A comparative analysis of e-government services in ten African countries

Abstract

Governments strive to enhance citizen services by leveraging the Internet to communicate policies effectively. Researchers have examined e-government initiatives across African nations, highlighting challenges, enablers, and regulations shaping their implementation. This study explores the prospects of e-government in Africa by analyzing efforts in high EGDI-level countries (Mauritius, South Africa, Tunisia, Ghana, and Gabon) and low EGDI-level countries (South Sudan, Lesotho, Sudan, Niger, and the Central African Republic). Key challenges identified include limited digital infrastructure, insufficient competencies, digital inclusion issues, data privacy, and cybersecurity threats. Enablers such as leadership, collaboration, ICT growth, and government strategies are also noted. Additionally, regulations on information provision, data openness, and e-inclusion are discussed. The findings reveal that most African countries lag behind developed and developing nations in e-government services, emphasizing the need for future research to identify strategies for advancement in this direction.