E-Governance in Africa: How Government Effectiveness and Electricity Access Drive Digital Transformation

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A recent study by Olumekor et al. (2025) titled “Influences on e‐governance in Africa: a study of economic, political, and infrastructural dynamics” published in Public Administration reveal that government effectiveness and access to electricity are statistically significant predictors of e-governance advancement.

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Government effectiveness and access to electricity, not economic wealth, are the strongest predictors of e-governance advancement across Africa.
– Olumekor et al. 2025

This study examines the key forces shaping the development and effectiveness of e-governance across African nations, addressing the persistent gap between Africa and other regions in digital governance. It investigates how economic prosperity, political performance, and infrastructural capacity—particularly access to electricity—affect the success of e-governance initiatives. The findings reveal that government effectiveness and access to electricity are statistically significant predictors of e-governance advancement. Interestingly, GDP per capita was not a determining factor, suggesting that financial wealth alone does not guarantee digital governance success. Instead, institutional strength and reliable infrastructure play a more decisive role in enabling efficient, inclusive, and transparent governance systems.

The research is grounded in two major theoretical frameworks: Public Value Theory, which emphasizes democratic legitimacy, citizen participation, and operational feasibility; and New Public Management (NPM), which focuses on efficiency and responsiveness but is critiqued in this study for its limited applicability within the African context. Overall, the study provides policy-relevant insights for African governments and international development partners. It underscores the need to prioritize infrastructure development and governance reforms over economic indicators alone. By aligning with the African Union’s digital transformation agenda, the study highlights actionable strategies for strengthening e-governance systems that are both inclusive and sustainable.

How the Study was Conducted

This study examined 54 African countries (2018–2022) to assess how economic, political, and infrastructural factors influence e-government development. Data were sourced from the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank. The UN provided the E-Government Development Index (EGDI)—the dependent variable—comprising online service provision, telecommunication infrastructure, and human capital development. The World Bank supplied data for three independent variables: GDP per capita (economic performance), government effectiveness (quality of governance and policy implementation), and access to electricity (infrastructure essential for ICT and internet use).

Data were processed in Microsoft Excel, and a multiple linear regression model was applied with EGDI as the outcome variable and GDP per capita, government effectiveness, and electricity access as predictors. Eritrea and South Sudan were excluded due to missing data, and 2022 data for electricity and government effectiveness were unavailable.

Hypotheses:

H1: Economic, political, and infrastructural factors influence e-government development.

H1a: Access to electricity affects e-government development.

H1b: GDP per capita affects e-government development.

H1c: Government effectiveness affects e-government development.

What the Authors Found

The authors found that government effectiveness and access to electricity are the key drivers of e-government development in African countries, while GDP per capita (economic growth) does not have a significant impact. In essence, good governance and reliable infrastructure matter more than wealth for advancing digital governance across Africa.

Why is this important

Reveals What Truly Powers E-Governance
Demonstrates that government effectiveness and access to electricity are far more critical than economic wealth (GDP per capita) in driving e-government progress across Africa.

Supports Africa’s Digital Transformation Goals
Aligns with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy, providing evidence-based insights to enhance public service delivery and guide effective investment by governments and development partners.

Fills a Major Research Gap
Offers one of the most comprehensive analyses of e-governance determinants in Africa, covering 52 countries over six years, unlike prior single-country or narrowly focused studies.

Provides Strategic Policy Insights
Helps governments prioritize reforms in electricity access and institutional effectiveness, encouraging a shift from technology-first approaches to value-driven governance centered on transparency and public trust.

Advances Public Administration Theory
Enriches theoretical discourse by integrating Public Value Theory and challenging New Public Management, emphasizing that digital governance should promote democratic values, inclusion, and accountability—not just efficiency.

What the Authors Recommended

• The authors suggest that governments should invest in reliable and widespread electricity access, particularly in rural and underserved regions. Electricity is the backbone of digital governance, enabling internet connectivity, ICT deployment, and access to online public services.
• The study advocates strengthening institutional capacity, public service delivery, and policy credibility is vital. Reforms should promote professionalism, accountability, and transparency within the civil service to create an enabling environment for sustainable digital transformation.
• Since GDP per capita does not significantly predict e-governance progress, policymakers should shift focus from wealth accumulation to institutional and infrastructural reforms that directly support digital service delivery and inclusion.
• Policymakers should use empirical data and analytical insights to craft digital transformation strategies aligned with the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
• In addition, governments should adopt a public value approach to e-governance, emphasizing citizen participation, co-creation, and trust-building. Collaboration with civil society, communities, and the private sector will enhance legitimacy, inclusivity, and long-term impact.

In conclusion, the study by Olumekor et al. (2025) provides compelling evidence that the true drivers of e-governance advancement in Africa lie not in economic wealth, but in the strength of institutions and access to reliable infrastructure. By emphasizing government effectiveness and electricity access as pivotal factors, the research redefines how African nations can achieve meaningful digital transformation. It calls for a shift from GDP-centered development to value-driven governance—one that prioritizes inclusion, transparency, and public trust. Ultimately, these insights offer a clear roadmap for policymakers and development partners committed to building resilient, citizen-centered digital governance systems across the continent.