Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and WeGo, an organisation that promotes smart cities and digital inclusion in governance, on Wednesday, inaugurated its first Africa regional office at the AMAC Secretariat, in Abuja.

WeGO also uses connected technology and data to improve the efficiency of city service delivery, enhance quality of life and increase equity and prosperity for residents.

Mr Abdullahi Candido, Chairman, AMAC, said the Abuja WeGO regional office would build on existing and new partnerships to increase opportunities for knowledge sharing among local governments and their collaborators.

“It is our hope that the regional office would enhance the quality service provided by local governments in Africa, improve digital inclusion and promote digital economic opportunities for city residents especially among the youths and women.

“Pertinent among these is my earnest desire that the establishment of the regional office would energise further the AMAC quest to attaining the status of prime smart.

“And sustainable city in Nigeria with our e-governance system already in operation in this local council,” he said.

In his welcome address, Mr Kyongyul Lee, WeGO Secretary General, appreciated the area council for accommodating its regional office.

“Our vision is to create smart cities for all humanities, we want our Abuja office to lead an establishment of what is called Africa smart cities network, which is an association of like-minded citizens network,” he said.

Mrs Abiodun Essiet, Director, Africa Regional Office, WeGO, added that one of its strategy is to embrace digital platforms to drive promotion and awareness of WeGo smart city programs.

She added that the office would also use regional and sub-regional approach for effective collaboration and engagement.

The event had both virtual and physical participants in attendance.