City develops international ties for greater smart urban growth

THE eThekwini Municipality went on a dynamic mission in the UAE, aimed at enhancing sustainable urban development and transforming Durban into a smart city.

- DAILY NEWS REPORTER

City Manager Musa Mbhele spearheaded this initiative with crucial discussions scheduled between 16 to 19 June 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

The objective was to forge strategic relationships with key governmental and business leaders that would unlock economic opportunities for the region.

Mbhele's delegation further embarked on a second round of talks following previous successful negotiations that laid the groundwork for collaboration on critical areas such as integrated mobility, urban planning, and digital governance.

This multifaceted mission marks a significant step towards leveraging advanced infrastructure innovations from the UAE that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of eThekwini.

Among the core mission objectives is the finalisation of agreements with the Integrated Transport Center (ITC) and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).

These agreements are anticipated to usher in innovative transport solutions aligned with the aspirations of the eThekwini region, ensuring that mobility is not just efficient but also sustainable.