e-Governance in Africa, from theory to action

The paper is an extract of the Research on "e-Governance in Africa: from theory to action: a practical-oriented research and case studies on ICTs for Local Governance", that is being conducted by the author within the framework of the "Executive Master in e-Governance" 2004/05, at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne -- EPFL. The research focuses on the context, theory and thinking around the issue of ICTs and local governance, particularly in Africa. After briefly discussing the basic concepts, from government to governance, and the role of local level authorities, presenting the benefits and limits of introducing ICTs in government operations, the paper identifies the common elements for providing proposed definitions. In this connection, discussing the paradigm shift from e-Government to e-Governance, it elaborates on the potential of ICTs at local level ("e-Local Governance"). Furthermore, the paper presents the results of four case studies conducted evaluating selected projects in Senegal, Ghana, South Africa and Uganda. Based upon the findings of the case studies, the paper presents the conclusions and some recommendation on the way forward to make effective use of ICTs for better governance and promoting economic development at local level.