African Researchers Magazine (ISSN: 2714-2787) – premier source for latest African research, science and scholarly news

Tag: public service delivery

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

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


    Illustrative Image: 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.

  • Transforming Governance in Africa: Insights on E-Government Development and Public Administration in Ghana

    Transforming Governance in Africa: Insights on E-Government Development and Public Administration in Ghana

    A recent study by Tiika et al. (2024) titled “Evaluating E-Government Development among Africa Union Member States: An Analysis of the Impact of E-Government on Public Administration and Governance in Ghana” published in the journal of Sustainability shows that e-government development has significantly progressed in some African countries, including Ghana, due to the alignment of digital strategies with national policies.

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    e-government development in Africa, particularly Ghana, has significantly advanced through digital strategy alignment with national policies.-Tiika et al. 2024

    The article examines the evolution and influence of e-government initiatives among African Union member states, with a particular emphasis on Ghana. It explores the transformative potential of e-government in enhancing public administration and governance through the integration of digital strategies aligned with national development policies. Utilizing a mixed-methods research design, the study analyzes secondary data through the TOPSIS method and collects primary data via interviews. The findings reveal that several African countries, including Ghana, have achieved notable progress in e-government implementation, fundamentally reshaping public administration and governance. The study underscores the importance of interagency collaboration and effective data-sharing frameworks to sustain these advancements, further improving public service delivery. It also highlights the critical role of e-government in modernizing governance practices and fostering efficiency within public institutions.

    How the Study was Conducted

    The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive analysis of e-government development among African Union member states, with a focus on Ghana.

    Quantitative analysis
    The authors employed secondary data sourced from the UN e-Government Report for sixteen African Union member states based on their e-government performance. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was used for multi-criteria decision making (MCDM). This method evaluates alternatives based on their relative similarity to an ideal solution. The evaluation was based on key indicators such as online services, e-participation, human capital development, telecommunications infrastructure development, e-government development, and open government development. Various software packages, including Triptych package, SANNA-2014, and TOPSIS Solver, were used for the analysis.

    Qualitative Analysis
    The authors employed primary data through semi-structured interviews with thirty individuals from the private and public sectors, academia, and civil society. Purposive sampling was used to select respondents based on their expertise in Internet governance and public administration. The interviews were conducted during the Ghana Internet Governance Forum, allowing participants to share in-depth knowledge and experiences. The qualitative data were analyzed to understand the impact of e-government on public administration and governance in Ghana.

    What the Authors Found

    The authors found that e-government development has significantly progressed in some African countries, including Ghana, due to the alignment of digital strategies with national policies. The integration of technology in Ghana’s public sector is reshaping public administration and governance. The authors also found that some African countries have made notable advancements in e-government, which has positively impacted public administration and governance.

    Why is this important?

    Improved Public Service Delivery: By adopting e-government, public services can become more efficient, accessible, and transparent. This can lead to better service delivery for citizens, reducing bureaucracy and improving satisfaction.

    Enhanced Governance: E-government can enhance governance by promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. This can help build trust between the government and its citizens.

    Economic Development: The integration of digital strategies can drive economic development by creating new opportunities for businesses and improving the overall business environment.

    Policy Development: The study provides valuable insights for policymakers on how to develop and implement effective e-government strategies. This can help in shaping policies that support sustainable development and good governance.

    Interagency Collaboration: The research highlights the importance of interagency collaboration and data-sharing mechanisms. This can lead to more coordinated and effective public administration.

    Sustainability: By focusing on long-term sustainability, the study emphasizes the need for continuous investment in e-government infrastructure and policies. This can ensure that the benefits of e-government are sustained over time.

    What the Authors Recommend

    • The authors emphasize strengthening interagency collaboration: To achieve long-term sustainability, it is crucial to foster interagency collaboration and data-sharing mechanisms between the public and private sectors. Breaking down silos will promote efficient service delivery.
    • The study recommends continued investment in e-government infrastructure and policies is essential. This includes upgrading technological capabilities and ensuring reliable internet connectivity.
    • Comprehensive training programs for public officials in digital competencies are necessary. Empowering public officials will enable them to effectively manage e-government systems and ensure efficient public service delivery.
    • The authors also advocate for establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to regularly assess the effectiveness of e-government initiatives. Key performance indicators should be aligned with e-government objectives and reviewed periodically to make informed policy adjustments.
    • In addition, the study recommends launching public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the benefits of using e-government services, which can enhance adoption and trust in e-government platforms.

    In conclusion, the study underscores the transformative impact of e-government on public administration and governance in African countries, particularly Ghana. The alignment of digital strategies with national policies has proven to be a catalyst for significant progress in enhancing service delivery, transparency, and citizen engagement. However, for these advancements to be sustainable, continued investment in infrastructure, interagency collaboration, and training programs for public officials is essential. By fostering these elements, African nations can build resilient, efficient, and inclusive governance systems that not only benefit the public sector but also drive economic growth and development across the continent.