Tag: citizen engagement

Digital transformation in local government can dramatically improve service delivery, transparency and citizen engagement. This finding comes from research published earlier this year by Nelson Mandela University. The study, “Assessing the impact of digital technologies on service delivery in local government”, published in March 2025, concluded that digital initiatives enhance efficiency, improve citizen participation and increase transparency.

The public sector in West Africa, much like in other regions, faces deep-rooted challenges. It struggles with rigid bureaucracies and outdated systems. The very institutions meant to serve citizens often become trapped in structures that block innovation and delay progress.

The idea of a digital state where different areas of government digitise data and collaborate to provide services for its citizens has been a long stated ambition for the South African government, as part of its push to embrace the 4th industrial revolution - but now it’s more important than ever.