Public Management

Public Management (481)

In addition to collaborating with nations across different continents, African countries are joining forces to accelerate their digital transformation. This is the case of the cooperation between Zimbabwe and Mozambique in the judicial sector.

Mozambique plans to digitize its entire judicial system. Against this backdrop, the President of the Mozambican Supreme Court, Adelino Manuel Muchanga (photo, left), visited his Zimbabwean counterpart, Luke Malaba (photo, right), on Wednesday 20 March. The aim was to learn more about the Integrated Case Management System (IECMS) used by the Zimbabwean judicial services.

"We came to see what happened in Zimbabwe when it came to implement successfully the system and I think the key to the success, among other reasons, is that this is a national program," says Adelino Manuel Muchanga. He continued: "We are at the starting point and I think we will take this experience to Mozambique and see how we can involve the Government and other stakeholders so that we implement the system for many advantages that the systems can bring to the efficiency of the judicial system in Mozambique."

Like many African countries, Mozambique is in the process of digitally transforming key sectors of its economy. Countries such as Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and Kenya have already embarked on this path, investing several million dollars in the process. Earlier this month, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Martha Koome, set 1 July as the deadline for her country's courts to stop printing pleading documents. These decisions aim to improve the efficiency of the judicial system and facilitate access to legal services for the population, notably those living in remote or isolated areas.

Zimbabwe's judicial services have been using IECMS since 2018. According to Luke Malaba, it particularly helped Zimbabwe improve efficiency and transparency in the sector.  

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On lundi, 25 mars 2024 15:06 Written by

African nations are increasingly digitizing public services but the initiatives require significant resources. For that purpose, governments are partnering with strategic allies to overcome the significant costs associated with them.

Zambia’s government and Trade Mark Africa, a trade aid organization, inked an $11 million deal on Wednesday to digitize the Nakonde border post, a strategic crossing point with Tanzania and Malawi. The project, funded by the British government and the World Bank, is expected to be completed in twelve months.

The initiative aims to streamline control processes and cut the transit time for goods at the Nakonde border from an average of three days to just ten hours. It includes a broad spectrum of interventions such as infrastructure upgrades, modern scanning systems, digitization of customs clearance processes, and cross-border interconnectivity for information exchange.

According to Zambia’s Finance Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, the initiative encompasses a wide range of interventions, including infrastructure improvements, modern scanning systems, digitization of customs clearance processes, cross-border interconnectivity for information exchange, smart digital solutions, change management, and integrated border management.

Nakonde facilitates trade between Zambia, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zimbabwe. It generates around 3.1 billion kwachas ($118.5 million) annually, with 65% of goods transiting through Zambia, of which 35% are destined for the country led by Hakainde Hichilema.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On vendredi, 22 mars 2024 14:08 Written by

Since President William Ruto assumed office in Kenya in September 2022, the pace of the country's digital transformation has accelerated, with the digitization of numerous public services now a reality.

Kenya is set to digitize its judicial services starting July 1, 2024. The announcement was made by Martha Koome (photo, center), the President of the Supreme Court, on Monday, March 11. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance productivity, streamline processes through automation, and establish a paperless environment. These efforts aim to make justice more accessible in Kenya while reducing geographical barriers.

"I launched e-filing for all courts countrywide, a Data Tracking Dashboard and Causelist Portal marking a giant leap in our commitment to transforming how we deliver justice through the strategic use of technology, in alignment with the Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint of the Judiciary," stated Martha Koome.

Furthermore, Koome emphasized that starting from July 1, 2024, courts will no longer print pleadings and documents. The resources previously allocated for paper and ink will now be redirected towards acquiring desktops and laptops, along with training initiatives.

These initiatives are part of Kenya's National Digitisation Plan (2022-2032), which was established shortly after President William Ruto assumed office in September 2022. As Kenya strives to position itself as a key player in the technological landscape, the digitization process has gained momentum across various sectors. The country has secured funding from diverse organizations and entities such as the World Bank and the European Union to support its digital transformation endeavors.

It is worth noting that the digitization of judicial services commenced last year with the introduction of e-filing in Mombasa County in April 2023. "We are now reaching a national scale with court stations in the remaining 34 counties being on-boarded today. This marks a transformative step in making our justice system more efficient and accessible," explained Martha Koome.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On jeudi, 21 mars 2024 17:06 Written by

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a key technology of the fourth industrial revolution. While offering significant opportunities, AI also presents potential risks that require proactive mitigation.

Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has called on African nations to fully embrace artificial intelligence (AI). She made these remarks at a conference in Accra, Ghana, on March 18, 2023, co-hosted by the IMF and the Ghanaian Ministries of Finance, Communications and Digitisation.

"Artificial Intelligence is our best chance to overcome the long-term low productivity. When we think of what can lift productivity, by far, our best chance is in investing in green transition and in the adoption of AI. It (AI) can be the big bang that allows us to live longer, healthier, better educated, [and] more productive lives. We face, urgently, the necessity to embrace AI, and make the best out of it," she said.

The advent of generative AI, such as ChatGPT in November 2022, has raised public awareness of both the advantages and potential risks of this technology. Several African countries have implemented national AI strategies and are taking steps to regulate its widespread use. Seydina Moussa Ndiaye, a member of the United Nations’ 38-strong AI advisory body, expressed concern that Africa could become a testing ground for new AI solutions without adequate control over the technology.

According to Ghana’s Finance Minister, Mohammed Amin Adam, AI could potentially generate nearly $1,200 billion for the African continent by 2030. However, as Georgieva noted, achieving this goal requires building more digital infrastructure, investing in human capital, fostering entrepreneurial innovation, and establishing a robust regulatory framework.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On mercredi, 20 mars 2024 07:38 Written by

Artificial intelligence is now seen as an essential tool to effectively advance strategic sectors in Africa. Governments are therefore looking for partners capable of assisting them in harnessing this powerful tool. 

Benin and Canada recently discussed cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, the Beninese Ministry of Digital Technology announced in a press release issued Tuesday.  According to the release, the discussions were held during a round table on the sidelines of the visit, to Benin, by Raymonde Gagné (photo, left), President of the Canadian Senate. 

"Benin's adoption of a National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data (SNIAM) in January 2023 positions the country to seize current and future opportunities in AI and big data processing. This makes it even more attractive for all types of investments, particularly from the private sector and development partners," the release states.

Benin recently launched the implementation of its National Artificial Intelligence and Megadata Strategy. The aim is to capitalize on current and future opportunities offered by AI to develop the digital economy and exploit technological solutions tailored to the country's needs, particularly in the fields of education, health, agriculture, the living environment, and tourism.

In considering collaboration with Canada, Benin hopes to benefit from the expertise of this country, which has strengthened its leadership in AI research and commercialization. According to the report "Impact and Opportunity: Canada's AI Ecosystem in 2023" published by British multinational firm Deloitte, Canada is home to around 670 AI startups. It also ranks third among G7 countries in terms of total funding per capita for generative AI companies.

A partnership between the two countries should also enable the exchange of knowledge and best practices in artificial intelligence. For Benin, this collaboration would be crucial to support the implementation of its strategy, which requires an estimated $7.8 million investment over five years. 

Samira Njoya

Posted On vendredi, 15 mars 2024 15:34 Written by

Burkina Faso has been working to digitize its land sector for several years. The government has launched multiple initiatives to streamline the process as part of these reforms.

Burkina Faso launched a digital platform on Tuesday to collect data on plots of land and housing from private property developers and housing cooperatives, dating back to 2008. The aim is to ensure the accuracy of information and increase transparency in assessing real estate liabilities in private property development.

According to Maxime Tiendrébéogo, Secretary General of the Ministry in charge of Urban Planning and Land Affairs, to collect data for the platform, a commission was set up to collect administrative data from various institutions, including the ministries of Territorial Administration, Economy, and Urban Planning. “At the same time, information was requested from previously approved real estate developers and housing cooperatives, following a certain number of templates.” 

The platform will require buyers to provide information on the plot or dwelling, including surface area, cost, the name of the property development company or housing cooperative, and the state of site servicing, such as the opening and resurfacing of access roads, drinking water supply, electricity, and street lighting. All these data are due by March 22.

It is part of the "Fiscal Cadastre" project, which was validated in 2018 by the Burkinabe authorities to digitize the land domain and gain access to important data.

In December 2021, the government introduced an integrated cadastre and domain management system (SYC@D) to better manage the cadastral sections of communes and arrondissements. The system is part of the "Fiscal Cadastre" project, which aims to improve the management of land and real estate in Burkina Faso.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On jeudi, 14 mars 2024 15:11 Written by

The Ugandan government is committed to accelerating digital transformation and supporting all sectors of the economy. To this end, it is multiplying partnerships likely to help achieve this objective.

Mastercard announced on Tuesday, February 27, a memorandum of understanding with Uganda’s Ministry of ICT and National Directions. The agreement aims to stimulate socio-economic development, enhance services, and foster financial inclusion in Uganda.

The partnership includes Mastercard’s technical assistance to bolster the Ugandan government’s efforts toward digitization and financial inclusion. This encompasses the digitization of traditional services like Posta Uganda and the national postal service, to generate new revenue streams and provide integrated, user-friendly experiences.

The collaboration also aims to enhance the capabilities of Ugandan startups, enabling them to thrive in the digital era. Specifically, micro and small merchants will be equipped with the necessary tools to connect to the global digital economy and accept electronic payments, thereby broadening their market reach and reinforcing their contribution to Uganda’s economic growth.

This initiative aligns with Uganda’s digital transformation goals outlined in the “Vision 2040” digital strategy. It seeks to empower citizens by aiming for universal inclusion, sustainable development, economic advancement, and poverty eradication through digital innovation across various sectors.

The partnership aligns with Mastercard’s goal of enhancing financial inclusion by integrating one billion unbanked and underserved individuals into the digital economy by 2025. This includes empowering 50 million micro and small traders and supporting 25 million businesses owned or led by women.

Samira Njoya

Posted On vendredi, 01 mars 2024 12:36 Written by

Nigeria's government is pursuing a strategic partnership focused on digital transformation and job creation through technology skills development.

The Nigerian Ministry of Youth Development has announced plans to partner with American Tower Corporation (ATC) Nigeria, a leading provider of telecommunications and technology infrastructure, to offer free Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training to young people in the country.

The announcement was made on Friday, February 23, in Abuja by the Minister of Youth Development, Ms. Jamila Bio Ibrahim (pictured center), during a visit by a delegation from ATC led by Mr. Ehize Ilozavbie (pictured right), Head of Public Affairs for Africa at ATC.

"The ministry’s major mandate is to create an enabling environment for the youth to thrive and to prepare them for the 21st century economy just as President Bola Tinubu has emphasised severally in most of his engagements. We are ready to partner with you in the area of information communication technology, which is the main area of partnership with your corporation that our youths can benefit from," the Minister said.

In the wake of the technological revolution, digital skills have become a necessity rather than an option. The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, has implemented several ICT training programs to enable the local population to acquire these essential skills. These initiatives allow Nigeria, one of the most mature technology ecosystems on the continent, to support its digital transformation and foster creativity among the country's youth.

ATC operates in 33 states across Nigeria and, according to Mr. Ilozavbie, it has already trained over 50,000 Nigerians.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On lundi, 26 février 2024 12:33 Written by

South Africa is looking to capitalize on the growing trend of remote work by attracting "digital nomads" to its shores, hoping to boost tourism and inject dynamism into the local economy.

The South African Department of Home Affairs has released draft amendments to current immigration regulations, which include two new visa categories: a visa for remote work and a visa for essential skills. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the news in his newsletter last week. 

"A remote worker who wants to work in South Africa while being employed by a foreign company will be able to receive such a visa. [...] International experience shows that employees with critical skills contribute to improved productivity, enhanced innovation, and improving the competitiveness of the firms they work for," he wrote.  

To be eligible for the remote work visa, digital nomads must meet several criteria, including qualifications, language skills, professional experience, and a job offer. They must also have a minimum annual income of at least 1 million rand (around $53,088) to live adequately in the country. 

Countries such as Cape Verde, Mauritius, and the Seychelles are already offering this type of visa to tap into the rich market of 35 million digital nomads worldwide. The Western Cape Government has invited public comment on the proposed amendments

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On mardi, 13 février 2024 16:22 Written by

African countries are accelerating their digital transformation efforts, improving services, and adopting new technologies to drive efficiency across various sectors. Governments are modernizing infrastructure, rolling out broadband internet, and investing in innovative solutions to address challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, and finance.

Tanzania is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline public service delivery and combat inefficiency, officials announced at the annual e-government meeting (Arusha, February 6-8).

"Physical delivery of services in public institutions and government agencies continues to be a challenge due to the prevalent lackadaisical attitude among many workers. This often results in delays and substandard executions of tasks.[...] We also want to totally eradicate queues and delays as people scramble to be served at public institutions and organizations, something that has been raising many complaints from people across the country," said George Simbachawene, Minister of State for Public Service Management and Good Governance, citing prevalent disinterest among some public servants as a key challenge.

AI adoption in Africa is gaining momentum, driven by its potential to improve online services across various sectors. Several countries are actively pursuing this technology, backed by international support.

Last November, the UK and partners pledged £80 million to boost AI development in Africa, while UNESCO earlier supported Morocco's digital transformation efforts including AI.

However, concerns exist about Africa becoming a testing ground for unproven AI solutions. Seydina Moussa Ndiaye, a UN AI advisor, urges African countries to implement "real control" over the technology to avoid exploitation.

Adoni Conrad Quenum

Posted On vendredi, 09 février 2024 15:47 Written by
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