Electronic governance, or “e-governance”, is defined as the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in public administrations, combined with organisational changes and new staff skills, to improve public services, strengthen democratic processes and support public policy.
E-government rests on four emerging concepts:
- The use of information and communication technologies.
- Adapting working processes and government structures.
- Improving information, communication and cooperation between citizens, businesses, nonprofit organisations and nongovernmental organisations.
- Increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of government functions.
Electronic administration can help governments save money by reducing expenses such as telecommunications, administration and staffing costs. It also contributes to higher productivity and improved work quality.
The UN’s 2014 E-Government Development Index (EGDI) measures governments’ use of ICT to provide information and public services to their populations. It covers public online services, telecommunications infrastructure and human capital. Africa’s average score is 0.27 out of 1.
Of the twenty countries least engaged in e-government development, seventeen are African. They include Guinea (190th), Niger (191st) and Somalia (193rd), with scores no higher than 0.1.
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