Dr Francesco Tonnarelli

Short bio

Francesco is a spatial data scientist and Africa Knowledge Platform coordinator at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre. He completed his doctorate at Tallinn University of Technology, where he studied how cities adapt data and digital tools to local conditions. His research on geospatial AI in South Africa examines the choices municipalities face when using these tools in informal settlements.

His research draws on experience advising governments through UN-Habitat and UNHCR. He co-authored the Smart City Code handbook and UN-Habitat’s smart city governance playbook.