The Role of Drone Technology for future Smart City Concept Implementation in Developing World. The Case of Kigali City - Rwanda

A smart city is a place where traditional networks and services are made more efficiently with the use of digital solutions for the benefit of its inhabitants and business. A smart city goes beyond the use of digital technologies for better resource use and less emissions. Smart city concept in developed and developing countries is the right choice because people need to increase their efficiency and their effectiveness during their projects implementation like production industries, construction industry and many fields for sustainable rural and urban cities development in all sectors. On one hand, smart city idea has to manage the issue of transportation or solve high resolution aerial photos problem which is extremely needed for suitability analysis in cartography and construction sector. On the other hand, smart city idea can be used in monitoring remote medical delivery as well as accident locations especially where human lives can’t reach easily. Despite the importance of smart city concept in making traditional networks and services more efficiently through digital solutions. The issue of accessibility in remote communities/households where cars can’t access is still challenging. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for future smart city concept implementation in developing world using Kigali City in Rwanda as specific case study. Specifically, to document the current situation of smart city concept implemented in the case study area; to examine the role of Drone technology in managing accessibility of hard-to-reach areas/remote community in both rural and urban areas; and finally to capture community perspectives about the idea of Drone technology for future development of urban and rural areas in Africa. Closed and open questions were used in interviewing Kigali city residents to understand more about the role of UAVs in smart city concept performance. Additionally, another tool used to collect data including physical observations on Drone technology for smart city concept. The study revealed that among the challenges most city managers do face in using UAVs to implement smart city idea includes insufficient of financial capacity as well as good internet connectivity to connect together smart city projects and drone technology for future sustainable urban and rural development. Keywords: Smart City Concept, Drone Technology, Developing Countries, Kigali City