SHAPE presents itself as a response to the smart city crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa. Literature and needs analyses in East Africa have shown that there are major gaps with regards to skills in university graduates for smart cities. Delays in projects such as Konza Technopolis and Iroley City have been mainly attributed to the lack of local skills and the lack of contextualization of the smart city concept in Sub-Saharan Africa, not accounting for unique characteristics of African cities. By developing innovative curricula and tailored training programs, SHAPE aims to empower graduates from universities in East Africa to actively engage in smart city development and re-shape it into their own context, based on what they want to see as their dream settlement. These courses will create the future African leaders in AI & open data for smart cities, smart health, smart energy and other sectors. The project employs a multi-method approach that leads to capacity building, co-creation of knowledge, exchange of best practices and facilitation of innovation through strong EU-EA partnerships. SHAPE seamlessly aligns with the EU priorities and Global Gateway for East Africa, complementing current and future investments in digital innovation, transport corridors and renewable energy in the region. Through equipping East African HEIs with the tools and expertise to modernize their curricula and strengthen connections with the labor market, SHAPE fosters cross-border collaboration on a topic of major importance for Sub-Saharan Africa. By complementing these actions with development of an EU-EA smart city alliance and associated partners from throughout the region, the project aims at creating a lasting impact in sustainable and socially inclusive economic growth in Kenya, Somalia and Uganda.