Excellence in Africa (EXAF) program launched in Morocco
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West African cities are undoubtedly becoming more urban. However, the explosion of urban demographics, mainly due to the exodus of populations, has led to critical difficulties at various levels. As West African cities are not immune to the digital age, it is necessary to evaluate the objective influence of digital techniques and means on the sustainable development of these cities. This is the objective of this pre-feasibility study co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (DFA / SDC) and conducted by Dr. Jérôme Chenal.
The objective of the pre-feasibility study, co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is to show the potential impact of digital technology on the sustainable development of West African cities. The study also aims to understand whether the use of digital tools in urban areas can improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable citizens.
African cities: unprecedented challenges and opportunities
The population of cities in sub-Saharan Africa will double in one generation, reaching one billion urban dwellers by 2040. This will lead to significant socioeconomic problems, such as high unemployment, the proliferation of informal housing, and social polarization. The rapid population growth in African cities will pose complex challenges in the coming decades, including poverty reduction and environmental degradation. The digital revolution is profoundly transforming the way cities are managed and designed and offers a host of new opportunities. Digital transformation offers great potential for innovation in areas such as health, agriculture, education, energy, financial services, and transportation in the cities of tomorrow. The rapid spread of cell phones and digital technology in sub-Saharan Africa has the potential to facilitate a monumental leap forward and lead to increased economic development in African countries.
Assessment Study and Theory of Change
This pre-feasibility study will:
- Write an assessment study on the use of new technologies and digital in the context of West African cities.
- Articulate the underlying assumptions about the use of digital tools to improve sustainable development and contribute to poverty reduction in West African cities.
The pre-feasibility study will focus on West Africa and on four cities in particular: Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire, Bamako in Mali, Cotonou in Benin, and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso.
Read more at: https://www.epfl.ch/research/domains/exaf/fr/excellence-en-afrique/financement/etude_impact_numerique_afrique_ouest/