Challenging the conventional narrative of smart cities as solely technology-driven solutions, this book highlights the impact of local actors in initiating digital disruption in urban Africa. It presents original research demonstrating how these grassroots initiatives can effectively address complex urban issues, offering an alternative perspective to mainstream corporate approaches. This work is particularly beneficial for scholars in science and technology studies, urban geography, and sociology, providing insights into the potential for meaningful change from within communities.
Nancy Odendaal Books


The ‘smart city’ is often promoted as a technology-driven solution to complex urban issues. Drawing on original research conducted in urban African settings, this book provides a much-needed alternative view, exploring how ‘home-grown’ digital disruption, driven and initiated by local actors, upending the mainstream corporate narrative.