Africa’s urban transformation is being led by innovative companies that are redefining how cities operate. These firms construct buildings while integrating technology, sustainability, and planning to create cities that are smart, inclusive, and future-ready.
Here are top 5 companies driving smart city development in Africa:
— Ultimate Developers Ltd. (Rwanda): Founded in 2010, Ultimate Developers Ltd. leads Kigali’s smart city initiatives. Their flagship project, Vision City, combines smart metering, IoT-enabled waste management, and solar-powered homes to create a connected urban environment.
— Konza Technopolis Development Authority (Kenya): Established in 2008, the authority leads the development of Konza City, Kenya’s Silicon Savannah. The city integrates smart mobility, automated waste management, and a centralized command center to streamline urban operations.
— Tatu City (Kenya): Launched in 2012, Tatu City is a 5,000-acre mixed-use development near Nairobi. It provides smart infrastructure, a special economic zone, and collaborative governance to attract businesses and foster urban growth.
— Itana (Nigeria): Founded in 2020, Itana is a digital free zone within Alaro City, Lagos. The initiative creates a tech-driven hub with its own legal framework, attracting digital entrepreneurs and fostering innovation.
— Sherbro Alliance Partners (Sierra Leone): Established in 2024, Sherbro Alliance develops an eco-friendly smart city on Sherbro Island. The project emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and respect for local culture while introducing advanced urban infrastructure.
These companies illustrate Africa’s commitment to building smart, sustainable, and inclusive cities. By combining technology, innovation, and scale, they shape urban environments that drive economic growth and improve quality of life.
This ranking reflects each company’s role in developing smart city infrastructure, the scale and innovation of their projects, and measurable contributions to sustainable urban development. Selection used verified industry reports, company announcements, and media coverage as of August 2025, highlighting Africa’s leading, African-founded smart city developers.
Image Credit: The African Exponent
