Governments in African have made significant strides in embedding digital technologies across their operations. What once required paper trails and physical queues has increasingly become mobile-enabled, automated and citizen-centric.
Technology is no longer a back-office function; it’s a public service imperative. This article reflects on the most notable transformations in governance brought about by technology across the continent.
1. Government Services Go Digital
Governments have launched unified digital platforms that consolidate services for citizens. In Kenya, the eCitizen platform offers over 5,000 services including passport applications, business registrations, and driver licensing. Rwanda’s Irembo platform has become a continental model for delivering over 100 digital public services. Nigeria has digitized the Corporate Affairs Commission, enabling fully online business registration.
- Impact: Digital government platforms have significantly reduced time and cost to access services, expanded reach to diaspora and rural populations, and reduced opportunities for bribery and inefficiency.
- Future trend: Governments are now integrating AI chatbots and natural language processing tools into these platforms to support vernacular engagement and 24/7 service.
2. Transparency, Accountability & Anti-Corruption
The adoption of Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS), digital procurement platforms and open contracting portals has transformed how governments spend money. Kenya, Ghana and Uganda now publish procurement notices, contracts, and payments online.
- Impact: This has empowered civil society, journalists, and citizens to follow the money and hold officials accountable. In Kenya, the public eProcurement system has reportedly helped save billions by eliminating ghost suppliers and double payments.
- Future trend: Blockchain-based public ledgers are being explored to further reinforce trust in public finances.
3. Data-Driven Policymaking
Governments are increasingly using big data, mobile analytics, and geospatial technology for decision-making. Ethiopia’s agricultural ministry uses satellite and drone data to inform fertilizer distribution. Kenya’s COVID-19 response included mobility and health data from mobile operators to track and manage outbreak clusters.
- Impact: Resources are being allocated more efficiently and policies are becoming evidence-based. This is especially vital in climate adaptation, urban planning, and disaster preparedness.
- Future trend: Greater investment in national data centers and interoperability frameworks for cross-agency data sharing.
4. Digital ID & Financial Inclusion
Digital ID systems like Ghana’s Ghanacard, Kenya’s Huduma Namba, and Nigeria’s NIN have improved citizens’ access to public services, healthcare, education, and credit.
- Impact: These systems have laid the groundwork for expanding services such as mobile money, government-to-person cash transfers, and inclusive voting systems.
- Future trend: Linking digital IDs with biometric authentication and blockchain registries will improve cross-border mobility under AfCFTA.
Africa’s public sector has made commendable progress in the last decade, but the future lies in building resilient, secure, and citizen-centric platforms that integrate AI, data privacy, and regional harmonization to support true e-governance.