Definition of e-Governance

E-Governance is described as a process of reform in the way government works, shares information, engages citizens and delivers services to external and internal clients for the benefit of both government and the clients that they serve. Specifically, Government harnesses information technologies such as Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet, World Wide Web (www) and mobile computing to reach out to citizens, businesses and other arms of the government.View E-Governance Policy for the Public Service of Namibia

Objectives of e-Governance

The objectives are to make government administration more transparent, speedy and accountable, while addressing the society's needs and expectations through efficient public services and effective interaction between the people, businesses and government.

Benefits of e-Governance

E-Governance offers many benefits and advantages for the government, corporate sector and society.

  • Reduced cost (Travelling, Administrative in terms of printing documents, controls measures, resources distribution, and Centralised data centres)
  • Transparency, anti-corruption and accountability (Less human interactions, Less fraud, and Ease of tracking public procurement contracts)
  • Citizens empowerment through access to information (Sharing of knowledge on specific field such farming, and Marketing of products)
  • One integrated E-Government portal (Single point for government services, andImproved customer satisfaction)
  • More efficient government management

Challeges of e-Governance

  • Redefining rules and procedures
  • Legal issues (lack of e-law)
  • Infrastructure (telecommunication and power)
  • Access to right information
  • Interdepartmental collaboration (silo effect)
  • Change management
  • Lack of trained human resources
  • Lack of ICT penetration in remote areas
  • Standardization and  inter-operability

Expectations

  • Better customer services, empowerment through access to information and convenience.
  • Ease access to Government services
  • Increased ICT literacy 
  • Enhanced Internet usage
  • Cheaper internet rates
  • Improved transparency and accountability
  • Better collaboration among all stakeholders

GRN e-Governance Project Currrent Status

The project was initiated during February 2010. The consultants assigned to the project are from SILNAM IT Solutions. The first phase of the project was to assess the readiness of the Government of Namibia to embark on the E-Governance journey. To accomplish that, the consultant and the project team had consulted OMAs, businesses and communities as well as conducting surveys through the means of questionnaires.

The survey analysis resulted in the drafting of the Strategic Action Plan which comprises of programmes and projects at high level. It also outlined the required budget figures for the implementation. The strategic areas that have been identified include the following:

  • Impact and Visibility – this will include all those activities that will directly impact the lives of citizens and increase effective visibility of the Government services.
  • Collaboration and Networking – this will include all activities that will ensure that E-Government in the country is a truly national effort requiring collaboration and sharing among the different OMAs.
  • Consistency and Standardization – this will include all activities that will ensure that eGovernment efforts across OMAs are consistent in their approach.  
  • Training, Education and Research – this will include of all activities required to ensure that adequate capacities are created and enhanced among all stakeholders.  
  • Foundation Support – this will consist of all activities that are required to ensure that all necessary support structures are put in place for the eGovernment effort to be successfully run in the country.

For Information Contact: Directorate of Quality Assurance Tel: +264 61 205 6203