eGovernance: Tools and Benefits ‘Gbenga Sesan Nigeria’s Information Technology Youth Ambassador | eGovernance for in-school adolescents in West Africa Development Information Network (DevNet) Mainland Hotel, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, NIGERIA. 23 June 2003.

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

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 people’s 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 21 st 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-government, government-to-citizen and government-to-stakeholder relationships globally

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 21 st 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 there’s any government process that can’t fit eGovernance? Why?

WHAT BENEFITS DOES eGOVERNANCE OFFER? Africa’s ICT experts discussed this issue between July 15 and September 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

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 ( , etc) Internet/Web-based services eg ePayments Skills’ acquisition – Human Resource Development

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.

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 Africa’s 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 he’s going. Find out what leadership direction you wish to follow, and equip yourself for such.