Informal settlements are home to the majority of urban residents across the African continent.
In contrast to the way in which this type of urbanisation happened in other geographies, like Latin America and Southeast Asia, this is taking place at a time when digital devices like smartphones are becoming increasingly available for a larger part of the urban population. Simultaneously, digital tools tailored for urban contexts are being developed to support planning processes and foster collaboration among communities and stakeholders. The intersection of urban technology and interventions in informal settlements thus emerges as a critical area of interest and research.
In November 2023, the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), in collaboration with Shack Dwellers International (SDI), the African Centre for Cities (ACC), and the United Nations Innovation Technology Accelerator for Cities (UNITAC Hamburg), convened a landmark symposium in Windhoek, Namibia. The 3 day-long symposium, titled "Urban Technology & Collaboration in Informal Settlements: Enhancing Livelihoods and Empowering Communities," brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore innovative strategies and digital tools aimed at fostering sustainable development in informal settlements. By engaging researchers, urban practitioners, and community members, the symposium sought to offer a comprehensive perspective combining academic insights with practical experiences.
The symposium kicked off with a panel discussion facilitated by local partners from NUST, addressing the accessibility of digital land data by the state and the progress made in this regard in Namibia. With further contributions from national and international community representatives through the SDI network, critical insights from ACC researchers, and UNITAC's perspective, the symposium ensured a holistic approach to exploring urban technology and collaboration in informal settlements. Of particular significance was the presentation of the SDI network “Digital tools and technology in community-led approaches”, setting the tone for subsequent critical discussions ahead.
When you start coproducing with any technology in informal settlements, whether manual or digital, let's put the priorities of the community at the forefront…Let us go to the community…Can we have a technology that is people centered and not just…people centered by maybe academia or maybe government agencies?... For me, here I stand as an informal settlement person and my take is that…we are really vibrant communities. As people who come from informal settlements, we are ready to take whatever technology that comes in. But as I started seeing, whether technology or not, if it's not for improving our nature of how we live in the informal settlements, then don't bring the technology to us… We want something that will bring change in informal settlements. Don't come thinking that one day Havana will be like Windhoek City. It will never happen. But step-by-step…don't try and bring up a massive spatial map on how you want to see Havana. But let us just have the small pieces of changes in informal settlements…and change everything. When you look at the Havana Youth Cafe, when you look at the impact it has had on the settlement, it might be minimal, but it has really changed the view on informal settlements. Let's dream big. But at the same time, as we are dreaming big, let's minimize the unintended consequences of informal settlements. Let us spare their dignity - Eva Muchiri (SDI Kenya)
Over the course of the event, participants actively engaged in panel discussions, interactive workshops, site visits, and presentations, fostering a collaborative and dynamic atmosphere. A highlight during this day was the site visit to Havana Youth Café located in an informal settlement in Windhoek, offering participants firsthand insights into residents' challenges and opportunities. The Youth Café – initiated and operated by the Faculty of Computing and Informatics at NUST- serves as a safe space for marginalized youth to learn digital skills and create livelihood opportunities. A place where the youth can meet, work on projects and where trainings take place. This experience underscored the significance of community-led approaches in addressing the complexities of informal settlements.
"…informal settlements are an assemblage of complex phenomena and *we must understand them as manifestations of peoples needs*, beyond their physical. They are manifestations of global inequalities, with a system of norms and an economic logic. They are also vibrant, alive, moving, and changing to the needs of the people. Can we understand why people move to informal settlements? What can we learn from their sometimes seasonal, temporal, transient nature, as manifestations of peoples needs. Can we think of them as launching pads? What does this mean for how we plan *with* them? The materials we use, the structures we design? The role of data, digital technologies and tools is clear, the task is to make sure these tools, processes and practises are equitable and do not further entrench inequalities and a recurring 'left behindness" -Alicia Fortuin (ACC)
In addition to panel discussions, the symposium featured an interactive tool presentation, where UNITAC and City Science Lab showcased their work, offering practical insights into innovative tech solutions. The tool demonstrations were complemented by a poster exhibition, where numerous initiatives showcased their inspiring work.
Public keynotes shed light on crucial topics. Particularly thought-provoking was the keynote and discussion led by Sandile Mbatha from eThekwini Municipality in South Africa, emphasizing the pivotal role of data as infrastructure for collective action in informal settlements. A public lecture by Prof. Gesa Ziemer (Academic Lead of UNITAC and Director of the City Science Lab at HafenCity University) reflected on data-based decision-making tools on the ground and the importance of collaborative approaches in urban development, prompting lively debates and encouraging participants to reconsider traditional approaches.
The symposium concluded with a joint panel discussion examining urban technology and collaboration in informal settlements, offering critical reflections on data utilization and future prospects. This final panel provided a fitting conclusion to an event filled with critical discussions and forward-thinking perspectives.
At its core, the symposium served as a melting pot of diverse viewpoints, uniting researchers, urban practitioners, and community members who came together to share experiences, discuss, and explore innovative approaches to urban development in informal settlements. By fostering collaboration and dialogue, the symposium laid the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at empowering communities and enhancing livelihoods across the African continent.
To capture these key findings and continue building a community of urban thinkers, we are currently working on a TRIALOG special issue that will be published later this year.
We extend our gratitude to all participants: for their invaluable contributions, for presenting, for moderating, for generously sharing their knowledge, experiences, and personal forms of resistance.
- Abigail Kemper
- Prof. Alexander Jachnow
- Alexis Sebarenzi Gatoni
- Alicia Fortuin
- Charl-Thom Bayer
- Daniah Kinya
- Daniel Githira
- Dogu Karakaya
- Dora Hegyi
- Dr. Colin Stanley
- Dr. Sandile Mbatha
- Eva Muchiri
- Gaby Hansen
- Gerald Titus
- Gert van der Merwe
- Prof. Gesa Ziemer
- Prof. Guillermo Delgado
- Jon Silver
- José Júnior
- Kathryn Ewing
- Kilion Nyambuga
- Laura Mugeha
- Melki Namupolo
- Moses Matyayi
- Nobukhosi Ngwenya
- Olwethu Jack
- Royal Mabakeng
- Shilumbe Chivuno-Kuria
- Sigrid Busch
- Sophie Naue
- Tapiwa Chipo Maruza
- Prof. Thomas Chiramba