E-governance and E-governments in Africa : a webometrician’s perceptive of the challenges, trends and issues

Abstract

This article uses content analysis and webometric approaches to examine the challenges associated with e-government and the presence and performance of African governments on the web, as well as to review and compare the availability and use of various types of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in making e-governance possible in the region. Results indicate that despite the challenges faced by countries in Africa, the presence of African governments on the web is improving, and a number of ICTs and related tools are becoming increasingly available; moreover, between 2000 and 2009, Africa experienced the second highest growth rate in terms of internet usage. There are few interlinkages between government websites, and most African governments are in the initial stages of e-governance uptake. External information to which the governments provide links includes freeware, news and general information (e.g. tourism). Recommendations for the effective implementation of e-governance are provided.