Digital Technology and AI for Smart Sustainable Cities in the Global South: A Critical Review of Literature and Case Studies

Many countries across the Global South strive to align their urban development with sustainability goals. Consequently, the notion of smart sustainable cities has emerged, integrating the ideas of smart cities and sustainability. The region faces diverse challenges, including rapid population growth and financial constraints. Infrastructural deficiencies, especially in digital infrastructure and AI adoption, add to these challenges. Therefore, exploring digital technologies and AI is essential for developing smart, sustainable cities in the Global South. This paper examined both the potential and barriers to digital technologies and AI. It also explored policy implications and proposes a framework for smart sustainable cities. A qualitative methodological approach is used, including a systematic literature review and case studies. The study demonstrates how various urban challenges can be addressed with digital technologies and AI, alongside the barriers to their adoption. The study proposes a conceptual framework with three key pillars: adopting digital technologies and AI as the pivotal element, overcoming barriers, and identifying application areas to transform cities into smart sustainable cities. Moreover, the paper discusses policy implications and suggests future directions for research.