Evidence-based eGovernment Policies for advancing information technology infrastructure, governmental service delivery and accountability

The Least Developed Countries (LDCs) face multiple development challenges with limited resources, capacities and access to technologies. E-government can be leveraged to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Targets . It is, therefore, critical that LDCs have the technical know-how to take advantage of this opportunity. Therefore, there is a need for knowledge transfer through development assistance, smart investments in information communications technology (ICT) infrastructure as well as flexible and effective use of e-government to bring about substantial returns on investment supporting the sustainable development agenda. Under the right conditions, such efforts will in turn deliver multiple benefits such as better access to essential services, including for the poorest and most disadvantaged groups. It can create savings by streamlining and simplifying government processes as well as enhance accountability and transparency.
In order to steadily build capacity in the area of e-government and identify areas of strength and weaknesses, LDCs need to measure their degree of e-government development. This requires using not just supply-side metrics but also demand-side metrics, such as the impact, usage and user satisfaction of online services in supporting the SDGs.
The objective of the Project 1617B is to support decision making to support the sustainable development agenda by building institutional capacity to collect analyse and use data on e-government. It is structured around two expected accomplishments, namely: (i.) to improve institutional capacity in target countries to collect, use and publish relevant e-government data and compile indicators for analysis, monitoring and evaluation of progress in e-government; and (ii) to strengthen institutional capacity, frameworks and approaches in target countries to implement e-government policies and strategies in support of selected SDGs and Targets and related decision-making based on data. Recipient countries will also be encouraged to participate and present their digital strategy and e-government initiatives in the annual review process of the SDGs through the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), as well as to feature their e-government tools to support specific SDGs and Targets through the Technology Facilitation Mechanism (TFM).