Global Journal of Economic and Finance Research

Smart city initiatives are increasingly being deployed as tools for improving urban housing systems, particularly in rapidly growing cities of the Global South. This study, titled "Assessing the Multifaceted Impact of Innovative City Initiatives on Housing Affordability, Environmental Sustainability, and Social Equity," investigates how these technological and planning innovations affect residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria. Employing a mixed-methods design, the research combines quantitative surveys of 272 residents with qualitative interviews of government officials, planners, developers, and community leaders. Findings reveal a strong consensus that smart city initiatives have the potential to enhance housing efficiency, affordability, environmental performance, and social inclusion. However, significant concerns persist around digital exclusion, the financial burden of implementation, and data privacy risks. Stakeholders emphasise the importance of integrating smart city technologies with community-driven planning, affordable housing policies, and inclusive digital infrastructure. The study contributes to the discourse on sustainable urban development in Africa by highlighting the need for equitable, context-sensitive smart city frameworks. It concludes with recommendations that promote inclusive innovation, foster public-private collaboration, and prioritise digital literacy, affordability, and environmental responsibility. These insights provide a roadmap for cities seeking to leverage technology for sustainable and inclusive housing transformation.

Smart City Initiatives, Housing Affordability, Environmental Sustainability, Urban Planning Inclusive Innovation, Community-Driven Development

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