E-Government Development in West African Countries: A Two Decade Review

Abstract

This paper explores the evolution of E-government Development in West Africa over the past two decades through the E-government Development Index (EGDI) scores obtained from United Nations E-government Surveys. The study aims to assess trends and offer recommendations for enhancing E-government effectiveness and impact in the sub-region. It emphasizes the significance of studying E-government in the region to address governance challenges, promote socio-economic development, and empower citizens. The analysis of EGDI scores reveals that Cape Verde, Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria demonstrate higher readiness for e-government initiatives, while other countries lag. Comparison of Global Average EGDI scores across the surveys shows overall progress with fluctuations in few surveys. In each of the surveys, West African countries generally fall below the Global Average, indicating a wide gap in E-government development in the sub-region. Leveraging E-government can foster inclusive growth, transparency, and citizen empowerment. However, challenges persist, requiring investment in ICT infrastructure, digital literacy, and governance processes. Future research could explore other regions and develop frameworks for enhancing EGDI components of OSI, TII, and HCI in West African countries.