Digital maturity of the local authority
What does the city mean by “smart city”?
For Sèmè-Podji, a smart city is one where better living conditions are offered to the population by the improvement of public services through their dematerialisation. A smart city also brings the administration closer to its citizens.
“It’s not just a flagship project. Implementing [smart city projects] will impact many other services.”
Landry Ahomadikpohou, ASToN Local Coordinator, Sèmè-Podji
What relevant projects have been done to date?
A digital transformation plan is currently under consideration, and it is hoped that ASToN’s Local Action Plan will help to inform the overall strategy. The creation of an addressing system, mapping of commercial services, mobility, and waste and water management are among Sèmè-Podji’s priorities.
The vision of the local authority is that “By 2025, the commune is well governed, well developed, with a prosperous economy, respectful of a gender approach and the environment, and where the safety of the people reigns”.
To date, there has been little progress in terms of projects that incorporate digital technology. Sèmè-Podji has recently adopted digital tools, such as the Town Hall website (www.villedesemepodji.com), the land security software “OBAK”, the urban management software WEXITY, and uses Geographic information Systems (GIS) to map the town. The city is also working on its local master plan, of which digitisation is a key element.
At the national level, the “Ministry of the Digital Sector” and the Departmental Directorate in charge of the Digitalisation of Ouémé provide support, counselling and follow-up for the implementation of projects locally. They will provide the national framework with which the AStoN Local Plan for Sémé-Podji will be set-up.
What are the plans for the future?
In the context of Bénin Révélé, a large-scale transformative investment programme aimed at sustainably revitalising the national economy, Sèmè City is being developed.
Sèmè City – a bright future
Both an ongoing project and a project for the future – the development of Sèmè City has a major impact on Sèmè-Podji’s development. Dedicated to innovation and knowledge, Sèmè City brings together high-level training institutions, research and development centers, as well as incubators of innovative solutions to meet the challenges of Benin and Africa. Sèmè City is being built in successive phases on 200 hectares close to a listed forest.
The first “Sèmè One” innovation campus opened its doors in Cotonou at the beginning of the 2019 academic year. Its operators include Epitech Benin, the benchmark school for IT expertise, and Africa Design School, the first school offer- ing a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Design (BDes) in West Africa. More than 250 entrepreneurs have already been supported through the various challenges that have already been launched. Sèmè City’s buildings are currently in Cotonou. The purpose-built centre, which is part of the new development plan, should be delivered in 2021.
How would you rate your capacity to conduct a digitisation project? 4/5
Reasons given:
• high commitment of municipal authority and executives in conducting a digital project.
Data gathered from a questionnaire shared with all cities in Phase 1.
