Durban recently played host to the groundbreaking Digitization Summit, a dynamic event led by the eThekwini Municipality. One of the summit’s highlights was a keynote address by Edward Bowlen, a transformation strategist with over three decades of experience in modernizing public sector systems in the United States.

Representing the Forward Durban ICT Sector Action Team, Edward shared powerful insights drawn from large-scale projects in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His presentation unpacked the lessons learned in navigating complex digital transformations, emphasizing the need for both strategic planning and human-centered design.

“Durban has all the raw potential to be a smart city success story,” Edward noted. “But the key lies in building systems that empower people, not just digitizing processes.”

The event reinforced the importance of partnerships between global thought leaders and local innovators to accelerate Durban’s digital readiness. As the city advances its Smart City Strategy, the summit underscored Forward Durban’s mission: to inspire confidence, foster innovation, and shape a bold new narrative for our city.