Africa’s urban future is being reimagined by visionary entrepreneurs who integrate technology, sustainability, and innovation to create smart cities that enhance quality of life, drive economic growth, and promote environmental stewardship.
Here are top 5 entrepreneurs transforming Africa’s smart cities:
– Iyinoluwa Aboyeji (Nigeria): Co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave, Aboyeji is leading the development of Itana, a digital free zone in Nigeria’s Lekki Free Zone. The project creates a tech hub that attracts international businesses and fosters innovation.
– Idris Elba (Sierra Leone): The actor is transforming Sherbro Island into an eco-friendly smart city. The initiative focuses on sustainable infrastructure and a governance model that stimulates local economic growth.
– Bernice Dapaah (Ghana): Founder of the Ghana Bamboo Bike Initiative, Dapaah promotes sustainable urban mobility by producing bicycles from bamboo, offering eco-friendly transportation solutions.
– Oluwatobi Oyinlola (Nigeria): Developer of SolarPocha, the solar-powered workstation equipped with IoT features, Oyinlola contributes to environmental monitoring, renewable energy solutions, and smart city infrastructure.
– Obi Ozor (Nigeria): Co-founder of Kobo360, Ozor improves urban mobility by connecting cargo owners with truckers through a digital platform, streamlining logistics and supporting efficient city ecosystems.
These entrepreneurs exemplify how innovation and leadership drive the growth of smart cities in Africa, creating environments that are sustainable, efficient, and inclusive.
Entrepreneurs were selected based on measurable contributions to smart city development, innovation, sustainability, and urban impact. Rankings reflect verified performance, project scale, and sector recognition as of September 2025.
Image Credit: Naija Wealth News
