South Africa is set to transform its urban landscape into smart cities with the recent partnership between ZTE Corporation, MTN, Aizatron, and the Weskus district. This collaboration aims to leverage 5G technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to create an efficient and sustainable urban ecosystem.
The initiative marks the first proof of concept for AI in South Africa, focusing on asset recognition and inventory management in Malmesbury. By integrating advanced technologies, the project aims to enhance urban mobility, resource management, and public safety.
The deployment of 5G is crucial, offering wider bandwidth and lower latency necessary for handling the vast data generated by smart city sensors. This infrastructure supports real-time traffic management, enhanced public safety through intelligent surveillance, and automated urban services, paving the way for proactive governance.
For MTN, this strategic move extends beyond telecommunications, positioning the company as a key player in South Africa's digital transformation. With 44% of the country now covered by 5G, MTN is exploring new opportunities in IoT and connected infrastructure, driving competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.