhubaneswar, Pune, Jaipur, Surat, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Indore, Chennai, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi (NDMC), and many more state capitals and smaller cities. The cities have been selected in several rounds from 2016 onwards with an aim to ensure holistic urban development.

Our cities are evolving at a pace never seen before. Right now, in 2026, technology is reshaping how we live, work, and move through urban spaces. The most forward-thinking cities on the planet aren’t just installing a few sensors or launching apps – they’re reimagining entire urban ecosystems from the ground up.

Think about it. We’re standing at a turning point where roughly two thirds of humanity will soon call cities home, according to UN projections showing urban residents reaching about 68% of the world’s population by 2050. That shift brings massive challenges, from traffic snarls to energy demands to keeping everyone safe. Smart cities are the answer, integrating AI, IoT, big data, and renewable energy to tackle these problems head-on.

Tokayev is committed to making Kazakhstan “fully digital within the next three years,” but what exactly does that mean, and are the government and people of Kazakhstan ready?

Artificial Intelligence is en vogue in Kazakhstan. This year, 2026, has been named the Year of Development of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in the Central Asian nation. Moreover, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev repeated what he had said in a recent interview with the newspaper Turkistan that he plans to turn Kazakhstan into a digital country within three years. The implications of these ambitions, while perhaps admirable, are vaguely stated; therefore, further analysis is required to evaluate the extent to which artificial intelligence and technological advances are critical to Astana’s policymaking, as well as the factors that either aid or obstruct these objectives.

Highlights

• Smart city technology uses IoT sensors and real-time data to improve urban efficiency, sustainability, and public services.
• Data governance and cybersecurity are essential to protect infrastructure and ensure ethical use of urban data.
• Balancing innovation with citizen privacy is critical for trustworthy and inclusive smart city development.

Across the world, cities are increasingly using smart technologies to manage rapid urban growth, limited resources, and rising citizen expectations. Smart cities rely on digital technologies, particularly sensors, data analysis, and connected systems, to improve efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life. From managing traffic and distributing energy to ensuring public safety and handling waste, smart city projects aim to create more responsive and resilient urban environments. However, these benefits come with important challenges related to data management, cybersecurity, and protecting citizens’ privacy.

Amid rapid urbanisation and mounting population pressures, Ha Noi is facing numerous challenges, including traffic congestion, flooding, environmental pollution, infrastructure overload, and issues related to public security and order. These problems not only affect quality of life but also hinder the sustainable development of the capital.

Accelerating smart city development with a focus on putting people at the centre has therefore become an urgent requirement for realising the goal of turning Ha Noi into a smart city by 2030, with a vision to 2045.

The MoU aims to establish a long term strategic partnership supporting the OPAZ’s efforts to adopt modern technologies

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) signed on January 12, 2026 a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the field of smart cities and digital innovation applications with the Ibn Firnas Drone Centre, as part of the OPAZ’s efforts to build a prosperous, technology driven economy.

The MoU was signed by Eng Ahmed bin Hassan al Dheeb, Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, with Mohammed bin Abdullah al Harthy, CEO of the Ibn Firnas Drone Centre.

With science and innovation as core growth drivers, Da Nang aims to rank among the world’s top 50 smart cities within three years.

Da Nang has set an ambitious goal to become one of the world’s top 50 smart cities within the next three years, with science and technology positioned as key growth engines expected to contribute 35–40% of the city’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP).

The gleaming concept of the "smart city" has become a universal urban anthem. From Singapore to Barcelona, city leaders tout visions of seamless traffic, predictive governance, and hyper-efficient energy grids, all powered by sensors and data.

The recent academic findings presented at the 2024 Conference on Renewable Energy Technologies and Modern Communications Systems, however, cast a necessary and sobering light on this global movement.

Deputy CM Vijay Sinha Meets Gujarat Minister Kannubhai Desai in Gandhinagar to Study Smart City Planning, Sustainable Infrastructure, and Digital Governance Strategies

Bihar is set to adopt the successful urban development model of Gujarat to accelerate modernization and infrastructure growth in its cities. Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and Minister of Mines and Urban Development, Vijay Kumar Sinha, visited Gandhinagar on Thursday to study Gujarat’s city planning strategies and governance framework. During his visit, he held detailed discussions with Gujarat’s Urban Development Minister, Kannubhai Mohanlal Desai, focusing on initiatives that have enabled Gujarat’s cities to grow rapidly and sustainably.

The federal government, in collaboration with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, has reaffirmed its commitment to driving digital innovation to transform the civil service in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

This landmark digital transformation is reshaping how the civil service delivers public value inthe sector.

At the digital upskilling workshop held in Abuja yesterday, a deputy director at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Hamza, acknowledged a reality that many civil servants quietly accept.

Establishes Great Plains as a Global Model for Next-Generation Infrastructure, Industry, and Investment as a new Intelligent Innovation Hub

Smart City Labs (SCL), an emerging global leader in intelligent infrastructure and AI-enabled urban operating systems, and partner Resilience Studios (RS), a pioneer in the development of Cognitive City Twins, today announced the signing of an agreement to deploy its Cognitive City Twin and Digital Alpha Urban OS at Great Plains Industrial Park (GPIP) and Kansas Proving Grounds (KPG).

End-to-end (E2E) online delivery of government services reached 80 per cent as of last year, the Digital Ministry said in a statement today.

The ministry attributed the achievement to continuous monitoring by the National Digital Department (JDN), which ensures efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with established digitalisation standards across all government agencies.

It said the government aims to have 95 per cent of federal government services delivered online by 2030.

The government of Barbados says it will accelerate efforts aimed at digitizing more public sector services in 2026 within the framework of its digital transformation push.

Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology Minister, Senator Jonathan Reid, disclosed the information at the end of December, as he addressed the country’s digital transformation priorities, Barbados Today reports.

Zambian authorities have assured that citizens will begin receiving their national digital ID cards by the close of the current year.

The information was disclosed recently by Percy Chinyama, National Coordinator of the SMART Zambia Institute, the government agency overseeing the country’s digital transformation journey. A press release was issued during a working visit to the United States.

The concept of a "smart city" has evolved significantly over the past two decades. What began around 2005 as a tech-focused display of digital infrastructure, IoT, and urban data has matured into a multidimensional, systemic vision. This early approach, while innovative, sparked criticism for its technocratic view, treating cities as collections of technical problems rather than living, complex systems. It also threatened to become invasive regarding mass surveillance and data privacy. Many pilot projects failed to scale, lacking context and integration with legacy systems, and often excluded citizens from planning.

As a result, emphasis has now shifted from technology as the driver to technology as an enabler of more livable, resilient and just urban environments. This reimagined "smart" approach necessitates system-thinking, moving beyond isolated technological fixes to integrated strategies that harness real-time data for adaptive governance, enhanced climate resilience in urban planning, inclusive growth, and collaborative policymaking. It also demands human-centered innovation, ensuring that technology serves human needs by designing systems that are inclusive, ethical and responsive to the complex realities of urban life, rather than imposing top-down solutions.

The study identifies responsible AI as being most visible in conceptual and policy-oriented research, addressing issues such as algorithmic transparency, accountability, bias, and trust. These discussions emphasize the need for explainable decision-making, inclusive design, and ethical oversight. However, they are often disconnected from the technical architectures that drive real-world circular economy applications.

Cities are rapidly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into sustainability and efficiency strategies, betting on data-driven systems to modernize urban infrastructure. The pressure now is to ensure those systems strengthen trust and equity rather than trade accountability for performance as cities pursue circular economy goals.

HCMC is poised to establish itself as a global mega-city in the digital era with bold ambitions.

With more than 14 million residents and accounting for nearly 25 per cent of national GDP, Ho Chi Minh City remains Vietnam’s economic locomotive and a major center of commerce, finance, industry, education, healthcare, and international trade. But the stature of an “international metropolis” is defined not only by population size or economic weight but also by the quality of growth, connectivity, governance, innovation, and the overall living and working environment.

Proposed to be developed on the outskirts of Hyderabad, the ‘Future City’ will be a newly carved-out entity that is expected to focus on upcoming urban expansions and smart city initiatives in the Greater Hyderabad region.

With the creation of a new police Commissionerate in Hyderabad, the decks have been cleared for developing the proposed ‘Future City’, a brainchild of the Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.

There is no budgetary allocation under Smart City Mission for this financial year.

Maharashtra’s cities under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) are approaching the final stretch of implementation, with more than 94 per cent of sanctioned projects completed. However, projects worth over ₹1,555 crore remain unfinished, highlighting uneven progress across cities and sectors.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced that Islamabad will become Pakistan’s first Capital Smart City, with a comprehensive plan to transform the existing Safe City project into a modern, technology-driven model for urban management and public safety.

Speaking during his visit to the Safe City Headquarters alongside Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, Naqvi reviewed the city’s monitoring systems on the digital wall and inspected advanced security surveillance at the special Chinese desk in the control room. He emphasized that reforms and effective use of technology in Safe City are the need of the hour.

The Smart City project in Astana is becoming one of the key directions of the country’s digital transformation. It integrates the automation of municipal services, the development of transport infrastructure, increased energy efficiency, enhanced public safety, and environmental monitoring, El.kz reports.

Digitalization and security

The project includes the expansion of video surveillance systems using AI technologies. Authorities emphasize the importance of transparent and lawful use of data. The issue of personal data protection is actively discussed among residents, and the city administration notes that digital solutions will be implemented strictly within the legal framework.

Southeast Asia’s cities are approaching a defining decade. Rapid urbanisation continues across the region, and earlier projections from McKinsey Global Institute suggest that Southeast Asia’s urban areas could see around 90 million more residents by 2030. This growth drives economic opportunity but also heightens pressure on transport, energy, public safety, and municipal services. Even cities that have invested in digital tools struggle with rising complexity as climate risks and population demands increase.

The United Arab Emirates has established a pioneering, modern, and integrated transport ecosystem, supported by world-class infrastructure and an extensive network of roads, bridges, metro, and tram systems.

This has been further enhanced by the introduction of individual smart mobility solutions, including electric scooters and bicycles, which complement the country’s modern transport landscape and enable community members to reach their destinations in a fast and cost-effective manner.

A delegation comprising representatives of the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA), the Amman Chamber of Industry and associations specializing in communications, information technology and cybersecurity reviewed the Aqaba Special Economic Zone's experience and its strategic vision to transform into a fully integrated smart city through the adoption of digital solutions and modern technologies.

Deputy Chief Commissioner for Administrative Affairs at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Karimah Aldabet gave a briefing on the establishment of ASEZA and its future plans for digital transformation, noting the completion of the automation of about 161 services as part of a drive to build a digital authority that enhances performance efficiency and service quality.

Vietnam’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Law introduces one of the world’s first comprehensive AI regulatory frameworks, outlining risk-based classifications, compliance requirements, innovation incentives, and strategic opportunities for businesses investing in AI technologies.

Effective March 1, 2026, Vietnam’s newly-approved Law on Artificial Intelligence established a comprehensive legal framework governing the development, deployment, and management of AI.

A large-scale investment in artificial intelligence and robotics is set to accelerate the development of smart city technologies in Malaysia, reflecting broader regional efforts to integrate automation, digital infrastructure and human-centric services into urban environments.

It focuses on deploying robotics-as-a-service platforms and AI-driven systems to support smart living, city operations, seamless digital experiences and innovative urban services within a purpose-built urban development.

The central city earning top scores in three categories: smart governance, innovation and start-up attractiveness, and green environment.

Central Da Nang city was named Vietnam’s Smart City of 2025 at a ceremony held on December 23 by the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA), marking the sixth consecutive year the city has received the prestigious title.

Now available through the official website

King Hussein Business Park (KHBP) has announced the launch of an AI chatbot service, as part of its ongoing digital transformation and smart city strategy. Now available through the official website, the service was developed in partnership with SmartServe, following the signing of an agreement between the two parties.

The AI chatbot serves as an upgrade that complements the AI Interactive Voice Response (IVR) service launched earlier this year with SmartServe’s support. Together, these solutions reflect KHBP’s commitment to enhancing its communication channels and improving the overall service experience. This initiative enables businesses and investors to access information and services more efficiently, providing immediate, accurate, and smart responses around the clock, while supporting higher operational efficiency and quality.

As autonomous vehicles (AVs) pick up steam overseas with players like Waymo, Uber and Baidu deploying their fleets on public roads, Malaysians have already had the chance to ride aboard driverless electric buses being tested back home.

Some might even describe Malaysia as being ahead of the curve, due in part to local start-up eMooVit Technology – the autonomous driving company behind last year’s public AV bus trials in Putrajaya.

Egypt jumped 47 places in the World Bank’s Digital Government Maturity Index 2025, ranking 22nd globally after being classified among the top-performing countries in digital governance.

Egypt was placed in Category A—the highest tier of the index—with a maturity score of 0.911 out of 1, up from 0.751 and 69th place in the previous report issued in 2022.

The latest ranking reinforces Egypt’s position among global leaders in digital government.

Like many other modern innovations, it seems that Smart City is coming to Albania not to solve problems, but simply to make them more contemporary. The European world, of which we want to become a part, solves similar problems with work, while we want to manage them with terminology. This is also happening with Smart City, or in Albanian translation “smart city”, which the Prime Minister of the country is presenting as a vigilant city: always with eyes open, to monitor its citizens.

This is not the first time he has spoken about this. When a murder took place at the airport roundabout, he said that, if bureaucratic procedures had not hindered the installation of Smart City, the murderers would have been caught in record time. While yesterday, it seems that he had overcome bureaucratic obstacles, he came out and explained that the State Police was being equipped with a “magic eye”. He did not talk about laws, standards and institutional reforms, but about real-time surveillance cameras.

Egyptian experts are expected in Zimbabwe soon for preliminary works on the construction of a new smart city in Mt Hampden, The Sunday Mail has learnt.

Zimbabwe and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in July 2023 to collaborate on the planning, design, construction and management of the new smart city development in Mt Hampden, which is set to become the new capital.

Smart City Innovations Are Transforming How Urban Communities Live, Move, and Connect

Overview:

• Smart city projects in 2026 focus on leveraging technology to address real, everyday urban challenges.
• Sustainability, efficient transportation, and data-driven governance are at the heart of modern city planning.
• Citizen-centric design is shaping smarter, safer, and more livable urban environments worldwide.

The goal of developing a smart city is to address the daily challenges people face in urban areas, eventually growing in size and technology. As these populations grow, governments are taking proactive steps to improve day-to-day life. ‘Smart City’ projects are being implemented at a rapid pace, driven by innovative ideas.

Philadelphia ranked in the top 10 of the smartest cities in the nation, for its smart tech and sustainability efforts.

A new study ranking the smartest cities in the United States has Philadelphia ranked at number 10, according to Andreea Neculae for CoworkingCafe.

The rankings were heavily determined by how each city is doing in terms of technology-driven urban development. It uses 13 key metrics, which are then categorized in three weighted groups: Smart Infrastructure and Connectivity, Sustainability and Green Initiatives, and Tech Job Market.

Summary:

• JB achieved "leading smart city" status with its integrated operations control centre to monitor traffic, detect potholes, and bust crime via CCTV cameras placed around the city.
• Residents can access data on traffic, parking, floods and public toilet cleanliness through mobile apps, but awareness and usage remain low.
• Analysts say technology alone can't solve JB's congestion, pollution, and infrastructure issues, highlighting the need for better enforcement.

In a former multipurpose hall atop the Johor Bahru City Council building, a 12m screen displays live feeds from 555 CCTV cameras monitoring every corner of Malaysia’s southern capital.

The National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) has announced Zamfara state as the top performing in e-government in Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

The state has also emerged as the first Runner-Up in ICT Human Capital Development at the 13th National Council on Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy in Jos, Plateau State.

• USD 8.43 billion committed investments in data centres
• Expected GDV of USD 6.6 billion over a 20-year horizon

JLand Group (JLG), the real estate and infrastructure arm of Johor Corporation (JCorp) unveiled Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC) – a 7,290-acre integrated development township in Sedenak that is envisioned to become Asia’s sandbox for innovation – a live environment where industry, government and innovators can, over time, pilot new solutions in real operating conditions, then refine and scale them across the region.

Drone technology and the ongoing research is contributing significantly to national security, agricultural modernisation, and smart city development, said Dr. K. Krishna Naik, Department of ECE, Indian Institute Of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) Kurnool, while delivering a lecture at national-level workshop on ‘Drone technology’ here on Monday (December 15, 2025).

Addressing the students, Dr. Naik said that crop health analysis, water resource mapping, traffic monitoring, and border surveillance can be carried out at lower cost and in less time using drones. He emphasised that the students acquiring skills in drone hardware design, embedded systems, and communication protocols would find excellent opportunities in the industry.