The 2022 UN E-Government Index Survey revealed that every country with an E-Government Development Index (EGDI) below 0.25 is considered a developing nation. Short for electronic governance, e-governance uses ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) to gather and deliver information to a nation’s administrative services. This method of communication has the potential to be a much more effective, productive, and transparent solution to challenges faced by developing nations.
E-governance: What is it and Why Does it Matter?
Out of the world’s 193 countries, 173 use the Internet to communicate government affairs. All such governance activity in the public sector communicated over the medium of ICT comes under the umbrella of digital governance. E-governance focuses on aspects such as delivering public services, business operations, and communication with a nation’s citizens.
So, why is e-governance crucial?
● Bridges the communication gap between a country’s citizens and its leaders
● Cost-effective solution that plays a central role in improving many administrative issues of developing nations
● Enhances the creation of government tools
● Decreases corruption and fraud
● Improves citizen’s trust in authority
● Increases the effectiveness of delivery of services.
The Impact of Digital Solutions on Public Service
From ID card issues to tax collection, public services are at the core of any government’s responsibilities. Developing governments that employ traditional methods to deliver public services face increased pressure, lack of transparency, and mismanagement. By adopting digital solutions, governments can see a positive impact on the quality of their public service delivery.
On average, physically managed public services are 74% slower and 95% more expensive than those digitized. In addition, it can make bribery and dishonesty accessible. In fact, in 2017, one in three Latin Americans reported having to pay a bribe for access to public service. A 2016 study in India found that the country’s use of smartcards for employment and pension programs resulted in a faster and less corrupt payment process.
How E-governance Streamlines Business Operations
The interaction between government agencies and businesses can be a painstaking ordeal, filled with extensive paperwork and lengthy processing periods. E-governance has the potential to streamline business operations through electronic handling of all operations. It does this by:
● Simplifying procedures: businesses can electronically submit administrative and financial documents such as applications, permits, renewals, regulatory forms, and tax paperwork.
● Reducing time: online submissions and automated procedures cut out the time needed for both physical office visits and approval processing.
● Increasing transparency: businesses can view application and regulation statuses in real-time. This enhances the government's image by ensuring accountability.
● Reduced costs: using electronic communication eliminates the overhead costs associated with transport and processing found in face-to-face operations, reducing expenses for both businesses and the government.
● Enhancing data security: highly secure systems maintain the confidentiality and privacy of data through authentication and encryption tactics. This is in contrast to a paper-based system, which is much more vulnerable to falling into the wrong hands.
Challenges and Opportunities in Developing Nations
When it comes to developing nations, their main setback lies in the fact that they are, well, developing. These countries are still grappling with economic instability, social injustice, and corrupt administration. Sometimes, these issues are so deeply rooted that promoting any kind of change can be a challenge.
Issues include ICT policy-making, financial setbacks, data privacy, and leadership. There are challenges on the social side as well. The lack of education and prevalence of poverty in these nations results in a population that is unfamiliar with the internet as a part of their daily life. This can make the adoption of digitized solutions challenging as there will be resistance to change.
However, there is potential for opportunity. Mobile services are rapidly growing in developing nations, with an increasing number of ICT institutions and awareness. The youth is also much more vocal with their social concern. Over a million Brazilian residents rallied on the streets to protest the corruption of the government in 2016, with many other similar demonstrations in neighboring countries since.
E-governance represents more than just technological advancement; it's a transformative shift towards transparency, efficiency, and empowerment for developing nations. By embracing this digital revolution, countries can pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future, bridging the gap between citizens and their governments.
Posted 02 November 2023
