E-GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA
From Theory to Action
A Hand-Book on ICTs for Local Governance

by Gianluca C. Misuraca

This book presents the context, theory, and current thinking on the interaction between Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and local governance, particularly in Africa. It discusses the shift from "government" to "e-governance," describes the role of local-level authorities, and presents the benefits and limitations of introducing ICTs in government operations. Case studies from Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda describe local governance/ICTs projects executed by civil society organizations, academic institutions, and government authorities.

Integrating Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into governance processes can greatly enhance the delivery of public services to all citizens. ICTs integration will not only improve the performance of governance systems, it will also transform relationships amongst stakeholders, thus influencing policymaking processes and regulatory frameworks. In the developing world, however, the potential of ICTs for effective governance remains largely unexplored and unexploited.

This book presents the context, theory, and current thinking on the interaction between ICTs and local governance, particularly in Africa. It discusses the shift from "government" to "e-governance," describes the role of local-level authorities, and presents the benefits and limitations of introducing ICTs in government operations. Case studies from Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda describe local governance/ICTs projects executed by civil society organizations, academic institutions, and government authorities. Drawing from the findings in these case studies and from the introductory research and original conceptual framework, the book presents a series of conclusions and recommendation on the future of effective ICTs use for better governance and improved economic development at the local level.

An important contribution to the literature on the subject of e-governance in general, and e-governance in Africa in particular, as well as of ICTs and development in Africa.
- Joseph O. Okpaku, Sr., PhD (Telecom Africa International Corporation)

This book will be of interest to professionals, practitioners, and policy advisors at local and national government levels in developing countries (particularly in Africa); international organizations staff, bilateral aid agencies, international financial institutions, civil society organizations, and private sector; researchers, academics, students, and professors of public administration and governance in Africa and throughout the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
GIANLUCA MISURACA is the Managing Director and Scientific Coordinator of the Executive Master in e-Governance organized by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland. Under the auspices of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), Gianluca designed the e-Africa Initiative for Good Governance. He was also responsible for developing the African Regional Online Centre of the United Nations Global Online Network in Public Administration and Finance (UNPAN), while seconded to the African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD). Most recently, Gianluca was Project Leader and Research Network Coordinator for LOG-IN Africa (the Local Governance and ICTs Research Network for Africa) on behalf of CAFRAD and IDRC.

CATEGORY
Technology, Development Studies/Africa