Steve Lohr reports on the new I.B.M. research lab in Kenya, which will work to tailor technological solutions to the prominent issues in Africa's major cities.
Nairobi, Kenya, was announced this week as the location for I.B.M.'s 12th research lab worldwide, and the fourth international I.B.M. branch in two years, following Ireland, Australia and Brazil. The lab will host a "resident scientist program," which will "bring in researchers from Nairobi and elsewhere in Africa to collaborate with I.B.M. scientists."
The purpose of this research lab is "to help train Africans to innovate in Africa," says Osamuyimen Stewart, I.B.M. scientist and native Nigerian, so that Africans can seek education and career-building skills in their native countries instead of moving West.
According to Lohr, "The Nairobi lab will seek to develop technology-assisted solutions to the problems of Africa's fast-growing cities (Africa has 52 cities of more than a million people - more than are in Europe). Water management and transportation, I.B.M. executives say, are prime examples. And solutions, they add, need not depend on long, costly projects."
"We're going to focus on very inexpensive solutions, rapidly developed," said John E. Kelly, I.B.M.'s senior vice president for research and director of I.B.M. labs.
FULL STORY: I.B.M. Adds an African Lab to Its Growing Global Research Network

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie