The Knowledge Network Centre, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

This 30-page paper explores the challenges of good governance in Africa and focuses on the role that information and communication technologies (ICTs) can play in improving governance. Written by the founder of the Knowledge Network a futures think-tank and strategy consulting firm, it discusses issues and the obstacles affecting the adoption of ICTs, examples of how ICTs can be used and are being used to improve governance, and some guiding principles and policies for African countries.

Abstract

"The information and knowledge age is upon us due to rapid advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs). These new technologies are changing the way we live and work, and they are transforming many aspects of social and economic organisation in ways we could have hardly imagined less than two decades ago. ICTs offer developing countries formidable and cost-effective tools for accelerated development. This paper assesses the role that ICTs can play in Africa’s development with special emphasis on governance. The 21st century challenges for governance in Africa are reviewed. The paper summarizes the uses of ICTs in governance and discusses possible risks. It also attempts to offer ideas that should be considered in employing ICTs for governance, and identifies key areas for intervention by African countries and the African Development Bank. The paper stresses the importance of the human factor in realising good governance, given that ICTs are only tools."

The paper suggests that good governance is the judicious and effective exercise of power for the sole purpose of improving the quality of life of the people. Successful governance is influenced by several factors, some of which include socioeconomic and political environment, quality of leadership, character and form of government, an enlightened and engaged civil society, and government’s administrative capacity.

According to the author, ICTs provide enormous opportunities for improving these factors, thus creating good governance. However, ICTs as tools have two sides, and as such also present some key challenges and risks. Africa faces two risks: the risk of being further left behind by the rest of the world despite the promises of leapfrogging, and the risk that ICTs in governance could amplify the division in African societies.

To ensure that African societies maximise the benefits of the ICT revolution for improved governance while minimising the risks, the author recommends actions in the following areas: vision and strategic agenda, democratising access, building the infrastructure, capacity and institution building, demonstration projects and experimentation, and building the right regulatory and policy environment.

Before seeking ICT solutions to problems of governance, African societies and their leaders must first of all decide to have good governance. Without a commitment by Africans to create well-governed societies, no technology will ever be useful. In a climate in which African leaders continue to usurp power, organise coup d’êtats, and violate fundamental human rights with the acquiescence of the populace, ICTs will only become another tool for oppression. Additionally, decision-makers at all levels must acquire knowledge about the new telecommunication technologies.

The paper concludes that there is a critical role for the African Development Bank Group in facilitating development in Africa, and especially in helping to promote good governance. The Bank could play a significant and catalytic role in the adoption of ICTs for improved governance. First of all, the Bank must realise the importance of information technologies as a key element for any effort to achieve sustainable human development and reduce the incidence of poverty in Africa. The paper suggests that discovery and learning workshops on ICTs for the Bank’s management team will be particularly useful in creating this understanding, and that there is a need for a clearly articulated Bank Group policy on ICTs for development. The Bank Group could: play a significant role in financing infrastructure development for the information age; help create the right policy environment, including regulatory, legal and investment; promote and undertake policy research, building awareness and advocacy; and fund innovative pilot programmes.

APC website on February 2 2007.