Nos Zona Smart, a reference project from Cabo Verde

Loide Monteiro (CEO): “Our vision for this smart city is that of a 4S city: Smart, Sustainable, Safe, and with a Smile”

Nos Zona Smart has been dedicated to realizing the Smart City Cabo Verde vision since 2019.

Our commitment has earned recognition from ECOWAS and prestigious international publications like Smart City Journal. Backed by strategic partnerships, including with MIT, we're ready to transform our vision into reality.

The Challenge of African Urbanization

Africa experiences rapid urbanization, leading to inadequate infrastructure and high unemployment. President Kagame stresses the urgency to reinvent cities due to declining budgets and overstretched infrastructure.

By 2050, 70% of the global population will reside in urban areas, with Africa seeing the fastest growth. Policymakers must harness urbanization for inclusive growth.

Cities contribute to 80% of the world's GDP, highlighting the need to address urban challenges effectively. With 70% of CO2 emissions from urban areas, sustainability strategies are imperative.

Urban areas grapple with inequality and social exclusion, hindering access to essential services. Cabo Verde faces similar challenges, compounded by concerns about climate change.

Smart Cities: The Future of Urban Life

Smart City Cabo Verde, or 4S cities—Smart, Sustainable, Safe, and Smiling—aim for efficiency, connectivity, sustainability, and inclusion. Nos Zona Smart showcases this model, integrating innovation with Cabo Verde's natural beauty and hospitality.

Our solution fosters innovation and technology for smart, sustainable, and inclusive urban development. We aim to position Cabo Verde as a smart city example in Africa, aligning with ECOWAS goals.

High Demand, High Economic Potential

Africa's rapid urbanization, limited existing urban infrastructure, growing middle class, and entrepreneurship drive demand for smart cities. Connectivity through mobile phones presents vast opportunities for smart solutions.

Nos Zona Smart is recognized by ECOWAS, signifying its exemplary status as a smart city concept. The smart cities market is expected to reach $3.84 trillion by 2029.

Why Nos Zona Smart?

We advocate for building infrastructure from scratch, offering comprehensive solutions. Our holistic approach and adept management of partnerships set us apart.

Cabo Verde's favorable indicators and international affiliations make it an ideal location for our pilot project. Our goal is to translate innovation into tangible improvements in people's lives.

The First City living Lab Model in Cabo Verde

Our objectives include offering innovative real estate products, promoting knowledge about urban innovation, and fostering commercial ventures.

Our project, located in the Municipality of S. Domingos, covers smart infrastructure, agriculture, services, commercial areas, and residential spaces.

Your Investment, Your Future

Nos Zona Smart is a $100 million project organized into four phases, spanning 5-10 years. Revenue streams include sales, leases, and partnerships.

Our Values

Responsibility, rigor, transparency, and dedication drive our mission. We're committed to urban innovation and improving citizens' quality of life.

Strategic Objectives

We aim to develop smart solutions, promote research, establish partnerships, conduct education programs, and involve the local community.

Partnerships

We partner with ECOWAS, international universities, experts in smart city sectors, and local entities to realize our vision.

Team

Led by CEO Loide Monteiro, the team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to urban innovation.

In conclusion, Nos Zona Smart is poised to revolutionize urban development in Cabo Verde and beyond, shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.

Interview with CEO of Nos Zona Smart Loide Monteiro

TSCJ.- Can you tell us a bit about yourself and share your vision for the future of smart cities? How does the Nos Zona Smart Project contribute to making this vision a reality?

LM.- As a Cape Verdean Civil Engineer, I have extensive experience as an entrepreneur in urban planning and development since 1999. I have worked not only in Cape Verde but also in several other African countries, including Guinea-Bissau, Angola, and Nigeria.

Since 2020, we have been committed to developing a smart city model for the African continent, with the construction of a pilot of this model in Cape Verde, on the island of Santiago, in the municipality of S. Domingos. Our vision for this smart city is that of a 4S city: Smart, Sustainable, Safe, and with a Smile, constantly seeking to improve the quality of life for both residents and visitors to the city.

This 4S city encompasses comprehensive urban planning, efficient infrastructure, modern and adapted buildings, as well as sectors such as agriculture, tourism, sports, education, health, transactions, history, and cultural heritage, all incorporating technological innovations.

Currently, we already have the land, urban plan, smart infrastructure projects, and building designs completed. Our project is already accessible through a virtual representation, allowing virtual visits. We are ready to start implementation on the ground, beginning with smart agriculture, health, and nutrition in 2024.

These ventures will not only provide a tangible experience of what the cities of the future can offer but also establish an important milestone for sustainable and innovative development in Africa.

Impact of Developed Solutions on Citizens' Lives:

TSCJ.- How do the solutions developed in the Nos Zona Smart Project positively impact the lives of citizens in this city? How do these solutions address issues such as the cost of living, security, and access to public services?

LM.- The project includes solutions for energy efficiency and sustainability through renewable energy production and investment in smart and efficient buildings, which will not only reduce energy costs for the resident population but also significantly improve their quality of life. In Cape Verde, where energy costs are notoriously high compared to other African countries, this investment is crucial. Furthermore, by promoting sustainability, we will reduce the city's ecological footprint, thus creating a cleaner and healthier urban environment for all citizens.

Regarding security, we recognize it as a challenge faced by citizens. Our project is committed to exploring how technology can be used innovatively to improve street security, prevent crimes, and ensure a rapid and effective response to emergencies. This will not only provide citizens with a sense of security and well-being but also contribute to building safer and more resilient communities.

Additionally, our focus is on ensuring equitable access to a wide range of essential public services, thus improving residents' quality of life. This includes access to healthy food, quality healthcare, education, spaces for sports practice, promotion of culture, entertainment, and other relevant services that are fundamental for a truly enriching experience in a city of the future. We are committed to creating a city where all citizens have equal access to opportunities and services that promote their well-being and prosperity.

Challenges Faced and Strategies to Overcome Them:

TSCJ.- What are the main challenges that the project faces, and how is your company working to overcome them? Could you share more about the crowdfunding platform and how it is being used to finance the project?

LM.- One of the main challenges we face is related to the financial resources needed to implement the project. To overcome this constraint, we will launch a crowdfunding platform for the sale of City Tokens. These Tokens represent shares of the city, allowing residents and visitors to become owners of the city by acquiring these Tokens. In addition to providing the opportunity for ownership of the city, this initiative contributes directly to the financing and execution of the various stages of the project.

Furthermore, we plan to make Tokens available for virtual residents of the city, allowing even those who do not physically reside in the city to enjoy the services and benefits offered. This innovative approach not only expands the reach and inclusion of the project but also strengthens the sense of community and belonging among all involved, regardless of their geographical location.

Key Innovations and Partnerships to Drive this Project:

TSCJ.- What are the key innovations that the Nos Zona Smart Project brings to the field of smart cities? How are partnerships with other organizations driving this innovation process? Could you provide concrete examples of successful collaborations?

LM.- The key innovations that a Smart City project should seek to encompass advancements in technology, sustainability, mobility, and quality of life. This entails the implementation of artificial intelligence systems to enhance urban management, the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions, the introduction of autonomous and shared transportation, as well as the creation of multifunctional and interconnected urban spaces.

Furthermore, it is essential to recognize the crucial role of partnerships with other organizations in driving this innovation process. Collaborations with technology companies, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and governments provide access to specialized expertise, additional resources, and essential collaboration networks. By working together, these entities can develop and implement innovative solutions that address the complex challenges faced by modern cities.

These partnerships not only promote the exchange of knowledge and experience but also accelerate the development and adoption of intelligent and sustainable solutions for the cities of the future. It is through this multidisciplinary collaboration that we can create more efficient, resilient, and inclusive urban environments for the inhabitants of cities around the world.