(ST DIGITAL) – By Anthony Same, Group Managing Director of ST Digital
“Statistics is the first of the inexact sciences,” said Jules de Goncourt. However, with regard to digital transformation in Africa, statistical forecasts have often underestimated the extent of the increase in the number of users and the multiplication of uses linked to Digital.
Growth of Internet Penetration in Africa
According to the Internet Society and the World Bank, Internet penetration growth in sub-Saharan Africa is the fastest in the world. The penetration rate has increased from less than 1% in 2000 to 43% today. This meteoric rise of Africa’s internet-based economy could contribute up to $712 billion to the African economy by 2050, according to consulting firm Accenture.
The Impact on Governance
Faced with this massive enthusiasm and confronted with a principle of reality, governments, until now wait-and-see or even refractory, have had to demonstrate pragmatism and follow in the footsteps of digital transformation. By adopting digital to radically transform the way government services are delivered, they understood that they could have a direct impact on administrative efficiency and transparency. The various technological advances have not only enabled better accessibility and quality of public services, but have also paved the way for electronic governance initiatives strengthening citizen participation and the fight against corruption. In just a few years, digital has become a key tool for improving the transparency and efficiency of public services. Its impact on governance is now indisputable. A World Bank study showed that the adoption of digital technologies in public services reduces transaction costs, improves administrative efficiency and increases transparency, essential in the fight against corruption. For example, the introduction of electronic management systems in tax and customs administrations has increased revenue collection and reduced opportunities for corruption in most countries observed.
The E-Government Development Index (IDEG)
According to the 2020 UN E-Government Survey report, the Africa e-Government Development Index shows continued improvement, reflecting current dynamics on the continent. In Benin, collaboration with the Estonian government led to the creation of a robust government portal, giving citizens access to more than 200 public services online. This project not only improved the efficiency and transparency of public services, but also set a standard for data reuse and sharing across government institutions. Since then, public revenues have almost doubled and Benin is among the ten most transparent countries in tax matters globally. Several other African countries have launched similar initiatives to integrate digital technology into their governance. Ghana, with its Ghana.Gov platform, is modernizing public revenue collection and population access, thereby improving digital financial inclusion. In Kenya, Huduma Centers facilitate access to more than 5,000 government services through a single portal, improving efficiency and citizen engagement. In Rwanda, the platform Irembo Gov centralizes more than 100 public services, from applying for a driving license to registering births and deaths; it thus contributes to the reduction of corruption.
Challenges and opportunities
Despite the impressive growth and promising prospects, challenges remain numerous:
- Inclusion and Access : More than 840 million people in Africa are deprived of reliable and affordable access to the Internet. Regional disparities are significant, with penetration of 23% in Central Africa, while West Africa exceeds 48%, according to Data Portal. To democratize access, it is crucial to invest in infrastructure, connectivity and digital education. Collaboration between governments, businesses and international organizations is essential to reduce these disparities.
- Change organizational : Digital transformation is not limited to technology. It also requires organizational change. Many governments are trying to drive their digital transformation without adjusting their organizational principles. How to implement agile projects, manage change and define new citizen-centered uses while respecting traditional administrative frameworks? Reform of digital governance is necessary for effective use of digital tools.
- Culture and Leadership : Digital is often seen as a means to achieve specific objectives rather than as a catalyst for change. Leaders must lead by example by integrating digital into their strategic vision. Education and awareness are essential to change mentalities.
- Security and trust : Cybersecurity and data protection are crucial. Users must have trust in digital services to fully embrace them. Governments must put in place strong policies and regulations to ensure transaction security and data privacy.
- Innovation and Value Creation : Digital technology, by nature immaterial, struggles to find its rightful place in decision-making bodies. We often give it a limited, opportunistic interest in achieving specific objectives, but we neglect its immense disruptive power and its capacity to create value. African startups have already shown their potential, but it is essential to create an ecosystem favorable to innovation. Encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting incubators and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors are ways to accelerate value creation.
Which African digital company can compete with Brick & Mortars giants such as Dangote? What model of democracy for a society that adopts electronic voting? What future for a society that imposes the use of artificial intelligence in all its schools and all its administrations? These ideas have not yet found their way, but just like the statistics that no one believed, they will eventually prevail on their own.
At ST Digital, we are convinced that digital transformation can catalyze substantial change in governance in Africa. Our mission is to support public administrations and businesses in their digital transition, by offering solutions adapted to African realities. The future of governance in Africa will depend on our ability to integrate digital technology into democratic and administrative processes. Digital transformation is not just about technology; it is a cultural and structural reform that requires commitment at all levels of society. This requires not only investments in infrastructure and digital education, but also a strong commitment from governments for sincere and inclusive transformation. This is a key subject for the continent. Moreover, during the Africa CEO Forum 2024, this essential meeting for the African private sector, which takes place in Kigali and in which we are participating, this subject will be widely discussed during panels and round tables.
As a stakeholder in this change, ST Digital is committed to being at the forefront of innovation, supporting initiatives that enhance transparency, efficiency and citizen participation. We envision an Africa where every citizen can easily access public services online, actively participate in democratic life and benefit from the fruits of economic development. Digital transformation in Africa is a reality in progress. It is up to us to seize this opportunity to build more open, inclusive and prosperous societies.
