A smart city vision must never lose sight of basic service delivery

The City of Windhoek’s unveiling of its People-Centred Smart City Strategy 2026-2036 represents one of the most ambitious urban development visions ever presented for Namibia’s capital.

From the commercialisation of municipal fibre infrastructure and digital governance systems to integrated public transport and even a proposed commuter rail link between Windhoek, Katutura and Rehoboth, the blueprint demonstrates a willingness to think boldly about the city’s future.

Such long-term thinking deserves recognition.

For many years, local authorities across the country have often been criticised for being reactive rather than strategic. In contrast, Windhoek’s new smart city strategy attempts to anticipate the pressures that rapid urbanisation, climate change, population growth and technological disruption will place on the city over the next decade.

Mayor Sakarias Uunona and his council are correct in recognising that cities cannot afford to stand still. The future competitiveness of urban centres increasingly depends on their ability to embrace technology, improve mobility and create environments that attract investment and innovation. In that regard, Windhoek’s aspiration to become a leading smart city in Africa should not be dismissed as unrealistic or overly ambitious.