ABB Electrification is driving Africa’s transition to smarter, more sustainable cities through its suite of integrated
technologies designed to improve energy efficiency, resilience, and connectivity across urban infrastructure.
With rapid urbanisation placing new demands on power, mobility, and digital infrastructure, ABB’s smart city
solutions offer a blueprint for sustainable development, from intelligent buildings and reliable power systems to
cleaner, connected transport networks.
“Smart cities are no longer a distant vision; they are an urgent necessity for Africa’s growing urban centres,” says
Ettienne Delport, Sales and Marketing Director for Smart Buildings and Smart Power at ABB. “Our technologies
support this transformation by creating connected, efficient, and low-carbon environments that enhance quality of
life while enabling cities to meet their sustainability goals.”
Building intelligence from the ground up
ABB’s building and home automation systems, including ABB i-bus® KNX, ABB Cylon® HVAC Building Automation,
and ABB-free@home®, provide advanced control of energy use, comfort, and safety in commercial and residential
buildings. These solutions enable seamless integration of lighting, climate control, access systems, and renewable
energy sources under a single, data-driven platform.
Through its Mission to Zero™ programme, ABB demonstrates how on-site renewable generation and digital
optimisation can reduce carbon emissions and energy costs, a model adaptable for municipalities and developers
across South Africa and beyond.
Electrifying mobility for a sustainable future
Supporting the transition to low-carbon transport, ABB’s EV charging solutions deliver scalable, connected
infrastructure for electric vehicles, fleets, and public transport. With technologies that range from compact
AC wallboxes to high-performance DC fast chargers and electric bus systems, ABB is enabling cleaner mobility
across Africa.
In South Africa, initiatives such as the City of Cape Town’s Energy Strategy and Gauteng’s Smart Mobility Corridor
are setting the pace for sustainable transport, and ABB is working to provide the charging and power solutions that
make this shift possible.
Smart cities in the African context
Across Africa, cities such as Cape Town, Nairobi, Kigali and Accra are embracing smart technologies to address
challenges of energy access, infrastructure reliability, and environmental resilience. According to the United
Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), over 60% of Africa’s population will live in urban areas by 2050,
making integrated smart infrastructure crucial to sustainable growth.
South Africa’s own smart city ambitions, from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Lanseria Smart City project to the
Durban Smart Port initiative, highlight the region’s commitment to modernising infrastructure while reducing emissions. ABB’s technologies align directly with these goals, combining automation, electrification, and
digitalisation to deliver smarter, more liveable cities.
“South Africa’s path to decarbonisation depends on how effectively we can electrify and digitalise our
infrastructure. At ABB, we support this transition through technologies that make our cities more resilient, energy
efficient, and inclusive. By connecting clean energy, mobility and smart buildings, we can help to power a low
carbon future that works for both people and the planet,” concludes Delport.
ABB Electrification is advancing the world’s energy transition through innovative technologies that make power
systems more sustainable, safe, and efficient. With a strong presence in Africa, ABB continues to partner with
governments, utilities, and developers to build smarter cities and enable a resilient, low-carbon future.
