Improved solid waste management through an urban digital twin in South Africa

In Tshwane, South Africa, a pioneering digital twin prototype is transforming how cities can plan, monitor, and optimise waste collection. Presented by Mila Koeva from the University of Twente during the Global Mixer session, the project demonstrates how real-time data, route optimisation and citizen engagement can reduce operational costs and emissions while improving service delivery in resource-limited urban settings.

Urban areas in the Global South face growing challenges as rapid population growth and limited infrastructure strain waste collection systems. In Tshwane, these issues lead to high costs, irregular service, and environmental impacts. The digital twin responds to this by combining geographic, operational and environmental data into a single, dynamic model of the city. This enables planners and managers to visualise where waste is generated, how routes can be improved, and where inefficiencies occur in real time.

The digital twin integrates live data streams from vehicle tracking systems, sensor-equipped bins and user reports. Through simulation and predictive analytics, it identifies optimal collection routes that reduce travel time, fuel consumption and emissions. Beyond operational gains, the platform also supports transparency: interactive dashboards allow decision-makers to test “what if” scenarios, improving accountability and long-term planning.

Another important element of the approach is citizen engagement. Local residents can report missed collections or overflowing bins through mobile channels, feeding directly into the system and improving responsiveness. This feedback loop creates shared responsibility between communities and service providers, strengthening public trust and cooperation.

The Tshwane digital twin demonstrates how emerging technologies can be adapted to the realities of resource-limited settings. Built on scalable, open data principles and supported by partnerships between academia, municipalities and local technology providers, the system offers a model that can be replicated and refined elsewhere. It shows that even modest technological interventions, when guided by local needs and strong collaboration, can drive meaningful progress toward cleaner, more efficient and more liveable cities.

This event is part of the ISCN Global Mixer, a series of events organized by the International Smart Cities Network. The presentations cover a wide range of topics related to international smart city approaches and provide exciting insights into urban digitalization worldwide - in just 30 minutes.