eGovernance: Tools and Benefits

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eGovernance Tools and Benefits
Gbenga SesanNigerias Information Technology
Youth Ambassadorwww.gbengasesan.com
me_at_gbengasesan.com
eGovernance for in-school adolescents in West
AfricaDevelopment Information Network
(DevNet)Mainland Hotel, Ebute-Metta, Lagos,
NIGERIA. 23 June 2003.
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OVERVIEW

• Why this topic, at this time?
• What is eGovernance
• What benefits does eGovernance offer?
• From Traditional Governance to eGovernance What
  tools are needed?
• How do I come in?
• Conclusion

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WHY THIS TOPIC, AT THIS TIME?

• Governance has always been connected to the
  drivers of the present economy (and the New
  Economy is driven by ICTs)
• Efficiency of governance is strongly influenced
  by the medium of delivery
• Globally, governments are looking at better ways
  of meeting the peoples needs and Information and
  Communication Technologies (ICTs) are proving to
  be dynamic tools in governance
• Governance structures and models are aligning
  with the expectations and atmosphere of the
  21st century
• West Africa has not had the best of governance,
  and must maximize the opportunities that
  eGovernance provides
• Young people are the bridge between today and
  tomorrow, and must learn about this new model of
  governance that is improving government-to-governm
  ent, government-to-citizen and government-to-stake
  holder relationships globally

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WHAT IS eGOVERNANCE?

• eGovernance is Electronic Governance Governance
  that employs the opportunities and potentials
  that Information and Communication Technologies
  (ICTs) have to offer. eGovernance is simply
  e-enabled governance
• ICTs (in this context) describe electronic tools
  such as computers, telephones (and other
  telecommunication equipment), Internet, the world
  wide web and other 21st century communication
  media
• In eGovernance, ALL governance processes are
  electronically enabled mostly in phases. E.g.
  government records, taxes, getting feedback from
  community, information dissemination,
  data/information gathering, elections,
  administration, etc.
• What government processes do you know, and how
  can it be e-enabled?
• Do you think theres any government process that
  cant fit eGovernance? Why?

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WHAT BENEFITS DOES eGOVERNANCE OFFER?

• Africas ICT experts discussed this issue between
  July 15 and September 30 2002. The discussions
  were held online, and was hosted by the African
  Information Society Initiative (AISI) of the UN
  Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The
  conclusions follow
• eGovernance automates the major state functions
  and capacities (Legislative, Executive,
  Judiciary), thus facilitating the optimal
  functioning and better interaction of
  institutions attached to these three major wings
  of the state
• eGovernance allows better interaction between
  the government, its institutions and people
• eGovernance brings greater effectiveness and
  transparency, while creating market opportunities
  for goods and services
• eGovernance also provides an ideal framework for
  dialogue between the principal actors of
  development the State, private/business sectors,
  NGOs, civil society, political parties and local
  communities
• eGovernance initiatives lead to a process of
  transformation, which increases the
  effectiveness, efficiency and transparency of
  government and administration

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FROM TRADITIONAL GOVERNANCE TO eGOVERNANCE WHAT
TOOLS ARE NEEDED?

• Building on the experience of Gambia and the
  UNECA, the following processes are needed for the
  transformation
• Conduct a base line study in order to assess the
  situation in the country in relation to
  eGovernment related activities, available
  infrastructure and technical support
• Develop an e-Government policy and strategy
• Conduct sensitization programmes in relation to
  the outcomes of the baseline study with a view to
  map-out a National eGovernment Strategy
• Coordinate resource mobilization for the
  implementation of the strategy
• In order to implement the strategy, the following
  tools will be necessary
• Websites
• Telecommunication Infrastructure
• Internet Provosion (eMail, etc)
• Internet/Web-based services eg ePayments
• Skills acquisition Human Resource Development

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HOW DO I COME IN?

• Young people are the link between today and
  tomorrow (the future), and are thus the hope for
  an improved governance structure in West Africa
• Youth have a greater learning capacity, and West
  Africa needs to build on that for its Human
  Resource Development
• Our institutions may not be able to respond
  immediately and may not teach eGovernance in
  schools, but we can go out to pull information
• Understanding the new model of governance will
  help you become a better leader, and will assist
  your desire to contribute to your nation, region
  and generation
• You are here because someone believes that you
  are a potential leader in your country, this
  session, seminar and other opportunities are
  therefore preparatory for you ahead of your
  opportunities
• Acting RIGHT is better than complaining. Learn to
  LEAD.

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CONCLUSION

• West Africa needs a new generation of young
  people who will equip themselves with appropriate
  skills today by developing themselves. These
  young people will be well positioned for nation
  building, regional cooperation and global
  participation.
• West Africas youth need to prepare for the
  future in order to avoid the present wave of
  complaints and criticisms what will you do when
  you become the leader you intend to be?
• The whole world will stand aside for a man who
  knows where hes going. Find out what leadership
  direction you wish to follow, and equip yourself
  for such.