Tech in Africa
Abuja, Nigeria is is now classified as the latest regional office of the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organisation. The virtual ceremony was held at the 2021 WeGO Activities Kickoff Event. Over 100 partners, members and stakeholders gathered from 31 countries to watch the first WeGoevent for the year that included presentations on its activities for the year culminating in a workshop discussing challenges to smart cities and possible solutions.
Representatives from Abuja and WeGo expressed delight in the milestone event with WeGo Secretary-General Kyong-Yul Lee congratulating Abuja saying “Nigeria has the vision to lead.”
Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Nigeria’s DG for National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) noted the “collective aspiration” to build a network of digital champions across the African continent.
It is worth noting that 41 of the world’s megacities are expected to be in Africa by the year 2030. The regional office will be tasked with improving local government service delivery, improve digital inclusion while promoting digital economic opportunities for city residents.
WeGo is an international association comprising 210 cities and local governments, smart tech solution providers, and institutions (both national and regional) committed to transforming global urban centers into smart sustainable cities.
Abuja joined WeGo in December 2016 and has remained a member ever since. Abuja won the right to host WeGo’s fifth regional office after taking part in a bidding process. Other RO’s are in Mexico City for Latin America, Ulyanovsk Region, Russia for Eurasia, Chengdu, China for East Asia, and the Beyoğlu, Turkey for the Mediterranean. These offices are an extension of the Secretariat and help in implementing activities and the support and recruitment of regional members.
Abuja became #WeGO's newest Regional Office for #Africa on Thursday, Feb. 24 as the virtual opening ceremony took place at the occasion of the 2021 WeGO Activities Kickoff Event.
Full story🔗 https://t.co/Cf8kzq6HXU#Newsroom #SmartCity @Wegoafrica1 pic.twitter.com/WJVZ5yYmnq
— WeGO (@WeGovOrg) February 25, 2021
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