世界银行-挖掘非洲数字经济的潜力：改善治理的数字工具（英）-2023-110页_8mb

Summary: Digital Tools for Better Governance in Africa

Introduction

This report explores the digital adoption landscape in Africa and its impact on governance outcomes. It highlights that while some African governments have made significant strides in digital tool adoption, overall progress is constrained by factors such as limited infrastructure, weak institutions, skill shortages, and low internet penetration. The report examines specific applications, including e-government procurement (e-GP), tax filing, and anticorruption mechanisms, and identifies priority areas for improvement.

Key Findings

Digital Adoption and Complements

• African countries show disparities in digital adoption, with some (e.g., Rwanda, Kenya) outperforming others despite lower income levels.
• Digital tools for providing basic information exist widely, but transactional functionalities are underutilized.
• Analog complements like internet access, digital skills, and regulatory frameworks lag behind digital adoption, hindering governance benefits.
• Stronger internet use and external accountability mechanisms correlate strongly with improved governance outcomes, such as lower corruption levels.

Governance Risks in ICT Procurement

• Digital procurement systems face significant risks of fraud, waste, and abuse due to weak oversight and infrastructure.
• Recommendations include better procurement practices, transparency mechanisms (e.g., integrity filters), and digital antifraud tools.

Digital Tools for Information and Services

• Basic digital tools for publishing budget and legal information are available in some countries, enhancing transparency.
• E-GP platforms are widespread but limited to non-transactional functions (e.g., publishing tender notifications). Full functionality and interoperability are needed to improve efficiency.
• Online tax filing and business registration systems exist in minority of countries but show positive impacts on compliance and corruption.

Digital Participation, Accountability, and Anticorruption

• Digital tools for public participation (e.g., policy consultations) are uncommon in Africa, though a few countries have advanced multifunctional platforms.
• Platforms for reporting corruption exist in about one-third of African countries, but their effectiveness is limited by weak accountability mechanisms.
• Automated detection tools (e.g., fraud alerts) are rare but hold significant potential for governance improvements.

Recommendations for Action

1. Expand Digital Infrastructure: Prioritize universal internet access, electricity, and mobile networks.
2. Develop Digital Skills: Strengthen education and vocational training to align with digital needs.
3. Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: Ensure policies adapt to digital transformation and data privacy.
4. Enhance Transparency: Increase online publication of budget, legal documents, and procurement data.
5. Improve Accountability Mechanisms: Support independent media and judiciary, establish robust whistleblowing systems.
6. Adopt Interactive Government Services: Move beyond basic digital tools to interactive platforms.
7. Leverage Data for Governance: Utilize digital tools for fraud detection and anticorruption efforts.
8. Modernize Procurement Systems: Implement secure e-GP platforms with integrity filters.

Conclusion

Digital technologies offer significant opportunities for improving governance in Africa, but their benefits can only be fully realized through complementary investments in infrastructure, skills, regulation, and accountability. Countries must adopt a holistic approach to digitization, ensuring inclusion and addressing analog weaknesses to maximize the governance dividends of the digital economy.