Digitalisation and Public Policy in Africa: GovTech and CivicTech Innovations

by Gedion Onyango (Editor), Geci Karuri-Sebina (Editor)

Overview

This book examines the ways in which government-owned technologies (GovTechs) and technologies owned by civil society organisations (CivicTechs) can be integrated into policy processes to enhance interactions between citizens and governments, and ensure effective, efficient, and accountable public service delivery. It takes stock of current technological innovations, and assesses the ways in which they can be aligned with GovTechs and CivicTechs to improve African governments' capacities in public policy and governance processes. 

The first part of the book traces the emergence of digital technologies in public administration, and assesses their benefits and challenges, especially in the Global South. The following chapters present case studies from across Africa and various policy sectors to show how GovTechs and CivicTechs operate. They demonstrate how digital platforms can be used to protect data, enhance democracy, improve food systems, and reduce corruption.

The book will appeal to all those interested in public policy, public administration, emerging technologies, and African politics.

 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783031750793
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan
Publication date:	03/11/2025
Series:	Studies in National Governance and Emerging Technologies
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	17 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Gedion Onyango is Research Fellow at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK.

Geci Karuri-Sebina is Associate Professor at the School of Governance, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa.

 

Table of Contents

Part I: Understanding GovTechs and CivicTechs as Policy Digitalisation Pathways.- 1: Policy Digitalisation: An Introduction Gedion Onyango and Geci Karuri-Sebina.- 2: Conceptualising Gov-tech for Improving Governance in the Global South.- Geci Karuri-Sebina, and Loyiso Maciko.- 3: Conceptualising Approaches to Regulation of Digital Economies in Africa Melissa Omino.- 4: The Role of Gov-Tech Incubators in Augmenting Public Sector Capabilities.- Geci Karuri-Sebina, and Loyiso Maciko.- 5: The Promise of Civic-Tech: Digital Technologies and Transparent, Accountable Governance Ruvimbo Shayamunda & Johannes Bhanye.- Part II: CivicTechs and Public Policy.- 6: Critical Design in Civic Tech in Southern Africa.- Caroline Khene, Mamello Thinyane & Ingrid Siebörger.- 7: Prioritizing Response-ability in Digitization of Electoral Processes in Africa.

Angella Ndaka & Samwel Oando.- 8: Digital Media Literacy as a Driver of e-Governance Services in Third World Countries: Empirical Evidence from Ghana John Demuyakor.- 9: Digitalisation and Democracy: Optimistic and Pessimistic Views from South Africa Maxwell Maseko.- Part III: GovTechs in Policy Practice.- 10: Digital Governance in Ghana: Exploring the Prospects and Constraints.- Esmond Naalu Kuuyelleh .- 11: #Whistleblowing! Strengthening Anti-Corruption Policies in Developing Countries.- Gedion Onyango.- 12: DigitAn analysis of Zimbabwe’s Data Protection Act Amy Mutua.- 13: Public Sector Digital Governance and Accountability Mechanism:  A Case of Kenya Power and Nairobi Water Sewerage Company Japheth Otieno Ondiek and Gedion Onyango.- 14: Digitalization and Food System Transformation in Zimbabwe and South Africa: Challenges and Policy Alternatives. Joseph Tinarwo & Erasmus Lourens.- Part IV: Digitalising Policy Transfer.- 15: The Digital Silk Road: Empowering Africa's Digital Governance and Transformation Theo Neethling.- 16: Digital Foresight Tools for Anticipatory Governance in Africa: Case of Predictive Modelling Tool in Trade (SCI-TRADE) Olubunmi Ajala, Oluwaseun Adepoju & Steven Karera.- 17: Conclusion: Future Research Pathways for Public Policy Digitalisation Geci Karuri-Sebina and Gedion Onyango.